News reports
Order a long-term news report on Romeo Muyunda
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.
New Era
Romeo Muyunda said FMD does not cause HFMD in people
“"The current FMD outbreak in livestock in Namibia is unrelated to HFMD in humans, and FMD does not cause HFMD in people," he said.”
FMD, HFMD not the same illness – MuyundaNew Era
Romeo Muyunda cautioned the public against spreading unverified information
“The ministry's spokesperson Romeo Muyunda cautioned the public against spreading unverified information, clarifying that the two distinct viral conditions pose entirely separate threats to national health and the agricultural economy.”
FMD, HFMD not the same illness – MuyundaThe Namibian
Romeo Muyunda said the two outbreaks are not linked
“Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform spokesperson Romeo Muyunda this week said the two outbreaks are not linked.”
Zula to surviveThe Namibian
Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda stated 129 animal samples tested positive and 17 farms confirmed infected
“As of 6 October, a total of 129 animal samples have tested positive and 17 farms have been confirmed to be infected to date, says ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says.”
FMD spreads to 17 ||Kharas farmsThe Namibian
Muyunda says veterinary officials are tracing livestock movements to prevent further infections
“Muyunda says veterinary officials are also tracing livestock movements to determine how the disease may have spread and prevent further infections.”
FMD spreads to 17 ||Kharas farmsThe Namibian
Romeo Muyunda says people do not contract FMD by eating meat from infected animals
“"People do not contract foot-and-mouth disease by eating meat or consuming animal products from infected animals," says agriculture ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda.”
FMD meat won’t make humans sickNamibian Sun
Romeo Muyunda is Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform spokesperson
“Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said.”
Land reform advisory completeWindhoek Observer
Romeo Muyunda said the ministry was giving the matter urgent attention and would communicate the procedures once the modalities had been finalised
“He said the ministry was giving the matter urgent attention and would communicate the procedures once the modalities had been finalised.”
FMD culling sparks concern over farmers’ financial lossesThe Namibian
Romeo Muyunda reported the number of dead fish found is not a lot
“Namibia's fishing ministry spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, reported that the number of dead fish found is "not a lot".”
Mass sardine washouts prompt major concernsThe Namibian
Romeo Muyunda says transportation of livestock is not allowed; slaughter at home is permitted
“"Generally, transportation is not allowed. So if you're killing an animal and you're eating right there, that's fine," he says.”
FMD tests loveThe Ministry of Agriculture has clarified that the current Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in Namibian livestock is completely unrelated to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease reported in human populations and crèches. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals but does not infect humans.
19 October 2026 · New Era →
The Ministry of Agriculture has clarified that the current Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in Namibian livestock is completely unrelated to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease reported in human populations and crèches. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals but does not infect humans.
19 October 2026 · New Era →
An FMD outbreak confirmed at Kalala Island on 7 October has led to suspension of livestock auctions, movement restrictions and a ban on slaughtering in the Zambezi region, leaving farmers and informal traders unable to sell cattle for household expenses and school fees.
18 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture reports that as of 6 October, 129 animal samples tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease in the ||Kharas region, with 17 farms confirmed infected. The ministry has deployed 20 inspection teams, operated 16 veterinary checkpoints, and is tracing livestock movements to contain the outbreak first detected in the Karasburg State Veterinary District.
9 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Meat from animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease can be safely consumed by people, as FMD does not spread to humans. Namibia's current outbreak, confirmed in the ||Kharas region and now affecting 15 farms, is an animal health emergency with economic impact, not a human health risk.
8 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Land Reform Advisory Commission is now fully staffed following the appointment of four additional members at its first meeting. The commission, led by acting chairperson Petrus Canisius Nangol, was inaugurated in May 2026 but could not fully begin work under the Agricultural Land Reform Act until the vacant positions were filled.
8 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →
The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat, and certain processed meat products from Namibia following a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak confirmed last month in the ||Kharas region and now affecting 11 farms. The EU ambassador says Namibia's market share is small and EU businesses will source beef from other suppliers, with limited market impact expected.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The government is considering livestock culling as a control measure for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in affected and high-risk areas, with questions remaining about the financial implications for farmers whose animals would be destroyed.
6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Mass pilchard washouts are occurring along South African and Namibian coastlines, including areas from Cape Town to Henties Bay in Namibia. Scientists have detected sardine herpesvirus in fish, but it remains unclear whether the virus is causing deaths or making fish vulnerable to other stressors; testing of Namibian samples is underway, and authorities urge against collecting or eating washed-up fish due to health risks.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture says families may slaughter livestock at home for weddings and events, provided the animals are already at the venue, but transportation between locations remains prohibited following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Traditional authorities say the restrictions violate customs such as lobola, a traditional practice involving the transfer of cattle.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is developing a plan to divide its foot-and-mouth disease-free livestock zone into smaller zones following an FMD outbreak at a commercial farm in the ||Kharas region. Authorities are assessing costs and logistics, though some farmers worry stricter movement controls could create operational bottlenecks.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Stock records from Scombrus Fishing show two horse mackerel trawlers recorded 1,233,821kg of by-catch over 30 days, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says it cannot authenticate the figures. The ministry is pushing for tighter controls on by-catch, the unintended catch of marine species when fishing for another target.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture says N$40 million secured to buy grain from local farmers may not be sufficient to purchase all the produce currently in storage, and the ministry is seeking additional funding to expand the procurement programme.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani met with the Namib Foods Group to explore public-private partnerships aimed at boosting local food production, processing, and distribution. The discussions focused on strengthening links between farmers, processors, and other agricultural players to improve food security and increase local production.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →
6th Grain Corporation is demanding N$13 million from the Namibian government after Cabinet cancelled its crop-monitoring contract, citing non-compliance with legal and procedural requirements. The company claims compensation for completion of work and alleges severe reputational damage, giving the government until 25 September to settle.
14 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Experts question the Central Procurement Board of Namibia's decision to cancel a competitive tender for a N$122-million veterinary cordon fencing project that attracted 23 bids, then award it via emergency procurement to a different contractor. A political analyst says the cancellation could expose the board to legal challenges and create the impression of bias toward a particular bidder.
13 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A team of Chinese experts has arrived in Namibia for a two-week study on the possibility of drilling boreholes and developing groundwater sources across all 14 regions, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. The study will assess potential groundwater availability, water quality, and technical requirements for borehole drilling, with findings intended to guide future water projects and possible cooperation between Namibia and China.
11 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A Chinese expert team has arrived in Namibia to conduct a two-week feasibility study assessing groundwater availability and borehole drilling potential across all 14 regions at no cost to the government. The study could form the foundation for future groundwater development projects and deeper cooperation between the two countries.
11 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An independent meteorologist has warned Namibia's authorities not to delay strengthening health-sector preparedness as El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen from October, potentially bringing drought, extreme temperatures, and water and food insecurity. The Namibia Meteorological Service forecasts rainfall deficits and temperature rises of up to 3°C in some areas between January and March, though the meteorologist cautioned against assuming El Niño will automatically cause severe drought across the country.
8 September 2026 · The Namibian →
US Ambassador John Giordano was denied entry to the National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay on Friday because he had not been invited to the paid-for event and was not listed on the guest list. The denial was based on protocol rules preventing entry after the president had already been seated.
7 September 2026 · New Era →
The Fisheries Ministry is investigating reports of dead fish washed ashore at Henties Bay and has urged the public not to consume them until the cause is determined. Samples have been collected for scientific analysis to establish the underlying cause and extent of the mortalities.
3 September 2026 · Informanté →
Dead fish were found offshore and along the coastline at Henties Bay on Wednesday morning. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has collected samples for testing to determine the cause, affected species, and extent of the deaths, while advising the public not to consume the dead fish.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Kavango East governor Julius Hambyuka says government-run green schemes in the region are showing signs of improved production, with some now fully operational, though several still lack enough equipment and farming implements. The region's six green schemes currently receive central funding, and the Ministry of Agriculture acknowledges equipment shortages due to budget constraints and is prioritising purchasing more supplies.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture has formally terminated its Remote Sensing Agricultural Services Agreement with 6th Grain Corporation, which aimed to implement an AI and satellite imagery-driven crop monitoring system. The ministry's spokesperson stated the decision followed a review that found the agreement did not meet requisite legal and procedural requirements for government contracts.
20 August 2026 · Informanté →
The government has cancelled its agreement with US-based 6th Grain Corporation for an AI and satellite imagery-driven crop monitoring system. The agriculture ministry said the review found the agreement did not meet required legal and procedural requirements.
19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has intensified a nationwide campaign to remove illegal fences erected on communal land, with operations underway in multiple regions since 2025. Since the start of 2025, twelve illegal fences covering approximately 6,914 hectares have been removed across Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omaheke regions, with further removals expected in Oshikoto and other communal areas.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has admitted that 912 beneficiaries under the Government Employment Redress Programme are not actively employed, out of 2,255 total beneficiaries, following criticism from the Institute for Public Policy Research that the programme has failed to deliver meaningful employment for fisheries workers affected by the Fishrot corruption scandal.
1 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A N$39 million contract awarded to US agricultural technology company 6th Grain to implement an artificial intelligence-driven crop monitoring system for Namibia has sparked public debate over the procurement process and how the agreement was communicated, with the announcement made first by the US Embassy rather than the Namibian government.
30 July 2026 · New Era →
The International University of Management's Institute of Water Resource Management says it can help Namibia address water management challenges and integrate knowledge-sharing as the country prepares to host the 2028 World Basin Summit of the International Network Basins Organisation.
29 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture and China's General Administration of Customs have signed a Protocol establishing phytosanitary requirements for fresh Namibian table grapes to access the Chinese market, with provisions for orchard registration, pest management, facility approval, and compliance checks.
14 July 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to construct a veterinary cordon fence along the Namibia–South Africa border to safeguard the livestock sector and prevent the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, with contractors invited to bid by 14 July 2026. The fence is intended to control livestock movement across the border and reduce the risk of transboundary animal diseases that could have serious economic implications for Namibia's livestock industry.
10 July 2026 · Informanté →