Monday, 7 September 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Monday, 7 September 2026

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Namibian press · Organization

Popular Democratic Movement

Also known as: PDM

Popular Democratic Movement — opposition party in Namibia led by McHenry Venaani, appearing in coverage of government accountability, economic policy, and border disputes.

2021-08-192026-09-07

What’s been said

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

December 2025
7 DecThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement received below 10% national vote share
Source
“Support for the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) continued to wane with a national vote share below 10%.”
Namibia: Voting With Our Feet?
October 2025
27 OctThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement has candidate Gabriella Stadhauer in Windhoek East constituency
Source
“In the Windhoek East constituency, under the Popular Democratic Movement, Gabriella Stadhauer (28), a political science graduate and former aide to national lawmakers, is making a strong case for generational change.”
Young leaders rise as Namibia prepares for regional, local elections
February 2025
9 FebThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement is led by McHenry Venaani as president
Source
“Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani says Namibia's freedom will not be remembered without the name of late founding president Sam Nujoma.”
Namibia’s freedom inseparable from Nujoma’s legacy, says Venaani
January 2025
22 JanThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani calls for suspension of Namdia board and executives pending investigations
Source
“Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani calls for the suspension of the entire Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) board of directors and executives.”
Venaani calls for suspension of Namdia executive officer, board members pending investigations into N$300-million heist
December 2024
22 DecThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement was characterized as the real loser of this election
Source
“The real loser of this election was the Popular Democratic Movement.”
Namibia Belongs to Dinosaurs
November 2024
4 NovThe Namibian
Critics from Popular Democratic Movement argue such appearances erode public trust and undermine neutrality of state institutions
Source
“Critics from the Popular Democratic Movement and the Independent Patriots for Change argue that such appearances can erode public trust and undermine the perceived neutrality of state institutions.”
Green Hydrogen programme, Namcor defend Swapo rally appearance
October 2024
24 OctThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement is attributed with reports alleging corruption in contract award
Source
“Mathopo said the reports were attributed to the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).”
Ren-Form CC denies links to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Chivayo, threatens legal action
20 OctThe Namibian
Popular Democratic Movement withdrew from the trip to South Africa to observe ballot process
Source
“The Popular Democratic Movement has withdrawn from the trip following an announcement by party leader McHenry Venaani that a public demonstration about the ECN's choice of a company to supply ballots will be held on Tuesday this week.”
Party representatives travel to SA to observe ballot-making process
20 OctThe Namibian
PDM will protest against ECN's ballot printing tender allocation
Source
“Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani says PDM will take to the streets of Windhoek on Tuesday, 22 October.”
PDM to protest against ECN ballot printing tender
20 OctThe Namibian
PDM threatened to take the matter to the High Court of Namibia
Source
“And if the ECN fails to act, we will take them to the High Court of Namibia.”
PDM to protest against ECN ballot printing tender

Politics

PM dismisses claims task force on SOE salaries dissolved

The News

Prime Minister Ngurare dismissed allegations that an 11-member task force chaired by Professor Joseph Diecho, appointed to review public enterprise salary structures from July to September, was dissolved after senior officials objected to its composition. Opposition MP McHenry Venaani claimed the body became defunct after being established, alleging members were removed because "the authority ahead of you was not happy with the name."

3 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 3 September

PM dismisses claims task force on SOE salaries dissolved
Prime Minister Ngurare dismissed allegations that an 11-member task force chaired by Professor Joseph Diecho, appointed to review public enterprise salary structures from July to September, was dissolved after senior officials objected to its composition. Opposition MP McHenry Venaani claimed the body became defunct after being established, alleging members were removed because "the authority ahead of you was not happy with the name."
3 September 2026 · Informanté →
Venaani criticises government coordination over phosphate project ECC
The PDM president McHenry Venaani has accused the government of poor coordination after the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform appealed an environmental clearance certificate granted to Namibian Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project. Venaani said the appeal exposed shortcomings in how government ministries communicate and make decisions, noting the agriculture ministry only learned of the Environmental Commissioner's decision through social media two days after it was granted on 5 August 2026.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 1 September

Venaani demands details on government's 14-region manufacturing plan
PDM president McHenry Venaani is demanding the government disclose details about its plan to establish manufacturing and processing facilities across all 14 regions, including which projects have been identified, how they will be funded, and how many jobs are expected to be created.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 31 August

PDM leader Venaani honors late liberation veteran Shityuwete
McHenry Venaani has paid tribute to Helao Shityuwete, a liberation struggle veteran and former Robben Island political prisoner who died at 92. Venaani described Shityuwete as a courageous and humble Namibian whose sacrifice for the country's freedom, from his work at Walvis Bay docks through military service and imprisonment, should be remembered as part of Namibia's history.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Windhoek withdraws president's private Auasblick land application
The City of Windhoek has withdrawn all land applications from its council agenda following opposition over president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's private land purchase request for municipal land at Auasblick. Opposition councillors questioned why the president's application was treated differently from other private applications and kept from public discussion.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 30 August

Opposition urges broadening of national honours beyond liberation struggle
Opposition leaders say Namibia should expand its national honours criteria to recognise contributions of ordinary citizens and diverse leaders beyond those from the liberation struggle, 36 years after independence.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 12 August

President opposes marine phosphate mining approval in Atlantic
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly objects to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti's approval of an environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper project to mine for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean, saying Namibia should not be used for an ocean experiment. The president held a meeting with senior government officials this week to express concerns about the decision made without apparent consultation on a matter of massive public interest.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
11-member SOE pay review task force status unclear
Confusion surrounds the status of an 11-member task force chaired by Joseph Diescho, established to review governance and human resource matters at state-owned enterprises. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare reportedly cancelled the task force after it found its mandate duplicated prior work, though task force member Conrad Lutombi says it was merely put on hold while the government reviews completed recommendations.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

Fishing body threatens challenge to marine phosphate environmental clearance
The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has threatened to challenge the validity of Namibian Marine Phosphate's environmental clearance certificate, alleging the environmental commissioner failed to respond to repeated information requests since May 2022 and broke a July 2022 promise to provide a response before the certificate was issued on 5 August.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 10 August

Namibia Marine Phosphate receives environmental clearance for Sandpiper project
The environmental commissioner issued an environmental clearance certificate on 5 August for Knowledge Katti's Namibia Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper marine phosphate mining project offshore Namibia, valid until 5 August 2029. The decision has triggered opposition from the IPC and conservationists who have raised long-running environmental and industry concerns.
10 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 31 July

Presidential platforms must prioritise national interest
An editorial argues that every presidential engagement should advance national interest, citing debate over President Nandi-Ndaitwah's appearance at the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival and noting concerns from NUDO and PDM leaders about how the Presidency's time and authority should be deployed.
31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
NUDO MP criticizes President's attendance at MTC Kasi Vibe Festival
A NUDO member of parliament has argued that the President should not officiate community and fundraising events like the MTC Kasi Vibe Festival, saying such engagements should be handled by ministers or regional leaders to preserve the dignity of the presidency.
31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 28 July

Civil society calls for parliament to extend sitting hours
Civil society and MPs have called for the National Assembly to extend its sitting hours from 14h30 to 17h45 to properly debate and pass laws. Institute for Public Policy Research director Graham Hopwood said parliament currently works about 90 days a year and warned that deadlocks in passing laws will be an early warning sign for Namibia's political future.
28 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 24 July

Former PDM official says fragmented opposition cannot challenge SWAPO
The resignation of former Popular Democratic Movement Khomas regional coordinator Joel Mutorua has sparked debate over whether Namibia's fragmented opposition can effectively challenge the ruling party.
24 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 20 July

Namibia-South Africa Orange River border dispute remains unresolved
Namibia and South Africa failed to resolve their decades-old dispute over the Orange River boundary during the fourth Binational Commission in Pretoria. Namibia contends the border should run through the middle of the river under modern international law, while South Africa maintains it follows the northern bank under the 1890 Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty; President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the matter will now be handled directly with South African President Ramaphosa.
20 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Venaani backs Nuclear Bill to grow uranium-driven economy
PDM president McHenry Venaani has endorsed the draft Nuclear Bill, arguing that Namibia should use its uranium resources to drive economic growth and value addition rather than export raw minerals. The government has concluded nationwide public consultations on the proposed legislation, which seeks to modernise the nuclear regulatory framework and establish three specialised institutions to oversee the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 17 July

Venaani calls on president to address Orange River border dispute
PDM leader McHenry Venaani has urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her visit to South Africa to push for resolution of the long-standing Orange River boundary dispute with South Africa. Venaani says the dispute has remained unresolved since independence and requires urgent political attention, and that he has tabled a motion in the National Assembly calling for the matter to be debated.
17 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 July

PDM leader urges immediate revival of Namibia's dairy industry
PDM president McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to procure 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle and launch a comprehensive national dairy revitalisation programme centred on the Vhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm in Kavango East, citing food security, reduced import dependence, and job creation as aims.
15 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 14 July

MPs warn ACC leadership must ensure impartial corruption investigations
Members of Parliament have challenged the incoming Anti-Corruption Commission leadership to demonstrate independence and impartiality, with lawmakers warning that the institution's credibility depends on investigating corruption without fear or favour. Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi criticized the outgoing ACC leadership and alleged the commission had been weaponized to settle political scores and applied investigations selectively.
14 July 2026 · New Era →

Monday 13 July

Parliament approves ACC chief, warns against selective justice
The National Assembly unanimously approved Bryan Eiseb as director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission while lawmakers across parties warned the institution must pursue corruption without political interference and shed its reputation for allowing politically connected cases to go unpunished.
13 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 11 July

Opposition blocks vote on ECN chairperson without documentation
Several opposition parties are refusing to approve Gerson Sindano's appointment as Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson until parliament provides all documentation on his nomination, including interview minutes and selection committee recommendations. Opposition leaders also raised concerns that Sindano's previous role as a personal assistant to Swapo's secretary general could undermine the commission's independence.
11 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 10 July

Opposition demands access to ECN selection records before vote
The Electoral Commission of Namibia leadership appointments have sparked a constitutional debate over Parliament's oversight powers. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda demanded postponement of the vote on the President's ECN nominees until lawmakers are provided with recruitment, interview, and selection committee records, arguing MPs cannot exercise informed judgment without them.
10 July 2026 · New Era →

Monday 6 July

Health training institutions seek simpler accreditation system
Health training institutions have called for a streamlined, harmonised accreditation system to reduce duplicate inspections and regulatory overlap. They cite long approval processes and a shortage of clinical training sites as obstacles to training health professionals.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 4 July

Unam nursing students turned away from clinics due to capacity limits
Nursing students at the University of Namibia are being turned away from some clinics because student numbers are growing faster than the capacity of health facilities to supervise clinical placements. Unam's executive dean told Parliament that overcrowding has become one of the university's biggest challenges.
4 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 3 July

Government dispatches teams as xenophobic attacks threaten Namibians in SA
Namibia's Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu said the government has dispatched two teams to South Africa and identified safety shelters as xenophobic violence rises and about 100 Namibians seek repatriation from the Namibian High Commission in Pretoria.
3 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 2 July

PDM MP demands clarity on Northern Communal Areas equalisation fund
PDM Member of Parliament Inna Hengari has raised concerns about the implementation and accountability of the Northern Communal Areas Price Equalisation Fund for farmers, calling for clear timelines, oversight mechanisms and structural safeguards. She submitted formal questions to the minister of agriculture on Wednesday regarding long-standing inequalities affecting northern farmers, including lower cattle prices and limited market access.
2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 1 July

Task force review of SOE salaries risks failure without implementation
Former finance minister Calle Schlettwein has warned that a new 11-member task force appointed to review state-owned enterprise salaries over three months will fail without strict implementation and broader structural reforms. He cited previous attempts that failed because SOEs regraded themselves to higher categories and a commission recommendation that was approved but never implemented.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
PM dismisses salary delay claims as technical matter
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has apologised to Kunene Region public servants over delayed salary payments and rejected claims by PDM leader McHenry Venaani that the delay was politically motivated. Venaani alleged that the Minister of Urban and Rural Development had stopped regional employees' salaries over a dispute with the former Chief Regional Officer, questioning the legal basis for withholding public servants' pay.
1 July 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 30 June

PDM leader accuses Swapo of delaying Kunene council salaries
PDM leader McHenry Venaani accused Swapo of political retaliation over delayed salary payments to 94 employees of the Kunene Regional Council, including four councillors, whose June salaries were blocked following intervention by the urban and rural development minister. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare denied deliberate withholding and attributed the delays to administrative and technical issues.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 25 June

Windhoek may seek legal changes for fibre commercialisation project
The City of Windhoek says it may seek legislative amendments to the Local Authorities Act after the Supreme Court ruled the municipality lacks legal authority to provide telecommunications services. The city views fibre commercialisation as essential to its smart city ambitions.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →