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

Popular Democratic Movement

Also known as: PDM

Political party in Namibia led by McHenry Venaani, active in parliamentary scrutiny and governance debates.

2021-08-192026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament Winnie Moongo has tabled a series of questions for the minister of home affairs over police vehicle shortages

    Source

    “Allexer Namundjembo Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament Winnie Moongo has tabled a series of questions for the minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Lucia Iipumbu, over what she described as "persistent administrative and operational deficiencies" affecting police stations across Namibia.”

    PDM MP questions minister on police vehicle shortages

  3. Windhoek Observer

    Popular Democratic Movement had member Diederik Vries

    Source

    “She was responding to questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Diederik Vries when she said the ministry had increased spraying operations at border points and was closely monitoring developments in neighbouring countries.”

    LPO calls for united front against FMD
  4. May 2026

  5. The Namibian

    Popular Democratic Movement will participate in panel discussion at commemoration event

    Source

    “Prominent figures including Hai//Om traditional leaders, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani, historian Fanuel Kaapama, and former member of parliament Arnold Tjihuiko will explore the causes and impacts of the genocide, paths to true justice, healing, reconciliation, and the prevention of future atrocities.”

    Otjozondjupa to mark historic first Genocide Day commemoration at Ohamakari

  6. New Era

    the PDM acknowledged Hamata's resignation effective 18 May 2026

    Source

    “The PDM has taken notice of your resignation from the Movement effective 18 May 2026.”

    I’m not joining Swapo – Hamata … ex-MP quits PDM

  7. Windhoek Observer

    Popular Democratic Movement has accepted Hamata's resignation

    Source

    “Ngaringombe told the Windhoek Observer that the party has accepted Hamata's resignation.”

    Hamata resigns from PDM

  8. The Namibian

    the Popular Democratic Movement lost its official opposition status to the Independent Patriots for Change

    Source

    “In September 2025, several PDM members resigned following the party's poor performance in the 2024 elections and the loss of its official opposition status to the Independent Patriots for Change.”

    Hamata dumps PDM, rules out joining another party
  9. April 2026

  10. The Namibian

    Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says there is growing concern around both tribalism and politically influenced hiring

    Source

    “Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says there is growing concern around both tribalism and politically influenced hiring.”

    Opposition, experts raise concern over jobs for comrades and hiring bias in Namibia

  11. The Namibian

    Popular Democratic Movement shadow minister Lilian Luthuezi has called for greater public awareness of safe haven provisions and improved access to social workers

    Source

    “Popular Democratic Movement shadow minister Lilian Luthuezi has called for greater public awareness of safe haven provisions, as well as improved access to social workers, shelters and contraceptives to support vulnerable mothers.”

    Woman arrested for pit latrine baby dumping

  12. New Era

    Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) spent on election campaigns between N$6 and N$8 million

    Source

    “after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on election campaigns”

    PDM readies for the post-Venaani era

  13. New Era

    PDM is enforcing specific time frames and term limits for leaders including the presidency

    Source

    “the PDM is the only party that enforces specific time frames and term limits for its leaders, including the presidency”

    PDM readies for the post-Venaani era
Politics

PDM MP raises questions on police vehicle and fleet shortages

The News

A PDM member of parliament has tabled questions to the home affairs minister about persistent administrative and operational deficiencies in police stations, including inadequate fleet management, delayed vehicle maintenance, and uneven resource distribution between regions. She is seeking details on how many police stations lack adequate vehicles, measures to address maintenance delays, and the impact of suspended border patrol activities on border security.

Why it matters

Parliamentary questions highlight serious police operational deficiencies including vehicle shortages and suspended border patrol activities.

4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 4 June

  1. PDM MP raises questions on police vehicle and fleet shortages

    A PDM member of parliament has tabled questions to the home affairs minister about persistent administrative and operational deficiencies in police stations, including inadequate fleet management, delayed vehicle maintenance, and uneven resource distribution between regions. She is seeking details on how many police stations lack adequate vehicles, measures to address maintenance delays, and the impact of suspended border patrol activities on border security.

    4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 1 June

  1. LPO urges regional cooperation to protect Namibia's FMD-free status

    The Livestock Producers' Organisation says no country can fight foot-and-mouth disease in isolation, warning that Namibia's internationally recognised FMD-free status requires cooperation between governments, veterinary authorities, farmers and regional partners. Maintaining the status is critical to protecting the livestock industry and international beef export market access.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Otjozondjupa region holds first regional Genocide Day commemoration

    Residents of Otjozondjupa will visit sacred gravesites of those who died in the 1904-1908 Ohamakari battle—a war of resistance by the Ovaherero against German imperial forces—with commemoration events hosted at the Okakarara Cultural Centre. The regional governor calls on residents, particularly youth, to attend and preserve the memory of the Ovaherero sacrifices.

    27 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Okandjoze Chiefs call for action on genocide reparations

    The Okandjoze Chiefs' Assembly on Genocide has called on the Namibian government to adopt a "business unusual" approach to genocide apology and reparations, saying years of discussions have produced little action. The group urged the government to move away from symbolic discussions and engage descendants of Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama communities differently on restorative justice.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 22 May

  1. PDM leader Venaani denies luxury car purchase plan

    McHenry Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement, has dismissed allegations that the party plans to buy him a luxury Land Cruiser worth N$2.5 million.

    22 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Former PDM MP Hamata denies plans to join Swapo

    Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

Monday 18 May

  1. Government plans to cancel Chicco building lease agreement

    The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to cancel a lease agreement with businessman Erastus Shapumba for a building the government rents for N$1.1 million per month but does not occupy. Shapumba says he did not draft the lease agreement, which was signed in December 2023 for a three-year term, and argues his rental rate of N$99 per square metre is cheaper than other private buildings.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Hidipo Hamata resigns from Popular Democratic Movement

    Hidipo Hamata, a longstanding PDM member, has formally resigned from the party effective immediately, describing the decision as personal after careful reflection. He ruled out immediately joining another party or forming a new political entity, saying Namibia already has many political parties.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Former PDM parliamentarian Hamata resigns, rules out new party

    Former National Assembly member Hidipo Hamata has resigned from the Popular Democratic Movement, saying he will not join another political party. He indicated he prefers to explore opportunities beyond politics and described leaving one party as not automatically meaning joining another.

    18 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Nurses must be supported and protected—Nanu statement

    The Namibia Nurses Union says nurses remain the backbone of the healthcare system despite facing staff shortages, burnout, unsafe working conditions and limited professional development opportunities, and called on government, healthcare institutions and policymakers to prioritize nurses' welfare and protection. A PDM MP also called on government to prioritize the mental well-being of psychiatric nurses, proposing dedicated psychological support and a special mental wellness allowance for those working in psychiatric departments.

    13 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 8 May

  1. 161-page dossier alleges fraud, corruption by police chief Shikongo

    A Windhoek resident submitted a 161-page dossier to the Security Commission in April 2025 requesting President Nandi-Ndaitwah remove inspector general Joseph Shikongo from office, alleging corruption, criminal interference, intimidation and abuse of state institutions. Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed major general Anne-Marie Nainda as acting inspector general, though the president did not publicly state reasons for the suspension.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. President removes police inspector general citing State House breach

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removed Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo and replaced him with Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, citing a security incident in which a naked man was found inside the presidential residence as the reason for the removal.

    7 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Venaani defends President's constitutional authority to hire and fire

    PDM leader McHenry Venaani said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations, in response to the suspension of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo. Venaani argued that leaders make key decisions based on sensitive information unavailable to the public.

    7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Opposition groups criticise political dominance at national commemoration events

    Opposition leaders say Cassinga Day and Workers' Day have become political mobilisation events for Swapo rather than state occasions reflecting national unity, citing concerns about the presence of the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and the absence of national institutions at these public holidays.

    6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Opposition, experts voice concern over political hiring bias in Namibia

    Opposition leaders and labour experts have raised concerns about "jobs for comrades"—the practice of hiring based on political party membership and regional affiliation rather than merit. The Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says the practice undermines fair employment and compromises nationalism, tracing the issue back to post-independence hiring patterns within state-owned enterprises.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Woman arrested for dumping newborn in pit latrine

    A 37-year-old domestic worker was arrested after allegedly giving birth and dumping a newborn boy in a pit latrine at Okafitu ka Kahala village in Outapi on Sunday. The case is being investigated as murder and defeating or obstructing the course of justice; Namibia decriminalized baby dumping in 2019 if infants are left unharmed at designated safe places such as hospitals and police stations.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. President calls on Namibians to defend democracy at Tjitendero commemoration

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured founding National Assembly Speaker Mose Tjitendero at his 20th death commemoration at Heroes Acre, calling on Namibians to defend and strengthen democracy by following Tjitendero's legacy of transparency, inclusivity, accountability and the rule of law in building Parliament after independence.

    28 April 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 26 April

  1. Minister orders inquiry into tribal bias at Roads Authority

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority, finding it employs about 74 people from the Zambezi region compared to more than 300 from northern Namibia. The probe has revived broader allegations of tribalism in hiring practices across Namibian state-owned enterprises and government offices.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 April

  1. PDM says it's financially sound despite 2024 election spending

    The Popular Democratic Movement's secretary general says the party remains in sound financial state after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on 2024 election campaigns, and is recovering through parliamentary allocations and property assets. The PDM is preparing for McHenry Venaani's term-limited leadership transition in 2028–2029 through a system of broad capacity-building across party structures rather than grooming a single successor.

    24 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 23 April

  1. Kunene Regional Council funds frozen, staff unpaid March and April

    Kunene Regional Council employees face a financial crisis after minister James Sankwasa blocked funds allocated to the council following a dispute over the appointment of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb in 2021. Staff have not received salaries for March and April, and the council has taken the matter to the High Court while seeking alternative payment methods.

    23 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Health minister seeks N$18 billion over five years

    Minister of health Esperance Luvindao told the National Assembly that Namibia needs N$17 billion to N$18 billion over five years to effectively run and upgrade public healthcare. The current annual health budget stands at approximately N$13.1 billion, but the minister said the increased funding would support upgrading existing facilities and building new intermediate and district hospitals.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 20 April

  1. Former governor James Uerikua and son laid to rest

    Former Otjozondjupa regional governor and parliamentarian James Uerikua and his son Ventro were buried at their family homestead in Gam following a road accident on 3 April. Hundreds of mourners attended the burial, and Vice President Lucia Witbooi described Uerikua as a dedicated public servant who served with humility and distinction.

    20 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

  1. Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Former diplomats defend Namibia's US partnership as unfair criticism

    Former diplomats have rejected lawmakers' criticism of Namibia's relationship with the United States, arguing that the government has maintained independent foreign policy while working with the US as part of the global community. President Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified that cooperation with the US does not mean endorsing its foreign policy, noting Namibia's recent support for South Africa's genocide case against Israel.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 April

  1. President addresses parliament on oil, land, wealth fund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. VIP hospital unit contradicts healthcare reform drive, critics argue

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered government officials to use public hospitals from April, but Windhoek Central Hospital's new VIP unit exclusively for senior officials has drawn opposition criticism as discriminatory and contrary to equitable healthcare goals. Opposition leaders and analysts argue the separate facility undermines the reform and mirrors apartheid-era segregation.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 April

  1. Government pursuing long-term reparations for 1904–1908 genocide

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will pursue a fair and dignified outcome in genocide negotiations with Germany, with revised terms providing for long-term reparations and healing support rather than a one-off payment. A conclusion may be reached before year-end, though opposition figures have criticised the initial €1.1 billion agreement as insufficient compared to Holocaust reparations.

    10 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. Zambezi floods displace 2,074 people, threaten food security

    The Popular Democratic Movement warns that seasonal floods in the Zambezi region have left affected communities destitute, displacing over 2,074 people and destroying homes, livestock, and crops. The party calls for intensified government relief efforts to provide food, clean water, shelter, and medical supplies, citing risks to food security, waterborne disease outbreaks, and human-wildlife conflict.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. Parliament scrutinizes diplomats' allowances and foreign mission costs

    MPs challenged whether Namibian diplomats overseas claiming car allowances while receiving government vehicles constitute "double-dipping," and questioned the N$113 million spent annually on renting properties for foreign missions. The Trade and International Relations minister defended the practices, stating double-dipping has been addressed, and noted that the government is gradually acquiring properties while focusing on opening additional missions in strategic locations.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Swapo MP James Uerikua dies in car accident

    Swapo member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Unomasa Uerikua died in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday, along with his 14-year-old son. Parliamentary colleagues and opposition leaders mourned him as a capable legislator, committed servant, and respected figure across political divides.

    8 April 2026 · New Era →

Popular Democratic Movement — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute