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Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Pijoo Nganate

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

Pijoo Nganate — Governor of Omaheke Region, addressing social welfare, healthcare, mining, and development initiatives across the region.

2023-12-202026-09-06

What’s been said

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

  1. January 2026
  2. New Era

    Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate said the achievement reflects dedication and hard work across government and communities

    Source

    Leading the congratulatory message pack is the Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate, who said the remarkable achievement, together with the commendable performance of other schools in the region, reflects the dedication and hard work of the government, the education directorate, school leadership, educators, learners, parents, political leadership, traditional authorities, school boards and communities in advancing academic excellence.

    Omaheke celebrates Epukiro school … all 63 learners make varsity cut
  3. January 2025
  4. The Namibian

    Governor Pijoo Nganate announced roughly 800 people died from malnutrition in Omaheke between 2022 and 2024

    Source

    This is according to Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate in August 2024, during his state of the region address.

    Omaheke commits to ending malnutrition
  5. The Namibian

    Governor Pijoo Nganate announced in interview with Desert FM his office will distribute nutritious meals to about 460 children and 40 adults

    Source

    The governor announced in an interview with Desert FM in January that his office will start distributing nutritious meals to about 460 children and 40 adults.

    Omaheke commits to ending malnutrition
  6. December 2023
  7. The Namibian

    Pijoo Nganate said 45 children under five died from malnutrition in previous six months

    Source

    In July, Omaheke regional governor Pijoo Nganate said he was concerned after 45 children under five died in the previous six months as a result of the malnutrition crisis in the region.

    Reflecting on a year of health challenges

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

Thursday 5 March

  1. Parliamentary committee endorses Rosatom uranium project in Leonardville

    Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has backed uranium exploration by Russian state-owned Rosatom in the Omaheke region, citing potential for billions in investment and thousands of jobs, though the project faces resistance from environmentalists and farmers concerned about groundwater contamination.

    5 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Omaheke leaders pledge collaboration on service delivery

    Omaheke Regional Council chairperson Rocco Nguvauva and governor Pijoo Nganate opened 2026 activities with a call for stronger cooperation among public institutions and stakeholders to improve service delivery, reduce unemployment, and raise living standards across the region.

    5 March 2026 · New Era

Monday 2 March

  1. Omaheke's first career fair draws 1,500 learners

    Omaheke region held its inaugural Career Fair at Gobabis showgrounds, attracting about 1,500 learners from seven constituencies to explore education and career pathways. Education director Constance Wantenaar described the event as successful and a bridge between aspiration and opportunity, supported by universities, training institutions, banks, and government partners.

    2 March 2026 · New Era

Friday 20 February

  1. Gobabis to host Miss Namibia and Miss Teen pageants

    The NBC has decided to bring the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen 2026 pageants to Gobabis, completing hosting of the event across all four corners of Namibia. The move is expected to boost local tourism and regional economy through increased visitor numbers and media coverage, while promoting youth empowerment and regional inclusivity.

    20 February 2026 · New Era

Thursday 12 February

  1. Health Minister warns HIV room labels contribute to stigma

    Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao expressed concern that labelling hospital rooms for HIV treatment fuels stigma, with patients reporting they avoid treatment to prevent being seen entering such facilities. During a visit to Epako Clinic in Omaheke Region, she discussed plans to improve healthcare delivery, including pharmacy expansion, ventilation upgrades, and completion of a theatre at Gobabis Hospital to ease clinic congestion.

    12 February 2026 · Informanté

Pijoo Nganate — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute