Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 24 July 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

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 Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

Speaker of the National Assembly, presiding over parliamentary proceedings and engaging in domestic and international diplomatic outreach.

2022-09-162026-07-24

What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026
  2. Informanté

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila pledged continued advocacy for greater awareness and support for inclusive care services

    Source

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila concluded by commending the centre's staff for their dedication, resilience and compassion, pledging continued advocacy for greater awareness and support for inclusive care services across the country.

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila praises Beyond Barriers Centre, calls for stronger inclusive care and community support
  3. The Namibian

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on media organisations to report fairly on women in leadership positions

    Source

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on media organisations to report fairly on women in leadership positions.

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urges fair reporting on women
  4. The Namibian

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made remarks at the 35th anniversary celebrations of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation in Windhoek on Friday

    Source

    She made the remarks at the 35th anniversary celebrations of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation in Windhoek on Friday.

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urges fair reporting on women
  5. The Namibian

    Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on media institutions to improve portrayal of women in news

    Source

    Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on media institutions to improve the way women, particularly those in leadership positions, are portrayed in the news.

    Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila calls for fairer portrayal of women in media
  6. The Namibian

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on NBC to reflect critically on editorial practices relating to gender

    Source

    I therefore call upon the NBC on this milestone anniversary to reflect critically on its editorial practices as they relate to gender.

    Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila calls for fairer portrayal of women in media
  7. Informanté

    Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila ruled the House out of order and called for a 10-minute break

    Source

    As the situation deteriorated, the Speaker ruled the House out of order and called for a 10-minute break in an attempt to restore calm.

    Parliament adjourned amid chaotic scenes as Speaker calls for order following disruption in National Assembly
  8. May 2026
  9. The Namibian

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila emphasised the need to deepen Namibia-China cooperation

    Source

    National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday emphasised the need to deepen Namibia-China cooperation during a Chinese parliamentary delegation's courtesy visit on Wednesday.

    Namibia, China aiming for deeper cooperation
  10. Informanté

    Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said Namibia must remain committed to addressing unresolved issues of recognition and reparations relating to 1904-1908 genocide

    Source

    THE Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said that while commemorating history is important, Namibia must remain committed to addressing the unresolved issues of recognition and reparations relating to the genocide committed between 1904 and 1908.

    Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urges continued commitment to genocide justice and reparations
  11. The Namibian

    Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says the systematic killing of the Ovaherero and Nama people by German colonial forces constituted genocide

    Source

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila says the systematic killing of the Ovaherero and Nama people by German colonial forces constituted genocide and remains a painful chapter in Namibia's history.

    Genocide Remembrance Day a call for justice, healing – Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
  12. The Namibian

    Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stresses that remembrance alone is not enough; Namibia must continue addressing unresolved issues of recognition and reparations

    Source

    The speaker stresses that remembrance alone is not enough, saying Namibia must continue addressing unresolved issues of recognition and reparations.

    Genocide Remembrance Day a call for justice, healing – Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
Society

Fake cop swindles former home affairs minister of N$200,000

The News

An unknown person posing as a police chief inspector from Kongola in the Zambezi region allegedly defrauded former home affairs minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana of N$200,000 on 8 July while she was at home. The case is under investigation and has been forwarded to commercial crime.

13 July 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 13 July

  1. Fake cop swindles former home affairs minister of N$200,000

    An unknown person posing as a police chief inspector from Kongola in the Zambezi region allegedly defrauded former home affairs minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana of N$200,000 on 8 July while she was at home. The case is under investigation and has been forwarded to commercial crime.

    13 July 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 12 July

  1. EU invests N$127 million in Namibia's parliamentary democracy programme

    The parliament, the National Planning Commission and the European Union have concluded a six-year Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia programme, which invested €6 million (about N$127 million) in strengthening democratic governance, parliamentary oversight and citizen participation since August 2020.

    12 July 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 11 July

  1. 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

  1. 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

  2. Amupanda seeks court order to halt ECN appointment vote

    Parliamentary leader Job Amupanda has filed an urgent High Court application to stop the National Assembly from approving Electoral Commission of Namibia nominees, arguing that lawmakers lack access to key selection documents needed for informed decision-making. He is demanding disclosure of interview minutes, scoresheets, the selection committee's recommendation, and the President's nomination, claiming the lack of records prevents lawmakers from exercising constitutional oversight.

    10 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Speaker rejects demand for ECN selection process records

    The Speaker of the National Assembly has dismissed demands by Affirmative Repositioning leader Dr Job Amupanda to provide internal records from the Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson and commissioner nomination process. The Speaker cited the Electoral Act, stating the National Assembly's role is confined to approving or rejecting the President's nominations, not scrutinising the selection committee's internal processes.

    8 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Speaker's office denies fault in parliamentary question backlog

    The Office of the Speaker has rejected claims that National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is responsible for a growing backlog of unanswered parliamentary questions, stating the delays lie with the executive. Of 550 National Assembly questions tabled since the eighth parliament began, 166 have been disposed of and one was withdrawn for a ministerial statement.

    8 July 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 30 June

  1. National Assembly Speaker visits David Sheehama Secondary School

    National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila visited David Sheehama Senior Secondary School in Outapi, Omusati region, as part of an outreach effort to learners.

    30 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

Monday 29 June

  1. IPC accuses Kapofi of mishandling veterans' protest concerns

    The IPC's shadow minister of defence Aloisius Kangulu says Defence Minister Frans Kapofi sidestepped an urgent parliamentary question calling for direct intervention with liberation struggle veterans protesting outside Swapo Party headquarters, instead providing an explanation of veterans' benefits. Kangulu clarified that the question centred on why Kapofi had not personally visited the veterans, and that receiving statutory benefits does not address their broader demands for justice and dignity.

    29 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 21 June

  1. Parliament disrupted again as opposition challenges speaker authority

    The national assembly adjourned Wednesday after opposition parliamentarians clashed with speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila over her authorisation of the finance minister to speak on behalf of the prime minister. The editorial argues that repeated parliamentary disruptions reflect a failure of political leadership across parties and have prevented debate on critical legislation, including the petroleum bill.

    21 June 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 17 June

  1. National Assembly descends into disorder over speaker's rulings

    Opposition parliamentarians from the PDM, AR, and IPC challenged speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on Wednesday over the manner in which she was conducting proceedings, with members arguing she was dismissing points of order without allowing them to be heard. The confrontation erupted after finance minister Ericah Shafudah was authorised to table and read a debate speech on behalf of prime minister Elijah Ngurare, a move strongly opposed by opposition parties.

    17 June 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 15 June

  1. Speaker praises Beyond Barriers Centre, urges community care

    Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila visited the Beyond Barriers Pediatric Centre in Swakopmund and commended its work supporting children with developmental and special needs, calling for stronger inclusive healthcare and community responsibility alongside government efforts.

    15 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 8 June

  1. Speaker calls for fair media coverage of women leaders

    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.

    8 June 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 6 June

  1. Speaker urges media to portray women leaders more fairly

    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

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Parliament adjourned early after chaotic scenes disrupt assembly

    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

  2. Vitol sole fuel supply deal draws monopoly concerns in Parliament

    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

Sunday 31 May

  1. Businessman and Ongwediva resident settle defamation case

    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

Saturday 30 May

  1. National Assembly speaker emphasises deeper Namibia-China cooperation

    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

Thursday 28 May

  1. Speaker urges commitment to genocide recognition and reparations

    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

  2. Genocide remembrance requires justice and healing, says speaker

    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

Friday 22 May

  1. Speaker urges parliaments to expand financial oversight scope

    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

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Namibia ranked first in Africa for gender equality

    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

Monday 4 May

  1. President Nandi-Ndaitwah keynote speaker at Cassinga Day commemoration

    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

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Finance Minister questions Parliament's lengthy debates with little outcome

    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

  2. Supreme Court upholds ex-PM's block of ACC investigator

    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

Tuesday 28 April

  1. President calls on Namibians to defend democracy at Tjitendero commemoration

    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

Sunday 26 April

  1. National Assembly speaker honours Tjitendero's impartial leadership legacy

    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

Thursday 23 April

  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.

    23 April 2026 · 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

Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute