Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Penda Ithindi

Also known as: Executive director of health and social services Penda Ithindi

Penda Ithindi — Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, addressing pharmaceutical fraud investigations.

2026-01-162026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. March 2026

  2. Informanté

    Executive Director Penda Ithindi said new Council has distinct responsibilities that must be upheld with highest integrity

    Source

    “With systems reform comes great responsibility. The new Council has distinct responsibilities that must be upheld with the highest integrity," said the Executive Director, Penda Ithindi.”

    Health Minister appoints new members to Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council
  3. February 2026

  4. New Era

    Health executive director Penda Ithindi said resistance to indoor spraying is mainly caused by myths and misunderstandings

    Source

    “Health executive director Penda Ithindi said the resistance to indoor spraying is mainly caused by myths and misunderstandings.”

    ‘Mosquito nets over indoor spraying’

  5. New Era

    Ithindi said indoor residual spraying is still very important in preventing malaria

    Source

    “Despite these challenges, Ithindi said indoor residual spraying is still very important in preventing malaria, especially in high-risk areas.”

    ‘Mosquito nets over indoor spraying’

  6. New Era

    Health executive director Penda Ithindi stated that ministry takes allegations of medical negligence very seriously

    Source

    “Health executive director Penda Ithindi, in a statement last Tuesday, stated that the ministry takes allegations of medical negligence and procedural failure very seriously.”

    A mother’s cry …blames negligent nurses for son’s death

  7. Informanté

    Penda Ithindi said ministry has taken note of community demonstration regarding Areseb's death

    Source

    “Penda Ithindi, the executive director within the health ministry, said that the ministry has taken note of a demonstration held by the community of Otjiwarongo regarding the tragic passing of Areseb.”

    Health Ministry launches investigation into death of Areseb

  8. The Namibian

    Penda Ithindi stated the claim had not been properly served on the government, invalidating any potential basis for default judgement

    Source

    “In his statement, Ithindi says an investigation of the case record at the High Court showed the claim had not been properly served on the government, "thereby invalidating any potential basis for a default judgement".”

    Health ministry denies reports about N$14m court judgement

  9. The Namibian

    Board chairperson Penda Ithindi said the GIPF had made N$5.3 billion in member and employer contributions

    Source

    “The board chairperson, Penda Ithindi, says the GIPF had made about N$5.3 billion in member and employer contributions while handing out N$6.8 billion in benefits to members and their dependents.”

    Pension fund reports 10.6% growth in 2025

  10. New Era

    GIPF board chairperson Penda Ithindi said growth reflects sound governance and long-term approach to safeguarding members' savings

    Source

    “GIPF board chairperson Penda Ithindi said the growth reflects sound governance and a long-term approach to safeguarding members' savings.”

    GIPF assets hit N$183b

  11. New Era

    Penda Ithindi stated diversified portfolio can withstand market pressures while delivering value to members

    Source

    “"These results show the strength of a diversified portfolio that can withstand market pressures while still delivering value to members," he stated.”

    GIPF assets hit N$183b

  12. The Namibian

    Penda Ithindi says the board fulfils fiduciary responsibilities by guiding strategy and monitoring performance

    Source

    “Chairperson of the board of trustees, Penda Ithindi, says the board fulfils its fiduciary responsibilities by guiding strategy, monitoring performance and upholding the fund's mandate, while operational management is handled by the executive management.”

    Pension fund hosts member engagement at Ongwediva
Society

Health ministry denies aligning public tariffs with private healthcare rates

The News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied claims that it increased public healthcare tariffs to match those of the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, clarifying that the Ministry of Finance—not the health ministry—has authority over Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme tariff changes. The ministry noted that tariff structures have not been comprehensively reviewed in 11 years despite significant changes in healthcare costs.

Why it matters

The health ministry's clarification on tariff authority cuts through public confusion about rising healthcare costs and reveals a decade-long gap in cost reviews.

5 June 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 5 June

  1. Health ministry denies aligning public tariffs with private healthcare rates

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied claims that it increased public healthcare tariffs to match those of the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds, clarifying that the Ministry of Finance—not the health ministry—has authority over Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme tariff changes. The ministry noted that tariff structures have not been comprehensively reviewed in 11 years despite significant changes in healthcare costs.

    5 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 1 June

  1. Health ministry removes registrar of medicines, appoints successor

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council and appointed Frieda Shiweda to the position effective 1 June 2026. Sources told the Windhoek Observer that Nambahu was removed after refusing to approve substandard medicines, contradicting the ministry's stated reason of structural review.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Ministry considers private oncology contract for cancer patients

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services is considering a proposal to refer state cancer patients from the northern regions to the Namibian Oncology Centre for chemotherapy and radiation treatment at state cost, under a proposed contractual agreement. The proposal aims to ease pressure on patients who currently travel long distances to Windhoek, though it has sparked internal debate about outsourcing care while government facilities face funding shortages.

    26 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 23 May

  1. Namibia reports no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases

    Namibia's health ministry confirmed there are no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases in the country, despite an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain spreading to major urban centres in the DRC and Uganda. The ministry has implemented heightened surveillance at all points of entry and is providing refresher training to frontline health workers.

    23 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. President expresses concern over medicine shortages at public hospitals

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says reports of medicine shortages at public hospitals are giving her "sleepless nights," speaking during a tour of pharmaceutical manufacturer Fabupharm. Medical doctors say shortages of essential medicine persist despite government reports showing national stock levels at about 60%, with patients being turned away at several hospitals.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Medicine shortages in public hospitals pressing presidential concern

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said medicine shortages in public hospitals are a major burden on her administration, after the Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed national pharmaceutical stock levels are at 60%, below the government's 80% minimum target.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Doctors challenge health minister's claim on medicine stock improvement

    Medical specialists at public hospitals dispute health minister Esperance Luvindao's assertion that pharmaceutical stock levels have improved to 60%, saying critical shortages of essential medications continue to affect patient care across departments.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia strengthens medicine safety systems through African cooperation

    Namibia is strengthening its medicine safety systems as African countries push for closer regulatory cooperation through the African Medicines Agency to address concerns over counterfeit medicines and weak reporting systems for medicine side effects. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says stronger cooperation between African regulators would help countries respond faster to harmful medicines, improve monitoring of side effects and reduce dependence on foreign regulatory systems.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Namibia monitoring global hantavirus outbreak, no local cases recorded

    Namibia has not recorded any hantavirus cases, but health authorities are closely monitoring the global and regional situation and urging the public to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms, especially after rodent exposure or travel to affected regions. As of 6 May, eight cases including three deaths have been reported globally, five confirmed as the Andes strain, the only hantavirus strain known to allow limited human-to-human transmission.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 9 May

  1. Namibia has not recorded any Hantavirus cases, ministry confirms

    The Ministry of Health's Executive Director confirmed that Namibia has not reported any Hantavirus cases, though the ministry is monitoring the global and regional situation. The statement follows reports of a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that travelled from Argentina to Cabo Verde, with five confirmed cases and three suspected as of 6 May 2026.

    9 May 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibia has no Hantavirus cases, monitoring outbreak

    Namibia has not recorded any cases of Hantavirus despite a recent outbreak on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic that has resulted in eight reported cases, including three deaths. The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it is closely monitoring the global and regional situation and has put precautionary measures in place.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Health Ministry pushes accelerated Food Safety Bill review process

    The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has criticised the nine-year drafting process of the Food Safety Bill and urged its expedited review to ensure inclusion on Parliament's legislative calendar this financial year. The Ministry is engaging a consultant to refine the Bill in line with current realities and best practices.

    7 May 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 4 May

  1. GIPF board members earned N$666,000 in two months in sitting fees

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund paid its board of trustees chairperson Penda Ithindi N$114,000 for attending three meetings in two months, and Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga N$92,163 during the same period, according to payroll records reviewed by The Namibian. The payments have revived concerns that clustered board and sub-committee meetings have become a parallel income stream for trustees already drawing civil service or union salaries.

    4 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Health ministry cancels N$194m medical stores construction tender

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested cancellation of a N$194-million tender to build new central medical stores in Windhoek, citing that the expected outcome did not justify costs. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference and concerns raised by the Global Fund over the redirection of its N$194-million donation originally earmarked for the project.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Japan, UN fund health projects targeting emergency preparedness

    Japan, the UN, and global partners have launched major investments to strengthen Namibia's health system, including three key projects focused on emergency preparedness, disease prevention, and diagnostic capacity. The initiatives, valued at approximately N$18.4 million, will benefit more than 118,000 people across eight hospitals and vulnerable regions including Kunene, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa.

    22 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 21 April

  1. Health ministry under multiple corruption investigations by ACC

    The Anti-corruption Commission is investigating multiple cases of theft and fraud within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which also launched its own internal investigation after discovering alleged stock manipulation and diversion of pharmaceutical supplies within the Central Medical Stores. The ministry has reassigned implicated staff members pending investigation outcomes.

    21 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Condom shortage reported across Namibian public health facilities

    Members of the public report condoms are out of stock at public hospitals and clinics across Namibia, raising concerns about potential increases in HIV infections, STDs, and teenage pregnancies. The health ministry acknowledged the shortage's importance but stated that HIV prevention relies on multiple interventions beyond condoms, and reassured the public that efforts are underway to stabilise supply chains.

    21 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 20 April

  1. Health ministry investigates fraud in pharmaceutical supply chain

    The Namibian health ministry has launched an investigation into alleged fraud and theft within its pharmaceutical supply chain, including stock data manipulation and diversion of medicines. Executive director Penda Ithindi said implicated Central Medical Stores staff have been reassigned pending investigation, with criminal proceedings possible if guilt is established.

    20 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 19 April

  1. Japan provides N$18.4 million aid for Namibia's health systems

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has welcomed a N$18.4 million support package from Japan aimed at strengthening health systems, improving diagnostic capacity, and enhancing public health emergency preparedness. The assistance includes medical equipment for cancer diagnosis and outbreak response, and is expected to benefit over 118,000 people across eight hospitals while improving water, sanitation, and hygiene access for more than 14,000 people.

    19 April 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 17 April

  1. Health ministry investigates alleged pharmaceutical fraud by staff

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an investigation into suspected fraudulent activities within the pharmaceutical supply chain, allegedly involving ministry staff at the Central Medical Stores who may have manipulated stock data, stolen supplies, and created artificial shortages. The implicated staff have been reassigned pending investigation, and the ministry says those found guilty will face disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

    17 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Namibian man living with 18-year gunshot wound seeks closure

    Maata Valombola, shot in the abdomen in 2007, claims a doctor at Katutura Intermediate Hospital operated on him while intoxicated, leaving a permanent open wound that has severely affected his mobility and quality of life. The Ministry of Health and Social Services rejected claims of medical negligence after an investigation by the Health Professions Council of Namibia found no evidence of unprofessional conduct.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 30 March

  1. Namibia records over 10,000 malaria cases in 2026

    Namibia has recorded a steady increase in malaria cases across several regions, with Zambezi region reporting 10,330 confirmed cases from January to date and nine deaths so far this year. Health authorities attribute the rise to seasonal factors including floodwater and community resistance to indoor residual spraying, while some communities cite a lack of mosquito nets and pregnant women at one maternity facility report inadequate protection from mosquito infestation.

    30 March 2026 · New Era →

Saturday 14 March

  1. Health ministry clarifies Vision April 2026 directive scope

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has clarified that Phase 1 of "Vision April 2026", beginning 1 April 2026, applies only to 294 senior government officials and not to teachers, nurses, police, or general civil servants. The directive aims to strengthen public healthcare, with designated facilities across the country prepared through infrastructure upgrades and equipment procurement worth N$239 million.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Health Minister appoints new Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council members

    The Minister of Health and Social Services has officially appointed new members to the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council, tasking them with regulating medicines and related substances to ensure products reaching the public are safe, effective, and of high quality. The minister warned against attempts to compromise the Council's integrity through corruption or favouritism.

    14 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Senior government officials to transition to public healthcare in April

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed senior government officials to move to public healthcare facilities from 1 April as part of a five-year development plan to upgrade public hospitals and clinics. The phased transition aims to secure high-level support for healthcare reforms, though civil servants have raised concerns about public facility overcrowding, staff shortages, and medication supply issues.

    24 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 February

  1. Health ministry tackles community resistance to indoor malaria spraying

    The health ministry says community members in Namibia are increasingly choosing mosquito nets over indoor residual spraying (IRS) due to myths and misunderstandings about effectiveness, but officials stress IRS remains critical for malaria prevention. The resistance comes as Namibia faces a significant malaria outbreak, with 8,760 confirmed cases recorded in January 2026—a 68% increase year-on-year—affecting 20 health districts and resulting in 11 deaths.

    19 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Mother alleges medical negligence in Otjiwarongo hospital death

    A 21-year-old Otjiwarongo resident died at the State hospital after his mother claims nurses failed to provide timely emergency care when he arrived gasping for air. The Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into alleged medical negligence and procedural failures, while community members have protested demanding better healthcare and hospital administration.

    18 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Health Ministry investigates alleged medical negligence death

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has launched an investigation into the death of 21-year-old Elijah Laurenzo Areseb at Otjiwarongo District Hospital on 5 February 2026, following allegations of medical negligence and a community demonstration. The ministry said it takes such allegations seriously and will take appropriate disciplinary action if evidence of negligence or deviation from clinical protocols is found.

    18 February 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 8 February

  1. Health ministry disputes N$14m High Court default judgment

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has denied reports that the High Court granted a default judgement for N$14 million against the health minister, claiming the civil claim from an Angolan national was not properly served on the government. The plaintiff had sued for alleged medical negligence, claiming he was prescribed antiretroviral and tuberculosis medication for three years despite not needing it, but the ministry argues the judgment is therefore invalid.

    8 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. GIPF pension fund grows assets to N$183 billion with 10.6% return

    The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) reported N$183 billion in assets and a 10.6% investment return for the 2024/2025 financial year, serving 105,593 active members and 53,504 pensioners. The fund achieved a solvency ratio of 119.69% and distributed N$6.8 billion in benefits to members and dependents.

    8 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Penda Ithindi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute