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Wednesday, 4 November 2026
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Wednesday, 4 November 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Sakarias Uunona

Also known as: Mayor Sakarias Uunona · Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona · His Worship Sakarias Uunona · Your Worship Councillor Sakarias Uunona

Windhoek Mayor who attended the 5th International Transport Summit in Moscow to explore infrastructure improvements for the city's public transport system.

2026-02-042026-11-04
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News reports

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What’s been said

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  1. November 2026

  2. Namibia Economist

    Mayor Sakarias Uunona called on local artists to submit original, site-specific designs for public art program

    Source

    “Mayor Sakarias Uunona has called on local artists across all disciplines to submit original, site-specific designs for the municipality's inaugural public art program ahead of the 16 November deadline.”

    City Council calls on local artists to transform electrical substation assets

  3. Namibia Economist

    Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona briefed the council on the project's progress the China Town market project's progress

    Source

    “Speaking at the municipality's ordinary monthly meeting last week, Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona briefed the council on the project's progress, noting that while municipal crews have successfully removed the accumulated rubble and cleaned the area, essential ground-level preparations must be completed before vendors can move in.”

    Windhoek invests N$1.8 million to prepare China Town market site for local traders

  4. Namibia Economist

    Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona stated the initiatives demonstrate Council's commitment to creating orderly trading environments commitment to creating orderly, safe and economically viable trading environments

    Source

    “"These initiatives demonstrate Council's commitment to creating orderly, safe and economically viable trading environments while supporting small businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth in the City of Windhoek," he stated.”

    Windhoek invests N$1.8 million to prepare China Town market site for local traders
  5. October 2026

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Mayor Sakarias Uunona said approximately one-third of Windhoek's population lives in informal housing in environmentally fragile areas

    Source

    “Mayor Sakarias Uunona said approximately one-third of Windhoek's population lives in informal housing, often in environmentally fragile areas exposed to flash floods, severe weather and house fires.”

    CoW pledges to accelerate informal settlement upgrading

  7. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona acknowledged receipt of petition handed over on 28 September

    Source

    “In a letter dated 2 October, Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona acknowledged receipt of the petition handed over on 28 September and said the municipality had taken note of its concerns, allegations, proposals, and demands.”

    CoW, activists clash over transparency and accountability
  8. September 2026

  9. New Era

    Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona received a letter from Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah regarding Phase One

    Source

    “Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah, in a letter to Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona, said Phase One involves six properties already evaluated and valued at about N$291.5 million, representing approximately 81% of the City's capitaldebt.”

    City, govt inN$357m barter deal
  10. August 2026

  11. Namibian Sun

    Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona described the exhibit as reflection of longstanding relationship between Windhoek and Mannheim

    Source

    “Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona described the exhibit as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between the two cities.”

    Recognise the creative sector as an economic force, Nujoma says

  12. Windhoek Observer

    Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona said the exhibition demonstrated how international partnerships could create opportunities for Namibian artists

    Source

    “Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona said the exhibition demonstrated how international partnerships could create opportunities for Namibian artists and cultural practitioners to gain exposure beyond the country's borders.”

    ‘Windhoek must stop being a tourist transit point’ – Nujoma

  13. Informanté

    Mayor Sakarias Uunona attended the International Transport Summit in Moscow

    Source

    “Uunona attended the International Transport Summit in Moscow last week, which brought together representatives from more than 40 cities to share experiences, challenges and approaches to urban transportation.”

    Windhoek looks to Moscow for urban transport solutions

  14. Informanté

    Uunona highlighted several initiatives that could be adapted to Windhoek

    Source

    “THE City of Windhoek is exploring ways to improve public transport, traffic management and commuter safety after participating in an international transport summit in Moscow, with Mayor Sakarias Uunona highlighting several initiatives that could be adapted to the Namibian capital.”

    Windhoek looks to Moscow for urban transport solutions
Culture

City Council invites artists to design public art on electrical infrastructure

The News

Windhoek's Mayor Sakarias Uunona has called on local artists to submit original designs for "Powering Windhoek Through Art," the City Council's first public art commission, which will transform municipal electrical substations and related infrastructure into public artworks. Artists must interpret themes of heritage, culture, innovation, and sustainability, with designs due by 16 November.

5 hours ago · Namibia Economist →

Today

  1. City Council invites artists to design public art on electrical infrastructure

    Windhoek's Mayor Sakarias Uunona has called on local artists to submit original designs for "Powering Windhoek Through Art," the City Council's first public art commission, which will transform municipal electrical substations and related infrastructure into public artworks. Artists must interpret themes of heritage, culture, innovation, and sustainability, with designs due by 16 November.

    5 hours ago · Namibia Economist →

Monday 2 November

  1. Windhoek upgrades China Town market with N$1.8 million investment

    The City of Windhoek has confirmed cleanup at China Town market is complete and will invest N$1.8 million on ground-level infrastructure including a minimum 150 mm gravel layer, with filling and compaction works expected to finish in November to accommodate approximately 80 traders.

    2 November 2026 · Namibia Economist →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. Windhoek accelerates informal settlement upgrading for disaster resilience

    The City of Windhoek has pledged to accelerate informal settlement upgrading to protect vulnerable communities from flooding, house fires and other disaster risks. The commitment follows January 2025 flooding that affected about 300 households in Otjomuise, where approximately one-third of Windhoek's population lives in informal housing in environmentally fragile areas.

    14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. City of Windhoek refuses public engagement on activist petition

    The City of Windhoek has declined to publicly address a petition from social justice activists on land, governance, accountability, and service delivery, stating the matters involve internal administrative and governance processes governed by the Local Authorities Act. The activists accuse the municipality of using internal procedures and legislation to avoid public scrutiny on issues affecting Windhoek residents.

    7 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 11 September

  1. Windhoek councillors withdraw allegations about CEO travel claims

    Three City of Windhoek councillors have apologised to chief executive Moses Matyayi and withdrawn allegations they made about his official foreign travels, acknowledging the claims were made without adequate verification.

    11 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. City of Windhoek settles debt via N$357.8m land swap

    The City of Windhoek has signed a land-swap agreement with the government to settle N$357.8 million in capital debt. Phase One involves six properties valued at about N$291.5 million, leaving a N$66.3 million shortfall to be addressed in Phase Two through additional land transfers.

    11 September 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 3 September

  1. President opens Creative Sport Tourism Expo, emphasizes economic growth

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the Creative Sport Tourism Expo at Hage Geingob Stadium, calling for sport, tourism and creative industries to be connected and leveraged to drive economic growth in Namibia.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 22 August

  1. Nujoma calls for creative sector recognition as economic driver

    Namibia must recognise the creative sector as a contributor to job creation, enterprise and economic growth rather than viewing culture solely as heritage preservation, Khomas governor Sam Nujoma said at the opening of a photographic exhibition in Windhoek. Nujoma urged deeper international cultural cooperation through joint exhibitions, artist residencies and skills-transfer programmes to create practical opportunities for Namibian creatives and bring investment and visibility to the sector.

    22 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 21 August

  1. National Steering Committee on Informal Economy inaugurated

    Minister Modestus Amutse officially inaugurated the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek on Friday, a 35-member body chaired by Diina Nashidengo. According to the minister, 58% of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, with 59% in rural areas.

    21 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek governor calls for city as cultural destination

    Khomas governor Sam Shafishuna Nujoma has called for Windhoek to position itself as a cultural destination rather than a tourist transit point, to keep visitors longer and distribute tourism income to creatives, hospitality businesses and residents. He said culture should be treated as an economic opportunity alongside heritage preservation.

    21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 16 August

  1. Windhoek mayor seeks Moscow lessons on transport

    Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona attended an international transport summit in Moscow with representatives from more than 40 cities and is considering adapting some of Moscow's infrastructure, technology and safety systems to improve public transport, traffic management and commuter safety in Windhoek. Uunona identified passenger rail transport within the city as a priority, though he acknowledged the initiative would require significant investment.

    16 August 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 7 August

  1. Windhoek delegation attends international transport summit in Moscow

    The City of Windhoek is participating in the 5th International Transport Summit in Moscow, Russia, which brings together more than 140 delegates from 43 cities to discuss solutions to urban congestion, population growth, and sustainable mobility systems. The city said the summit provides an opportunity to learn global best practices and develop a modern, efficient transport system for Windhoek.

    7 August 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. President opens mining expo, emphasizes sector's growth role

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference, themed "From Dialogue to Delivery: Assessing Progress in Creating Mining-Led Economic Growth and Employment Since NamPPF." The President stated that the mining sector remains one of Namibia's leading economic sectors towards Vision 2030.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 23 July

  1. Regional science conference convenes on sustainable development

    The 4th Southern Africa Regional Science Association Conference in Windhoek brought together delegates from across the SADC to discuss inclusive and sustainable regional development. Leaders called for stronger collaboration between researchers and policymakers to address southern Africa's urban, economic and environmental challenges.

    23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 19 July

  1. Windhoek traffic crisis reflects municipal leadership failure

    Windhoek's infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population growth, with commuters facing hour-long journeys clogged with potholes and non-functioning traffic lights, while municipal authorities have deflected responsibility rather than offering solutions.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Windhoek to electrify 1,298 households across 12 informal settlements

    The City of Windhoek is accelerating its electrification programme to connect 1,298 households across 12 informal settlements to the electricity grid as part of efforts to improve living conditions and expand access to basic municipal services. The project covers four constituencies, with Mix Extension 1 recording the highest number of households ready for connection at 267 homes.

    19 July 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 16 July

  1. Windhoek commuters frustrated by worsening traffic congestion

    Road users in Windhoek report spending hours on the road during peak periods, with journey times significantly longer than before. An Elisenheim resident cited a morning trip that now takes 45 minutes to over an hour, compared to 30 minutes previously, and identified a bottleneck near the B1 and Namibia Breweries turnoff where traffic lights have not been functioning.

    16 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 July

  1. City of Windhoek destroys 580,000 kg of unsafe food

    The City of Windhoek destroyed approximately 580,000 kilograms of food deemed unfit for human consumption and obtained a court order to close a non-compliant food business as part of a food safety enforcement drive. The municipality also conducted 140 sampling exercises across formal and informal businesses to monitor compliance with food safety standards.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 25 June

  1. Windhoek may seek legal changes for fibre commercialisation project

    The City of Windhoek says it may seek legislative amendments to the Local Authorities Act after the Supreme Court ruled the municipality lacks legal authority to provide telecommunications services. The city views fibre commercialisation as essential to its smart city ambitions.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Windhoek informal settlement without waste collection for 33 years

    Epandulo, an informal settlement in Windhoek's Moses //Garoeb constituency with nearly 1,500 residents, has lacked garbage collection, toilets, and adequate water access for 33 years, creating a sanitation crisis that residents say is causing health problems in children.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 17 June

  1. Windhoek launches decade-long smart city strategy plan

    The City of Windhoek's municipal council has launched its People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026–2036 to guide the city's transformation, addressing challenges including rapid urbanisation, housing demand, mobility, and climate pressures through technology adoption and digital governance initiatives.

    17 June 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Windhoek's smart city strategy draws mixed community reactions

    The City of Windhoek launched a People-Centred Smart City Strategy (2026–2036) in partnership with UN-Habitat, aiming to guide development through digital innovation and data-driven governance, but community activists have expressed mixed views on whether the municipality can balance technological ambitions with current service delivery challenges.

    17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Windhoek smart city strategy must prioritise basic service delivery

    The City of Windhoek has unveiled a People-Centred Smart City Strategy for 2026-2036 that includes plans for digital governance, municipal fibre commercialisation, and a proposed commuter rail link. The strategy deserves recognition for its long-term vision, though experts caution it must remain focused on delivering fundamental services.

    16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Windhoek unveils 10-year smart city and digital transformation strategy

    The City of Windhoek launched a People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026-2036 aimed at reshaping the capital through digital transformation, modernising public transport, and commercialising its fibre-optic network, including a proposed commuter rail service linking Windhoek, Katutura, and Rehoboth.

    16 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 6 June

  1. Windhoek murders and robberies decline in first five months

    Murders in Windhoek dropped 14% and robberies fell 22% during January–May 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the mayor, though motor vehicle theft rose 4% and armed robbery increased 10%.

    6 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Windhoek requires N$353 million for 2024/25 rainy season road damage

    The City of Windhoek has repaired over 76,000 potholes but faces funding pressures exceeding N$737 million. Mayor Sakarias Uunona states the city needs N$384 million annually for routine maintenance plus an additional N$353 million for damage from the 2024/25 rainy season, though it receives only 5–10% of required support from the Road Fund Administration.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Windhoek Solar Centre opens to promote renewable energy adoption

    The City of Windhoek has inaugurated the Windhoek Solar Centre, a knowledge hub offering consultations, training, and guidance on solar energy solutions with a focus on improving access to communities without electricity. The facility, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development at approximately N$4.3 million, was jointly opened by Berlin State Secretary Michael Biel and Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona as part of a partnership between the two cities established in 2000.

    5 May 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 February

  1. Standard Bank launches programme to formalize informal sector businesses

    Standard Bank has launched the 2026 Blue Growth Series Informal Sector Activation in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy, aiming to help informal traders transition towards formalization and financial inclusion by providing practical training, mentorship, and market access. The bank's head of enterprise noted that many informal entrepreneurs lack access to funding not from ambition deficits but from missing formal structures and financial discipline, while officials stressed that the informal sector contributes an estimated 26–27% to Namibia's GDP but remains largely outside formal systems.

    26 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 25 February

  1. MTC funds plastic bag reduction initiative in Windhoek

    Mobile Telecommunications Ltd has provided N$450,000 to support the "Go Green, Skip the Plastic" initiative, which will distribute 4,000 reusable shopping bags and run an awareness campaign to reduce single-use plastic and encourage sustainable habits among Windhoek residents.

    25 February 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 23 February

  1. MTC donates N$450,000 for Windhoek reusable bags campaign

    Mobile Telecommunications Ltd and the City of Windhoek have partnered on a "Go Green, Skip the Plastic" campaign, with MTC pledging N$450,000 to purchase 4,000 reusable shopping bags and run awareness initiatives aimed at reducing single-use plastic and encouraging environmental protection among residents.

    23 February 2026 · New Era →

Sakarias Uunona — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute