Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
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Person

Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

Also known as: Speaker of the National Assembly · Speaker · Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · the speaker · then prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · NA speaker · Hon Speaker · National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · MP · Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · Hon. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · the Speaker of the National Assembly · erstwhile prime minister · Kuugongelwa – Amadhila

National Assembly speaker who oversees parliamentary procedures, committee assignments, and public messaging on Namibian governance and national priorities.

Politics

National Assembly speaker clarifies MP leave is not automatic

The News

National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that MPs are not automatically entitled to leave of absence and that requests can be declined under Standing Rule 76. She stressed that leave is typically granted only for illness, bereavement of close family, official committee duties, or parliamentary travel, and must be formally submitted with reasons and approval from party chief whips.

14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. National Assembly speaker clarifies MP leave is not automatic

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that MPs are not automatically entitled to leave of absence and that requests can be declined under Standing Rule 76. She stressed that leave is typically granted only for illness, bereavement of close family, official committee duties, or parliamentary travel, and must be formally submitted with reasons and approval from party chief whips.

    14 hours ago · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Namibia launches national campaign supporting Cuba against US embargo

    Namibia has launched a national solidarity campaign backing Cuba and calling for an end to the United States' longstanding blockade, with National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stating that parliament stands united across political parties on the issue and describing the embargo as a violation of international law and sovereignty.

    22 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 →

Friday 10 April

  1. LPM boycotts presidential address, citing recycled promises

    The Landless People's Movement boycotted President Nandi-Ndaitwah's State of the Nation Address, calling it political theatre that masks poor governance; the presidency responded that dialogue is essential in a democracy and that such absences represent a missed opportunity to raise concerns.

    10 April 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 8 April

  1. National Assembly adjourns to honour deceased Swapo parliamentarian Uerikua

    The National Assembly adjourned on Tuesday following the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died on Friday. The Speaker announced the adjournment after consultation with party chief whips, and President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uerikua's family.

    8 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 28 March

  1. National Assembly budget cuts risk crippling parliamentary work

    Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.

    28 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 March

  1. Speaker defends parliamentary rulings as consistent application of rules

    Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has responded to opposition criticism—particularly from Popular Democratic Movement legislator Inna Hengari—that she arbitrarily interrupts members and rules them out of order, saying her interventions are constitutional duties applying Parliament's own Standing Rules consistently and without exception, not personal acts.

    27 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Parliament warns public of fake video using Speaker's image

    The National Assembly has warned the public against a fraudulent deepfake video circulating on social media that falsely depicts Speaker Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila endorsing an investment scheme promising unrealistic returns of up to USD 12,600 per day. The Assembly stressed that the Speaker has not endorsed or associated herself with any such scheme and urged caution against online material promising unusually high financial returns.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Speaker honours liberation struggle on Namibia's 36th independence day

    At celebrations in Nkurenkuru, Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila commemorated Namibia's independence and the sacrifices of liberation heroes, while calling for renewed focus on socio-economic transformation, agricultural development, and inclusive growth to fulfil the vision of Vision 2030.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. National Assembly clears Shaningwa of unparliamentary language allegation

    The National Assembly speaker has ruled that Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa did not use profanity in parliament, after consulting official Hansard recordings of an alleged incident from last year in which she was accused of using the f-word to an IPC member.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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