Also known as: then prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · Hon. Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · Kuugongelwa – Amadhila · Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila · Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
Speaker of the National Assembly, Namibia's top three government position holder, and advocate for women's political representation and parliamentary oversight expansion.
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New Era
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila serves as Speaker of the National Assembly
“the Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, is also a woman and one of Namibia's veteran politicians.”
Namibia leads Africa’s gender equality rankingsInformanté
Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila enforced adjournment at the scheduled time
“FINANCE Minister Ericah Shafudah raised concerns in the National Assembly yesterday, criticising prolonged deliberations with little outcome before Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila enforced adjournment at the scheduled time.”
Minister Shafudah questions impact of lengthy deliberationsInformanté
Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila ruled that the sitting be adjourned
“The Speaker ruled that the sitting be adjourned, adding that chief whips are expected to ensure members arrive on time in future to allow proceedings to begin promptly.”
Minister Shafudah questions impact of lengthy deliberationsThe Namibian
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila set aside appointment of Phelem Masule as ACC head in July 2020
“Masule was informed in July 2020 that he had been appointed as the ACC's head of investigations and prosecutions. In a letter at the end of July 2020, however, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila notified him that she had set aside his appointment.”
Supreme Court finds ex-PM’s ACC block lawfulNew Era
Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Tjitendero's leadership strengthened democratic structures
“Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Tjitendero's leadership strengthened democratic structures.”
Tjitendero’s legacy shapes Namibia’s democracy – NNNThe Namibian
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila paid tribute to Mosé Tjitendero as a principled leader
“National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has paid tribute to founding speaker Mosé Tjitendero, describing him as a principled leader who presided over parliamentary debates without fear or favour.”
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila honours Tjitendero’s impartial leadership legacyThe Namibian
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila clarified that MPs are not automatically entitled to leave of absence
“National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that members of parliament (MPs) are not automatically entitled to leave of absence, stressing that such requests can be declined under the assembly's standing rules.”
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila clarifies MP leave rules confusionThe Namibian
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila spoke at the launch of the Namibia National Solidarity Campaign in support of Cuba
“National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila spoke at the launch of the Namibia National Solidarity Campaign in support of the people of Cuba in Windhoek on Wednesday.”
Cuba solidarity: Namibia campaigns against US blockadeThe Namibian
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila described the continued impact of blockading Cuba as a violation of international law and sovereignty
“Kuugongelwa-Amadhila described the continued impact of blockading Cuba as a violation of international law and sovereignty, calling for its immediate removal.”
Cuba solidarity: Namibia campaigns against US blockadeThe Namibian
Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced the adjournment
“Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced the adjournment, saying the House would resume on Wednesday following the president's state of the nation address.”
National Assembly adjourns in honour of UerikuaNational Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged media organisations to report fairly on women in leadership positions, saying coverage often focuses on controversy and personal conduct rather than their work and achievements. She argues this imbalanced reporting erodes public confidence in women leaders and discourages women from participating in public life.
3 hours ago · The Namibian →
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged media organisations to report fairly on women in leadership positions, saying coverage often focuses on controversy and personal conduct rather than their work and achievements. She argues this imbalanced reporting erodes public confidence in women leaders and discourages women from participating in public life.
3 hours ago · The Namibian →
Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on media institutions to improve coverage of women in leadership positions, saying disproportionate focus on controversy and personal conduct over professional achievements erodes public confidence in women leaders and discourages their participation in public life.
6 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament was adjourned early on Wednesday after chaotic scenes erupted in the National Assembly, with the Speaker struggling to maintain order during heated exchanges between MPs over speaking procedures and points of order. The Speaker reminded members that parliamentary rules must be followed and warned that continued disruptions could not be allowed to derail proceedings.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of monopolistic tendencies after the Minister of Mines and Energy announced Vitol Bahrain E.C. as Namibia's sole supplier of bulk petroleum products from July to September 2026. The three-month deal is expected to save the country about N$1 billion, though the Namibian Competition Commission earlier found Vitol controlled an estimated 75% to 85% of the intra-wholesale fuel market.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →
Benjamin Hauwanga and Simeon Nghinananye have settled a defamation case in which Hauwanga sued Nghinananye for N$500 000. Under the settlement made an order of the Windhoek High Court, Nghinananye agreed to publicly apologise and retract allegations, while Hauwanga withdrew his claim and waived legal costs; Nghinananye must pay N$200 000 if he repeats the defamatory allegations within five years.
31 May 2026 · The Namibian →
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday emphasised the need to deepen Namibia-China cooperation during a visit by a Chinese parliamentary delegation headed by Zhu Yongxin, vice chairperson of China's national committee of the People's Political Consultative Conference. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Namibia seeks to build on its longstanding relationship with China to advance mutual development, economic growth and prosperity for both nations.
30 May 2026 · The Namibian →
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said that while commemorating Namibia's 1904–1908 genocide is necessary, the country must remain committed to addressing unresolved questions of recognition and reparation. She stressed that the 2021 joint declaration with Germany represented progress, but Namibia's concerns must be fully reflected in its implementation to achieve true justice and reconciliation.
28 May 2026 · Informanté →
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Namibia's Genocide Remembrance Day commemorates the systematic killing of Ovaherero and Nama people by German colonial forces between 1904 and 1908, and stressed that remembrance alone is insufficient—addressing unresolved recognition and reparations issues remains necessary, despite the 2021 Joint Declaration between Namibia and Germany.
28 May 2026 · The Namibian →
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on parliaments across Southern Africa to expand financial oversight beyond central governments to include pension funds.
22 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Namibia has been ranked Africa's most gender-equal country and the only African nation in the global top 10, with an overall gender gap closed by over 81.1%. The country's achievement is attributed to progressive policies and institutional reforms, including being the first globally where women hold the top three government positions: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, and National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will address the main Cassinga Day commemoration in Olukekete village in the Omusati Region, alongside National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and other dignitaries. The event honours Namibians killed on 4 May 1978, when the South African Defence Force attacked a SWAPO base at Cassinga in southern Angola.
4 May 2026 · Informanté →
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah criticised prolonged parliamentary deliberations that yield little substantive progress, saying nearly two hours were spent on procedural matters without reaching decisions. Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila acknowledged the concern but held that adjournment rules must be enforced.
29 April 2026 · Informanté →
The Supreme Court found that former prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila acted lawfully under the Public Service Act when she blocked the appointment of Phelem Masule as the Anti-Corruption Commission's chief of investigations and prosecutions in July 2020. Although the court found the High Court erred in setting aside her decision, it dismissed the government's appeal after determining the appellants failed to rely on the correct section of the Act in their appeal.
29 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah honoured founding National Assembly Speaker Mose Tjitendero at his 20th death commemoration at Heroes Acre, calling on Namibians to defend and strengthen democracy by following Tjitendero's legacy of transparency, inclusivity, accountability and the rule of law in building Parliament after independence.
28 April 2026 · New Era →
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila paid tribute to founding speaker Mosé Tjitendero during the marking of his 20th death anniversary, describing him as a principled leader who presided over parliamentary debates without fear or favour and established impartiality of the chair as a democratic norm.
26 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has dismissed allegations published by Forbidden Stories, based on leaked documents linked to Russian intelligence, that he solicited millions of dollars to support Swapo's 2024 election campaign. He said he will not pursue legal action and denied ever requesting external funding for the party.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece reflecting on Namibia's 36 years of independence marks achievements in education, gender equality, and healthcare while identifying persistent challenges including youth unemployment, land inequality, poverty, corruption, and unresolved historical reconciliation. The authors argue that true independence requires addressing social justice, equitable resource distribution, and honest engagement with the nation's colonial and apartheid past.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
Since independence in 1990, Namibia's Parliament has evolved into a democratically elected body and now has its first female speaker, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, elected in March 2025. However, political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah notes that despite its progressive constitutional framework, Parliament has struggled with weak oversight of the executive due to single-party dominance and the executive being drawn directly from Parliament, resulting in limited depth in legislative debate.
20 March 2026 · New Era →
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila announced a reshuffle of Swapo MPs across standing committees, parliamentary friendship groups and multilateral organisations, with several lawmakers removed from previous roles and reassigned with immediate effect.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called for reforms to the legal system and redress processes for gender-based violence survivors, arguing that current procedures are often re-traumatising and that courts, police and social services are central to addressing GBV. She emphasised that reform must address interconnected causes including poverty, mental health challenges, limited law enforcement capacity, and cultural norms that undervalue women's safety and autonomy.
17 March 2026 · Informanté →
Minister Emma Theofelus drew criticism from consumer activists after stating that pensioners falling victim to online scams bear responsibility for protecting themselves, while activists argue the government should run awareness campaigns and opponents point to legislative gaps in data protection and cybercrime laws.
16 March 2026 · The Namibian →