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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Pijoo Nganate

Also known as: Governor Pijoo Nganate · Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate · Honourable Pijoo Nganate

Governor of Omaheke region, advocating for decentralisation, e-ID inclusion for marginalised communities, and regional development.

2023-12-202026-10-22
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News reports

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Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

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What’s been said

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

  1. October 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Pijoo Nganate symbolically handed over the crown to Dorothy Kabula-Simushi as the incoming host

    Source

    “Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate, as the previous host of Miss Namibia and Miss Teen Namibia 2026, symbolically handed over the crown to Kabula-Simushi as the incoming host of the national beauty pageants.”

    Zambezi region to host Miss Namibia 2027
  3. September 2026

  4. The Namibian

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate said during his state of the region address that the number of child deaths linked to malnutrition dropped

    Source

    “Earlier this year, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate during his state of the region address said the number of child deaths linked to malnutrition in the region has dropped.”

    Witvlei clinic receives 15 malnourished babies daily
  5. August 2026

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Pijoo Nganate stated categorically management of Farm Nuwehoop is driven by his office

    Source

    “The governor of Omaheke, Pijoo Nganate, with a detectable sense of arrogance, was categorical that management affairs relating to the farm currently are driven by his office and that it is a project under his authority and not a youth-specific project.”

    Nuwehoop – a development or a matter of dicing with it to feather your own nests?

  7. The Namibian

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate wants bottle stores to close by 18h00 and bars to stop at 22h00

    Source

    “Meanwhile, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate wants bottle stores to close by 18h00 and bars to stop operating at 22h00 to reduce alcohol abuse and boost productivity in the region.”

    ‘Tombo is all we have’

  8. Windhoek Observer

    Pijoo Nganate welcomed the contribution as a meaningful investment in the region's vulnerable citizens

    Source

    “Nganate welcomed the contribution, describing it as a meaningful investment in the region's most vulnerable citizens and noting that the upgrades would enhance the wellbeing of the elderly while creating better learning prospects for children in the Gobabis community.”

    OBSERVER COASTAL | Swakop Uranium Foundation injects N$500k into Gobabis care facilities

  9. The Namibian

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate attended the Miss Namibia Epukiro Horse Racing Club Challenge at Gobabis Turf Club

    Source

    “The event, which Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate and Katutura Central constituency councillor Vezemba Katjaimo attended, started with the 800m juveniles race.”

    Pee Jay takes main race at Gobabis

  10. The Namibian

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate said vulnerable children and GBV survivors struggle to access essential social welfare services

    Source

    “In a recent interview with The Namibian, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate said vulnerable children and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are among those most affected because they struggle to access essential social welfare services.”

    Only three social workers serve Omaheke
  11. July 2026

  12. Namibian Sun

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says expecting people outside Windhoek to rely solely on capital for essential government services defeats decentralisation purpose

    Source

    “Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says expecting people outside Windhoek to rely solely on the capital for essential government services defeats the purpose of decentralisation.”

    'Get out of our offices, go where the people are'

  13. The Namibian

    Pijoo Nganate says rural communities need to be convinced to buy into e-IDs if rollout is to be inclusive

    Source

    “Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says rural communities, particularly the marginalised, need to be convinced to buy into electronic identification documents (e-IDs) the government intends to introduce, if it is to be inclusive.”

    Marginalised communities need inclusion in e-ID rollout

  14. Windhoek Observer

    Governor Pijoo Nganate called for an end to inefficiency and poor work culture in the public sector

    Source

    “In Omaheke, Governor Pijoo Nganate took a firmer stance, calling for an end to inefficiency and poor work culture in the public sector.”

    Governors’ State of the Region addresses under scrutiny over impact
Society

Witbooi secures N$260,000 school equipment for Omaheke region

The News

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on businesses to help address education challenges in marginalised communities after securing school and hostel equipment worth more than N$260,000 for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School and Goeie Hoop Primary School in the Omaheke region. The donation by NAM-MIC Holdings includes mattresses, chairs, desks and dining tables following Witbooi's January visit to the schools.

12 October 2026 · New Era →

Monday 12 October

  1. Witbooi secures N$260,000 school equipment for Omaheke region

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has called on businesses to help address education challenges in marginalised communities after securing school and hostel equipment worth more than N$260,000 for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School and Goeie Hoop Primary School in the Omaheke region. The donation by NAM-MIC Holdings includes mattresses, chairs, desks and dining tables following Witbooi's January visit to the schools.

    12 October 2026 · New Era →

Friday 9 October

  1. Vice President Witbooi receives N$260,000 school equipment donation

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi attended a handover ceremony in Omaheke Region where NAM-MIC Holdings donated school and hostel equipment valued at N$260,000 to Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School and Goeie Hoop Primary School.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Zambezi region selected to host Miss Namibia 2027

    The Zambezi region has been chosen to host the Miss Namibia 2027 national beauty pageant, with Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi receiving the honour from the outgoing host region Omaheke. Kabula-Simushi said the event will showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity to Namibians and international visitors.

    7 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 21 September

  1. Regional governors visit FNB Namibia Cricket Ground

    Cricket Namibia hosted regional governors at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground on 18 September to share insights on sports facility development, construction costs, maintenance, and revenue generation models. The governors are tasked with commencing construction of 28 multi-purpose sports facilities across Namibia.

    21 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Witvlei Clinic treats 10 to 15 malnourished babies daily

    About 10 to 15 babies are treated for malnutrition daily at the Witvlei Clinic in Omaheke, with poverty and lack of stable household income leaving families unable to provide adequate food.

    8 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 28 August

  1. Discord over Nuwehoop farm governance between governor and youth council

    The governor of Omaheke asserts that management of Farm Nuwehoop is driven by his office as a project under his authority, while the Omaheke Regional Youth Forum contends that the National Youth Council of Namibia is the statutory body mandated to coordinate youth development. The Swakopmund Uranium Foundation has pledged about six million for the project.

    28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Unemployed mothers at Gobabis drink tombo to manage hunger

    Young unemployed mothers in Kanaan B settlement at Gobabis drink tombo, a homemade brew, throughout the day to relieve hunger pangs in an informal settlement lacking running water, electricity, toilets, and food. Authorities identify alcohol as a major challenge linked to child neglect, crime, domestic violence, and poor productivity in the area.

    12 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Swakop Uranium Foundation invests N$500k in Gobabis care facilities

    The Swakop Uranium Foundation has invested approximately N$500,000 to upgrade the Epako Old Age Home and Light of the Children Kindergarten in Gobabis, funding infrastructure improvements, equipment, and maintenance such as new kitchen equipment, laundry machines, furniture, repainting, and repairs to windows and doors.

    6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Pee Jay wins main 2400m race at Gobabis racing event

    Pee Jay, owned by Sakkie Burger and ridden by Johnie Jacobus, won the 2 400m main race at the Miss Namibia Epukiro Horse Racing Club Challenge at the Gobabis Turf Club on Saturday, with Woodland Ridge second and Equerry third.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 3 August

  1. Omaheke region has only three social workers

    Omaheke's three social workers serve all seven constituencies, leaving vulnerable children and survivors of gender-based violence with limited access to social welfare services. The region faces challenges including limited funding, staff burnout, vacant positions, and no emergency shelters or designated places of safety.

    3 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Charene Labuschagne crowned Miss Namibia 2026

    Charene Labuschagne was crowned Miss Namibia 2026 at a ceremony at Die Dam Resort on Saturday evening after competing against nine other finalists. Rachelle Hamases was named first runner-up and Albertina Haimbala second runner-up; Labuschagne received prizes including a house, luxury vehicle, and cash.

    3 August 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Omaheke governor calls for government decentralisation beyond Windhoek

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate argues that expecting people outside Windhoek to rely solely on the capital for essential government services defeats the purpose of decentralisation.

    30 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Omaheke governor urges inclusive e-ID rollout for marginalised communities

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says rural and marginalised communities, particularly the San population, need to be convinced to adopt the government's planned electronic identification documents if the rollout is to be inclusive. A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, partnering with UNDP, is visiting all seven constituencies in the region this week to explain the chip-based e-ID, with concerns raised about low literacy levels among marginalised groups.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Omaheke hosts start of nationwide e-ID awareness campaign

    The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security launched a national electronic identity awareness campaign in Omaheke, the first region in a nationwide stakeholder engagement drive ahead of Namibia's planned e-ID system rollout in September. The campaign aims to explain the benefits of the digital identity programme and address public concerns over data protection and privacy.

    29 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Ministry dismisses "mark of the beast" claims about e-ID system

    Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs has dismissed religious concerns about the electronic identification (e-ID) system, set to roll out in September, describing it as a modern innovation to streamline service delivery. The ministry is conducting awareness campaigns to address fears and misconceptions, clarifying that the chip will be embedded in the card itself rather than implanted in individuals, and that the card will be valid for ten years.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Namibian regional governors' addresses questioned on real-world impact

    Questions are being raised about the effectiveness of Namibia's annual State of the Region Addresses, as analysts question whether the speeches translate into tangible development or remain largely ceremonial. Governance observers argue that many issues raised in SORAs remain unchanged year to year, including unemployment, housing shortages, inadequate water supply, and poor road infrastructure.

    28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 26 July

  1. Miss Namibia winners to receive livestock from cultural group

    The Khoandawes Taradi Omkhaikus Cultural Group donated four goats and four sheep to the Miss Namibia Organisation ahead of the national finals in Gobabis, with each pageant winner to receive two goats and two sheep as a gesture celebrating Namibian culture and heritage.

    26 July 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 24 July

  1. Omaheke Region disbursed N$12 million in social grants

    More than N$12 million in social grants was disbursed to over 17,600 beneficiaries in the Omaheke Region during the reporting period, according to Governor Pijoo Nganate.

    24 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Saturday 18 July

  1. Omaheke governor urges officials to use upgraded state hospitals

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate has told government officials to use public healthcare facilities in the region, saying they have been upgraded with improved cleanliness and service delivery. The Ministry of Health and Social Services has maintained, renovated and rehabilitated healthcare infrastructure across the region, including work on Gobabis District Hospital's entrance, power generation, and facilities at Epako and Eiseb clinics.

    18 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Omaheke governor highlights agricultural, infrastructure gains

    Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate defended the region's development record, citing gains in agriculture, healthcare, housing and infrastructure, and argued mining could reduce poverty. Community members countered that rural areas have seen little change despite decades of promises, with development concentrated around Gobabis while communal areas lag behind.

    15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Omaheke launches five-year child nutrition programme with HeadStartKids

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate announced a partnership with HeadStartKids Namibia to develop a five-year climate resilient child nutrition and essential services initiative aimed at reducing child malnutrition. The programme includes fortified meals, micronutrient supplementation, growth monitoring, deworming, solar clinics, and capacity building for children aged six to 60 months.

    14 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Omaheke Governor urges community to weigh uranium project benefits

    The Governor of the Omaheke Region, Pijoo Nganate, has described the proposed uranium mining project near Leonardville by Headspring Investment as a significant economic opportunity and urged the community to consider its potential benefits for employment and poverty reduction, while acknowledging concerns about impact on the regional aquifer.

    14 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 9 July

  1. NDF donation of wheelchair enables Omaheke girl's school access

    An eight-year-old girl with mobility disabilities at a Children's Sanctuary in Drimiopsis received a wheelchair from members of the Namibian Defence Force's 126 Motorised Infantry Battalion following an appeal made during Vice President Lucia Witbooi's January visit to the Kalahari Constituency.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. NDF donates wheelchair to mobility-disabled girl in Omaheke

    An eight-year-old girl from the Omaheke Region living with a mobility disability received a wheelchair donated by members of the Namibian Defence Force's 126 Motorised Infantry Battalion, following an appeal made during the Vice President's visit to the region in January 2026. Officials emphasised the donation's demonstration of compassion and the potential for acts of kindness to transform vulnerable members of society.

    7 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 2 July

  1. N$3 million investment revitalizes Farm Nuwehoop agricultural project

    The Swakop Uranium Foundation invested N$3 million to rehabilitate Farm Nuwehoop in Omaheke Region, upgrading infrastructure with boreholes, water tanks, livestock facilities, and greenhouses to improve food security for vulnerable populations while generating income through surplus sales.

    2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 18 June

  1. Child malnutrition in Omaheke highlights resource-wealth paradox

    Child hunger in Omaheke Region persists despite Namibia's economic potential, with regional leaders expressing concern. NamRA employees donated food items worth more than N$44,000 to community organisations caring for vulnerable children.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. PM says two boreholes per village is achievable under Nandi-Ndaitwah

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says providing every village with two boreholes is possible under president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's leadership. He visited a community garden project at Otjombinde and said the initiative would fight malnutrition, create rural employment, improve food security, and support livestock farming and irrigation.

    26 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibian delegation visits Russian uranium mine to study extraction methods

    A delegation of Namibian farmers, a journalist, and employees from Headspring Investments visited the Dalur in-situ uranium mine in Russia to learn about its operations and extraction methods. The mine uses in-situ leaching, which dissolves uranium underground and pumps it to the surface, avoiding open-pit mining, tunnelling, and tailings ponds.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 29 March

  1. Pupkewitz Megabuild donates materials to Omaheke school

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi received a donation of doors, locks, and security lighting from Pupkewitz Megabuild for Mokganedi Tlhabanello High School in Omaheke Region, emphasising the importance of private sector support in strengthening Namibia's education system and creating safe learning environments.

    29 March 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 16 March

  1. Omaheke governor opens groundbreaking for Otjombinde sports facility

    Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate launched the construction of the Otjombinde Sports Field in Tallismanus on Thursday, describing it as part of the government's decentralisation policy to bring development and sporting facilities closer to communities. The facility will include football, netball, volleyball and basketball courts, and is intended to support talent development, youth engagement and community gatherings while creating local employment opportunities in construction and related services.

    16 March 2026 · New Era →

Pijoo Nganate — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute