Also known as: PDM · PDM6
Opposition party whose president McHenry Venaani has challenged government policies on mining diamonds, farming relief, petroleum oversight, and water infrastructure.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Popular Democratic Movement
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Popular Democratic Movement has accepted Hamata's resignation
“Ngaringombe told the Windhoek Observer that the party has accepted Hamata's resignation.”
Hamata resigns from PDMThe Namibian
the Popular Democratic Movement lost its official opposition status to the Independent Patriots for Change
“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 partyThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says there is growing concern around both tribalism and politically influenced hiring
“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 NamibiaThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement shadow minister Lilian Luthuezi has called for greater public awareness of safe haven provisions and improved access to social workers
“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 dumpingNew Era
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) spent on election campaigns between N$6 and N$8 million
“after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on election campaigns”
PDM readies for the post-Venaani eraNew Era
PDM is enforcing specific time frames and term limits for leaders including the presidency
“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 eraThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement revealed during party press conference the fund freeze blocking council salary payments
“The development was revealed by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe during a party press conference yesterday.”
Kunene cash freeze leaves workers dryThe Namibian
McHenry Venaani, president of the Popular Democratic Movement criticised government for unfair deal on 1904-1908 genocide
“Her remarks come after McHenry Venaani, president of the Popular Democratic Movement during the Sona criticised the government for an unfair deal on the 1904 to 1908 genocide on the Ovaherero-Nama people.”
Govt to pursue total genocide ‘long-term reparation healing'The Namibian
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) says seasonal floods in Zambezi region have left affected communities severely destitute
“The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) says seasonal floods in the Zambezi region have left affected communities in a severely destitute state.”
PDM warns Zambezi floods leave thousands destitute as water levels surgeNew Era
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani expressed worry over diplomats' "double-dipping"
“Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani expressed worry over diplomats' "double-dipping".”
Nam diplomats accused of ‘double-dipping’ …as MPs poke holes in the MIRT budgetThe National Assembly passed the second reading of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill on Tuesday with 50 lawmakers voting in favour, despite a walkout by most opposition parties. The bill, which proposes shifting certain responsibilities to the President and a new Upstream Petroleum Unit, now proceeds to the committee stage.
21 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Assembly passed the second reading of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill on Tuesday with 50 lawmakers voting in favour, despite a walkout by most opposition parties. The bill, which proposes shifting certain responsibilities to the President and a new Upstream Petroleum Unit, now proceeds to the committee stage.
21 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Opposition parties disagree on whether to remove National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila following September calls from an IPC lawmaker for a no-confidence vote. Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani warned against using impeachment for political disputes, citing parliamentary tensions and the need for better discipline and respect for procedures.
19 October 2026 · The Namibian →
McHenry Venaani, PDM leader, challenged mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse to explain what has happened to diamonds valued at approximately N$314 million stolen from Namibia Diamond Trading Company in January 2025, questioning whether they have entered international markets and criticizing the lack of progress in the investigation.
15 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Gender equality and child welfare minister Emma Kantema says children flagged in an auditor general's report for receiving N$250 million in grants were eligible under the Child Care and Protection Act, which allows those aged 18–21 to qualify if in school. The ministry is verifying beneficiaries and removing those unable to prove school attendance.
14 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Former president Nangolo Mbumba claims he is unaware of reported construction of a new office for him in Windhoek, contradicting an earlier government statement that it had no plans to build one. An Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker questions whether Mbumba, who served in an acting capacity and was not directly elected, should receive the same post-presidential benefits as elected former presidents.
13 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani has proposed that between 2% and 5% of mining royalties could be channelled directly to communities living around mining operations through community trusts to ensure local residents benefit from resource extraction.
12 October 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM president McHenry Venaani says he and his father Mike Venaani are no longer speaking as often as they should amid an ongoing PDM Six compensation dispute.
12 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Informal meat traders selling kapana at Single Quarters in Katutura are calling for government financial assistance as business declines due to Namibia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak and resulting livestock movement restrictions. Some vendors have proposed a relief allowance of at least N$700 per month to help affected workers survive the outbreak.
8 October 2026 · New Era →
Parliament has questioned whether the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill adequately protects state revenue as it proposes transferring powers from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the President, including establishment of an Upstream Petroleum Unit in the President's office and changes to oversight of royalties, licences, local content and environmental obligations. PDM Chief Whip Winnie Moongo raised concerns that the bill weakens existing safeguards requiring finance ministry concurrence for royalty decisions.
8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
PDM president McHenry Venaani called on the government in Parliament to introduce an emergency relief package for farmers facing financial difficulties from the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, citing movement restrictions and livestock market disruptions, and warned of wider consequences for the meat industry including Beefcor's consideration of about 393 worker retrenchments.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The government has rejected privatisation of communal land, saying it could lead to land concentration among wealthy individuals and increase poverty in rural communities. The agriculture minister said communal land is a state resource held for the benefit of traditional communities and supports procedural land allocation under the Communal Land Reform Act instead.
7 October 2026 · New Era →
South African animal health experts will meet with Namibian officials on Friday to discuss protocols for resuming livestock auctions suspended after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani said the government will focus on containing the outbreak in Karasburg before gradually reopening trade with South Africa.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told Parliament that auctions in Namibia could gradually resume once the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is contained within the Karasburg district. The ministry is assessing the situation, working to establish a containment zone, vaccinate animals, and consulting with South African authorities on protocols for resuming auction trading.
6 October 2026 · Informanté →
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced that Namibia will soon introduce new vehicle number plates with enhanced security features including barcodes to combat fraud, vehicle theft, and manipulation of registration details. The ministry has activated regulations for number plate manufacturers and is consulting stakeholders; all number plates, including private and public transport plates, will be replaced.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Number-plate manufacturers have been operating in Namibia without mandatory registration despite existing regulations, but Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi announced in Parliament that the government has activated Part 5 of the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations to require manufacturers to register. The activation follows technical challenges including lack of harmonised standards across SADC.
2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says Namibia is negotiating with trading partners over meat shipments affected by foot-and-mouth disease in //Kharas Region, with authorities checking whether consignments can move based on their origin. A shipment reported to be worth about N$400 million was said to be en route to Europe, though the minister did not confirm the value or whether it had been returned.
1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government is investigating a Namibian meat shipment returned from Europe following foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, and is consulting European partners to establish whether the consignment originated from the affected area. Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani said Namibia would notify the World Organisation for Animal Health to determine how affected consignments should be handled.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Popular Democratic Movement's chief whip has posed questions to the agriculture minister in Parliament about NamWater's aging pipelines, reservoirs, and pump stations, seeking disclosure of the infrastructure backlog, funding required, measures to reduce water interruptions, and steps to recover outstanding debts owed to the utility.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A heated exchange erupted in the National Assembly after Minister Emma Theofilus referred to an Independent Patriots for Change member as a "SWAPO Party sister-in-law." Opposition members banged on desks in protest, leading Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to order two members to leave the chamber.
29 September 2026 · Informanté →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told the National Assembly that the government is developing a plan to support farmers affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions, while consulting with international trading partners over meat shipments and new zoning measures. Opposition PDM leader McHenry Venaani questioned reports of a N$400 million meat shipment being returned from Europe and called for fuller National Assembly briefing on FMD developments.
29 September 2026 · Informanté →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told Parliament that the government is developing a plan to support farmers affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions while consulting with international trading partners over meat shipments and zoning measures. PDM leader McHenry Venaani questioned reports of a meat shipment worth about N$400 million being returned from Europe and called for Parliament to be briefed on the FMD outbreak.
29 September 2026 · Informanté →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Immanuel has tabled the Ombudsman Bill 2026, which seeks to replace the 1990 Ombudsman Act and establish a modern legal framework that grants the Office of the Ombudsman full financial and administrative autonomy, separating it from the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations. The Bill aligns the office with the Constitution and UN Paris Principles, removes its budgetary dependence on the ministry, and broadens its powers to investigate systemic human rights violations and maladministration.
28 September 2026 · New Era →
The ombudsman bill 2026, tabled in the National Assembly, proposes fines up to N$20,000 or 12-month jail terms for obstructing investigations, intimidating complainants, or interfering with evidence. The bill grants the office expanded investigative powers including entering premises, accessing documents, seizing evidence, and compelling people to appear and answer questions, while providing additional protections for private homes and communications.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM president McHenry Venaani has called on the incoming land reform commission to reform Namibia's resettlement programme, arguing the current system fails to promote productivity. He proposed reallocating underperforming resettlement land to those capable of turning it into productive enterprises, and called for the commission to address corruption in land allocation and improve schemes' appeal to young people.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Social Security Commission maternity benefit has been increased from N$15,000 to N$20,000, effective 1 October 2026, announced by the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations. PDM MP Winnie Moongo, a long-time advocate for improved maternity support, welcomed the change as a significant step for working women, though she noted further improvements are still needed.
23 September 2026 · New Era →
Youth leaders and marriage associations have urged the government to introduce a childbearing grant for mothers, following calls by a Swapo Party Women's Council official for Namibians to have more children. Political figures debate the proposal, with one youth leader saying such a grant could help low-income families but must be carefully designed, financially sustainable, and monitored to prevent misuse.
21 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliamentarian Winnie Moongo asked the government what strategies are in place to prevent unjustifiably high prices for essential food items and how it monitors pricing practices across the food supply chain, citing significant price differences for the same products between retailers and regions.
17 September 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani questioned the government in parliament over its plans to acquire the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa's 10.2% shareholding in Rössing Uranium, asking whether a formal bid has been submitted, what the estimated cost is, and whether the government is aware of Chinese state-owned interests seeking the stake.
15 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Six former Members of Parliament have sued the Popular Democratic Movement, National Assembly and Electoral Commission of Namibia, claiming N$1.5 million each in lost salaries, allowances and other benefits after they were allegedly unlawfully excluded from Parliament in 2020. The group, known as PDM6, argues they were duly nominated and elected to the National Assembly but were subsequently removed.
11 September 2026 · New Era →
Parliament has approved the appointment of Gerson Sindano as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia after opposition MPs walked out. Swapo's 48 members and one vote from UDF deputy president Nico Somaeb secured the appointment despite walkouts by opposition parties including the IPC, LPM, AR, NEFF, Nudo, NDP, and PDM.
10 September 2026 · New Era →