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Friday, 17 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 17 July 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Renthia Kaimbi

2026-04-302026-07-17

What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026
  2. Windhoek Observer

    Renthia Kaimbi was arrested in connection with theft of suspected stolen medicines from Otjiwarongo State Hospital

    Source

    A 40-year-old Congolese national was arrested in connection with the theft of suspected stolen medicines from the Otjiwarongo State Hospital, which were allegedly found on the shelves of a tuckshop in Orwetoveni on Friday.

    Congolese arrested for theft of suspected stolen state hospital medicines
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Renthia Kaimbi was among the eight shortlisted candidates who failed written assessment

    Source

    The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been forced to restart the search for the next Prosecutor-General after none of the eight shortlisted candidates passed a written assessment, raising fresh questions about the depth of senior prosecutorial talent in the country.

    PG recruitment hits dead end as eight candidates fail written test
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Renthia Kaimbi officially unveiled Swakopmund's new welcome sign on Tuesday

    Source

    Renthia Kaimbi Swakopmund officially unveiled its new welcome sign on Tuesday in a ceremony marked by celebration, community pride, and a clear vision for the town's future.

    OBSERVER COASTAL | Swakop unveils new welcome sign
  5. May 2026
  6. Windhoek Observer

    Renthia Kaimbi has planned to make GLOBALG.A.P. certification compulsory for all horticultural exports by 2027

    Source

    Renthia Kaimbi Namibia's plan to make GLOBALG.A.P. certification compulsory for all horticultural exports by 2027 is facing financial, operational and structural challenges, according to a new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

    Horticulture certification export plans hampered by costs
Society

Walvis Bay children's home faces monthly N$43,000 funding shortfall

The News

Jonah Home in Walvis Bay, which cares for twenty vulnerable children, faces a monthly funding shortfall exceeding N$43,000 that threatens its ability to provide basic necessities. The facility has become a de facto national repository for child protection cases from across Namibia, with children often lacking birth certificates and requiring intensive medical or psychological support.

16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Yesterday

  1. Walvis Bay children's home faces monthly N$43,000 funding shortfall

    Jonah Home in Walvis Bay, which cares for twenty vulnerable children, faces a monthly funding shortfall exceeding N$43,000 that threatens its ability to provide basic necessities. The facility has become a de facto national repository for child protection cases from across Namibia, with children often lacking birth certificates and requiring intensive medical or psychological support.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Rescue teams appeal for closure in teen drowning case

    Namibian Marshall Rangers Emergency Rescue Services have appealed to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene in concluding a search and recovery operation for a 15-year-old boy, Erwin Bezuidenhoudt, who drowned in the Atlantic Ocean in Swakopmund on July 2, 2026. The recovery effort has been hampered by legal and technical obstacles involving private entities, despite multi-agency collaboration including the Police, Navy, and Municipality.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. Swapo denies managing Farm 37 housing list at district office

    Swapo Party's Walvis Bay Rural district coordinator Patrick Barthomeus has denied allegations that the party is managing the municipal housing beneficiary list for the Farm 37 housing project from its district office, calling such claims "malicious lies and propaganda." He stated that Swapo Party district offices are not government institutions and lack the mandate or authority to carry out government functions like housing allocation.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Grave of Okahandja murder victim desecrated with burned snake

    The grave of six-year-old Roswinds Fabianu, who was murdered in Okahandja in April 2025, was vandalized on the death anniversary when unidentified people allegedly burned a snake on her tombstone, scorching it and devastating the family.

    30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Friday 26 June

  1. Daure Daman Traditional Authority opposes ultimate.earth leasehold bid

    The Daure Daman Traditional Authority has formally objected to tourism operator ultimate.earth's application for a leasehold of communal land in Kunene Region, citing concerns about consultation and conduct. The objection, submitted to the Kunene Communal Land Board, is part of an ongoing dispute involving a Joint Management Agreement with three conservancies and a separate legal battle with Goantagab Tin Mine.

    26 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. RCC faces High Court winding-up threat over N$5m debt

    The Roads Contractor Company is facing legal action from Dust Construction and Civils over a rejected lease-to-own equipment agreement, with a law firm demanding N$4,969,345.23 within 48 hours and threatening to apply for the company's provisional winding-up in the High Court. The action comes after Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi described RCC as "a mess" over its disclaimer audit opinion and payment failures.

    26 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 25 June

  1. 111 fishermen jobless five months under GERP dispute

    A group of 111 fishermen officially allocated to Merlus Cormorant Fishing Company under the Government Employment Redress Programme have been without employment, contracts, or salaries for five months. The Okapare Fishermen Association says the company has indicated only 40 positions are available, leaving the remaining workers' futures uncertain and their families facing severe financial hardship.

    25 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 23 June

  1. New Marriage Act requires disclosure of existing customary unions

    Namibia's new Marriage Act of 2024, which repealed the colonial 1961 Act, requires men to declare all existing customary wives before entering a civil marriage. The legislation introduces formal recognition and regulation of customary marriages through the ministry of home affairs, though customary unions are still celebrated according to community traditions and registering them requires a separate dedicated law.

    23 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 22 June

  1. NYC assembly descends into chaos, wastes N$2 million

    The National Youth Council's general assembly in Swakopmund descended into violence on Saturday, injuring nine delegates and forcing the electoral committee to resign over safety concerns. The suspended election process, marred by allegations of political interference and back-door deals, has wasted an estimated N$2 million in public funds.

    22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Saturday 20 June

  1. Congolese national arrested over hospital medicines smuggling scheme

    A 40-year-old Congolese national was arrested in connection with suspected stolen medicines from Otjiwarongo State Hospital found on shelves of a tuckshop in Orwetoveni. Police say the arrest stemmed from a physical confrontation with a former health assistant over profit-sharing from the sale of medicines, baby formula, and diapers allegedly smuggled from the hospital.

    20 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 18 June

  1. N$4.2 million mobile NaTIS truck launched in Omatjete

    The Minister of Works and Transport officially launched a N$4.2 million mobile NaTIS truck in Omatjete on Monday, offering vision testing, biometric capturing, learner licence testing, and vehicle licence issuances to residents. The mobile unit is presented as cost-effective compared to building conventional Registering Authority centres.

    18 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Youth coalition endorses Ester Simon for NYC chairperson

    A coalition of youth and student groups from across Namibia's political spectrum has endorsed Ester Simon as their sole candidate for executive chairperson of the National Youth Council, ahead of the NYC's elective General Assembly in Swakopmund. Simon will contest the position against former NANSO president Simon Taapopi.

    17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 15 June

  1. Tsumeb CEO appointment approved but not yet formally commenced

    The Minister of urban and rural development approved Calista Schwartz-Gowases's appointment as Tsumeb municipality CEO effective 1 June 2026, but she has not yet received a formal letter of appointment and has not commenced work. The appointment faced internal council dispute over procedural irregularities, with some councillors raising concerns about deviation from the interview panel's recommendation.

    15 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Friday 12 June

  1. Orange River border dispute between Namibia, South Africa unresolved

    Nearly two years after a technical committee reached agreement, the formalisation of the disputed Orange River border between Namibia and South Africa remains unresolved. The dispute centres on whether the boundary follows the high-water mark of the northern bank (South Africa's position based on the 1890 Helgoland-Zanzibar Treaty) or runs along the median line of the river (Namibia's constitutional position), with the river's diamonds, minerals, and water resources for agriculture at stake.

    12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 11 June

  1. Namibia restarts search after eight PG candidates fail test

    The Judicial Service Commission has abandoned its shortlisted candidates for Prosecutor-General after all eight failed a written assessment designed to test legal knowledge and analytical ability; the highest score was 49%, below the required 50% pass mark.

    11 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Minister Steenkamp accused of irregular special advisor appointment

    Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has been accused of irregularly appointing Uhuru Dempers as her special advisor on youth matters and paying him without following proper recruitment procedures. Sources claim Dempers has been attending meetings on the minister's behalf since October 2025 and allegedly lobbied on behalf of an interim board at a National Youth Council meeting in ways not provided for by the NYC Act.

    10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 9 June

  1. ACC summons health ministry official over procurement fraud probe

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has issued a formal summons to a member of the ministry of health and social services' Bid Evaluation Committee to appear for questioning over allegations of procurement manipulation, supply chain fraud, and theft of pharmaceutical medicines from state warehouses. The official is to appear before an ACC investigator on 18 August 2026.

    9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 4 June

  1. Swakopmund unveils welcome sign to boost tourism

    Swakopmund officially unveiled a new welcome sign on Tuesday in a ceremony marking what the mayor described as the first step in a strategy to boost tourism and support local business. Two additional welcome signs are planned for strategic locations on the B2 Road from Arandis and the road to Henties Bay.

    4 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Anonymous whistleblower alleges corruption at NIPDB

    An anonymous complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission has alleged corruption, nepotism, favouritism and governance irregularities at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board under former CEO Nangula Uaandja between 2021 and 2025. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, include claims of recruitment irregularities, including the appointment of Tinus Fourie to positions without public advertisement or interview.

    2 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 1 June

  1. Government mandates exclusive fuel sourcing from Vitol

    The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has directed all fuel companies in Namibia to source petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol between July and September 2026, citing emergency arrangements and the supplier's willingness to waive financial guarantees. Industry sources report that Vitol fuel is often more expensive than competitors', and the appointment has drawn scrutiny over procurement transparency and Vitol's history of allegations regarding substandard fuel supply.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Health ministry removes registrar of medicines, appoints successor

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services has removed Fransina Nambahu as registrar of medicines at the Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council and appointed Frieda Shiweda to the position effective 1 June 2026. Sources told the Windhoek Observer that Nambahu was removed after refusing to approve substandard medicines, contradicting the ministry's stated reason of structural review.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 27 May

  1. TransNamib executives suspended for misconduct return to work

    Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Namibia's GLOBALG.A.P. certification plan faces cost and structural hurdles

    Namibia's plan to require GLOBALG.A.P. certification for all horticultural exports by 2027 faces financial, operational, and structural challenges, including the Namibian Agronomic Board's dual role as trainer and regulator, high costs of training and farm assessments, and expensive laboratory testing due to low volumes.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Friday 22 May

  1. High Court rejects NCIS director's bid for secret hearing

    The High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Namibia Central Intelligence Service director general Sinsy Nghipandua to have a defamation case heard behind closed doors, with deputy judge president Shafimana Ueitele ruling that broad national security claims do not justify secrecy in court proceedings. The case stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by senior public servant Fiina Elago against the NCIS and the minister of home affairs, claiming an NCIS official falsely stated her security vetting could not be finalised due to a pending case with her previous employer, which she denies.

    22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 21 May

  1. Erongo Regional Council launches training to improve procurement capacity

    The Erongo Regional Council has launched a five-day procurement training programme aimed at addressing delays and administrative problems affecting project implementation and service delivery. The training brought together members of the procurement management unit, bid evaluation committees and procurement committees to tackle weak procurement capacity and procedural challenges that have delayed projects and affected budget implementation.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Erongo Red launches electricity safety campaign

    The Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor has launched a safety campaign urging customers to use electricity safely by avoiding overloaded plugs, exposed cables, and faulty wiring, and to report hazards immediately. The campaign aims to prevent accidents, injuries, and fires in homes and communities.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 11 May

  1. Education ministry seeks to cancel costly empty building lease

    The Ministry of Education has sought legal advice to cancel a lease agreement for an unoccupied Independence Avenue building that has cost the state N$1.1 million monthly since 2024. The building, leased from northern businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba since December 2023, was found unsuitable for office use and remains empty.

    11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Road crash claims eleven lives; dispute over victim identities

    A minibus operated by the Ministry of Health and Social Services crashed between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo on Friday, killing eleven people including two nurses and a driver. Sources dispute the ministry's claim that eight victims were patients, alleging they were hitchhikers picked up along the route, which has complicated identification efforts.

    5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 30 April

  1. Fishing unions accused of conflicts in worker representation roles

    Union officials representing fishing industry workers face accusations of conflicting roles, including acting as human resources officers and chairing disciplinary hearings for workers they represent. Concerns were also raised about unions that hold fishing quotas being unable to negotiate fairly for workers, since the companies landing their quotas are the same ones whose employees they must represent.

    30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Erongo leaders warn corruption impedes regional economic development

    At an Anti-Corruption Commission consultative meeting in Erongo, regional leaders said corruption is slowing development and weakening public trust. An evaluation of the current anti-corruption strategy showed a 71% implementation rate, with Namibia's corruption perception index score remaining at 49 for four years, below the target of 65.

    30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Renthia Kaimbi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute