Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Sam Nujoma

Also known as: Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · President Nujoma · Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · Dr Sam Nujoma · Dr Nujoma · H.E. Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma · Dr. Sam Nujoma · then President Sam Nujoma · His Excellency Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · His Excellency Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · President Dr Sam Nujoma · H.E. Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · president Sam Nujoma · comrade Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · comrade Nujoma · his excellency Dr Sam Nujoma

Founding president of Namibia; honored through tributes and education initiatives commemorating his liberation legacy and contributions to independence.

2019-07-232026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. May 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma contributed to the country's independence

    Source

    “During the event, the group celebrated Nujoma's contribution to the country's independence and his legacy of resilience, unity, patriotism and service to others.”

    After-school youth centre honours Nujoma through exhibition and mural

  3. Windhoek Observer

    Sam Nujoma pushed Namibia's case before the international community and United Nations

    Source

    “She said Nujoma carried the hopes of Namibians through sacrifice, exile and the liberation struggle while pushing Namibia's case before the international community and the United Nations.”

    ‘Nujoma lives on’ – NNN

  4. New Era

    Sam Nujoma is being honoured through a boxing event

    Source

    “The main event is expected to draw strong local support as boxing fans gather to honour the legacy of Namibia's Founding President, Sam Nujoma, through sport.”

    Nghitumbwa ready to rumble in Nujoma tribute boxing bonanza

  5. Windhoek Observer

    Dr Sam Nujoma fought for economic freedom alongside political independence

    Source

    “Let us not get distracted and divided by petty issues but stay focused!”

    Xenophobia or Afrophobia, in South Africa: The convenient scapegoats and political diversion from the unfinished battle for economic liberation & sovereignty

  6. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma visited Walvis Bay in June 1959 to address workers' compound meetings

    Source

    “Sam Nujoma, the Windhoek leader who later became Swapo president, visited Walvis Bay in June 1959 to address meetings in the workers' compounds of the port city.”

    Namibia’s Workers Spearheaded Its Fight for Independence – Part 1
  7. April 2026

  8. The Namibian

    Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma was founding president

    Source

    “I pay tribute to the vision and leadership of our founding president, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.”

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivers state of the nation address in Windhoek

  9. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma co-operated with Clemens Kapuuo to oppose forced removals from Old Location to Katutura in 1959

    Source

    “He was deeply rooted in the struggle against South African apartheid rule, famously co-operating with Sam Nujoma to oppose the forced removals from the Old Location to Katutura in 1959.”

    Remembering Chief Clemens Kapuuo
  10. March 2026

  11. The Namibian

    Founding President Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma declared Namibia free and Africa's last colony liberated

    Source

    “On that day, our founding president, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, declared to the world that Namibia was now free, that Africa's last colony had been liberated, and that the destiny of our country was now firm in our own hands.”

    Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addresses Independence anniversary at State House Windhoek

  12. New Era

    Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma announced cultural activities, music festivals and innovation talent show in Windhoek CBD

    Source

    “Ahead of Independence Day tomorrow, the Khomas region will host cultural activities, music festivals and an innovation talent show in Windhoek CBD today, Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma announced.”

    Khomas Uhuru march today

  13. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma walked hand in hand over the red carpet with Werner List at the official banquet on 20 March 1990

    Source

    “When entering, Sam Nujoma and Werner List walked hand in hand over the red carpet.”

    Namibia at 36 Years – From Where to Where?
Politics

San, Damara demand seat in Namibia-Germany genocide talks

The News

The San Chiefs Council and Damara King's Council are demanding formal inclusion in Namibia's ongoing genocide reparations negotiations with Germany, citing historical atrocities including extermination campaigns, displacement and forced labour affecting their communities. The councils are calling for seats at the negotiating table alongside Ovaherero and Nama representatives, and for reparations and restitution including compensation for ancestral lands and cultural losses to directly benefit affected descendant communities.

Why it matters

San and Damara communities formally demanding inclusion in genocide reparations talks represents a significant widening of historical accountability negotiations.

31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 31 May

  1. San, Damara demand seat in Namibia-Germany genocide talks

    The San Chiefs Council and Damara King's Council are demanding formal inclusion in Namibia's ongoing genocide reparations negotiations with Germany, citing historical atrocities including extermination campaigns, displacement and forced labour affecting their communities. The councils are calling for seats at the negotiating table alongside Ovaherero and Nama representatives, and for reparations and restitution including compensation for ancestral lands and cultural losses to directly benefit affected descendant communities.

    31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 25 May

  1. President orders forensic probe into Swapo fishing company

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has ordered a forensic investigation into Gendev Fishing Resources and its sister company amid allegations of missing millions, lack of transparency, and failure to deliver fish worth over N$49 million to clients.

    25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. VP calls for stronger support of vocational education

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged stronger support for vocational education, calling it one of Namibia's most important tools in fighting unemployment and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities. She made the remarks during the graduation ceremony of 443 learners enrolled in the Certificate in Basic Pre-Vocational Skills programme at Augustineum Secondary School in Windhoek.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. PM Ngurare defends President Nandi-Ndaitwah's right to full two terms

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah should be allowed to serve her full two constitutional terms without distraction from succession debates, which he called premature and deliberately designed to undermine the administration.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 18 May

  1. Minister calls for faster digital transformation, skills development

    Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus says Namibia cannot delay technology adoption and must advance its digital economy, emphasising the need for collaboration between government and the private sector to equip young people, especially women, with ICT skills. She made the remarks during the launch of the Women in Tech and 2026 National Talent Cultivation Project.

    18 May 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 15 May

  1. Youth centre honours founding president Nujoma with exhibition and mural

    The Physically Active Youth Centre in Windhoek held an event celebrating founding president Sam Nujoma's life and legacy, featuring a photo exhibition curated by participants and the unveiling of a mural portrait created by PAY participants. Alumni testified to how the centre provided access to programmes including cycling, swimming, robotics and other developmental opportunities.

    15 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister urges youth to uphold Nujoma's legacy

    Minister of Information and Communications Technology Emma Theofelus has challenged young Namibians to embody the resilience, courage and spirit of resistance demonstrated by founding president Sam Nujoma, speaking at a commemoration event hosted by the Physically Active Youth Empowerment Organisation in Katutura.

    15 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 14 May

  1. Cabinet reduces Geingos staff and vehicles to match Nujoma

    The Cabinet has decided to reduce Monica Geingos' staff from seven to three and state vehicles from three to two, effective 1 June, aligning her benefits with those of former first lady Kovambo Nujoma. Some of the dismissed staff members have reportedly approached the labour commissioner alleging unfair dismissal and unfair labour practices.

    14 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Namibia preserves liberation history through book donation

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp called for the preservation and documentation of Namibia's liberation history during a handover of about 400 coffee table books on founding president Sam Nujoma's life to schools and public libraries. The books were donated by New Era Publication Corporation Board chairperson John Sifani and Chinese ambassador Zhao Weiping.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Cabinet cuts Monica Geingos' post-office benefits and allocations

    The Cabinet has reduced the benefits of former first lady Monica Geingos, limiting her to three household staff members and two state-sponsored vehicles effective 1 June, down from her current seven employees. The new policy applies to former first ladies whose husbands die before them, but does not affect founding first lady Kovambo Nujoma.

    12 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. President pays tribute to late founding leader Nujoma

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the late founding president Sam Nujoma's legacy continues through the democratic Namibia he helped build and in young Namibians' dreams, marking what would have been his 97th birthday. Nandi-Ndaitwah described Nujoma as one of Africa's respected liberation leaders and a lasting symbol of pan-Africanism.

    12 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 11 May

  1. Boxing academy hosts tribute event with 12 bouts

    The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy hosted a boxing bonanza tribute to Sam Nujoma, featuring 12 bouts. Notable victories included Joy Nangolo's unanimous decision over South Africa's Rofhiwa Nemushungwa, Harry Simon Jr's sixth-round win against Zimbabwe's Freeman Mabongwe for the international welterweight title, and Mateus Heita's successful WBO Africa featherweight title defence against South Africa's Zolisa Batyi.

    11 May 2026 · New Era →

  2. Former Botswana president Festus Mogae dies at eighty-six

    Former Botswana president Festus Gontebanye Mogae, aged 86, died in Gaborone over the weekend. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and current Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko paid tribute to Mogae as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose presidency strengthened regional cooperation through SADC.

    11 May 2026 · New Era →

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibian president mourns passing of former Botswana leader Mogae

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed condolences on behalf of Namibia following the death of former Botswana President Festus Mogae, aged 86, whom she described as a distinguished statesman and Pan-Africanist who strengthened bilateral ties between Namibia and Botswana.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Nghitumbwa prepares to defend WBO title against Mexico's Carrillo

    Namibian boxer Fillipus Nghitumbwa says he is fully prepared to defend his WBO Global Super Bantamweight title against Mexico's Leonardo Carrillo in a 12-round main bout at a tribute boxing event to Founding President Sam Nujoma at the Windhoek Showgrounds tomorrow. The card will also feature Mateus Heita defending the WBO Africa Featherweight title against South African challenger Zolisa Batyi in a 12-round contest.

    8 May 2026 · New Era →

  3. Opinion: South African xenophobia masks unaddressed economic inequality

    An analysis argues that violence against African migrants in South Africa is a symptom of deeper economic frustration, but misplaced anger that diverts from the core issue of unequal wealth ownership and economic control since the end of apartheid.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. President removes police inspector general citing State House breach

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah removed Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo and replaced him with Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, citing a security incident in which a naked man was found inside the presidential residence as the reason for the removal.

    7 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Former police chief slams security breach at State House

    Former inspector general Sebastian Ndeitunga says the failure to detect a man who entered the presidential residence last week exposed weaknesses across the police chain of command. The breach has fuelled speculation about the status of police inspector general Joseph Shikongo and raised questions about the VIP Protection Unit's head Michael Abraham.

    5 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Nandi-Ndaitwah calls for unity at Cassinga Day commemoration

    At the 48th commemoration of the Cassinga massacre in Outapi, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called on Namibians to uphold unity and protect the country's independence, warning against corruption, nepotism and favouritism. The IPC stated that Cassinga Day should not be used for political purposes.

    5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 4 May

  1. Namibian workers' labour movements powered independence struggle

    Namibia's labour movements were historically central to anti-colonial resistance through mass strikes and worker solidarity, with collective labour action having a long history in the country as a notable segment of resistance against settler colonialism and racial capitalism. Since independence in 1990, however, labour movements have operated with reduced influence and mobilisation.

    4 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 13 April

  1. Boxing bonanza tribute to Founding President scheduled for May 9

    The MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy will host the Tribute to Founding President Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma Boxing Bonanza on 9 May, featuring title defences by Fillipus Energy Nghitumbwa and Mateus Heita, alongside other top Namibian fighters. The event aims to celebrate Nujoma's legacy in sport development and position local fighters for world title opportunities.

    13 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibian boxer Nghitumbwa fights world title eliminator in May

    Fillipus 'Energy' Nghitumbwa will defend his WBO Global super bantamweight title against Leonardo Carrillo of Colombia in a world title eliminator on 9 May at the Windhoek Showgrounds, as part of the 'Tribute to Dr Sam Nujoma Boxing Bonanza' event.

    13 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 April

  1. President delivers 2026 state of nation address to Parliament

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the 2026 state of the nation address on 8 April, outlining government progress on economic growth, human development, environmental sustainability, and governance. The address highlighted achievements including GDP growth projection of 3.1%, 130,000 new jobs registered, major investments in mining and renewable energy, and sectoral initiatives in agriculture, education, health, housing, and sports aligned with the sixth national development plan and Vision 2030.

    9 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Chief Clemens Kapuuo: Namibian nationalist and land rights champion

    An opinion piece reflects on the legacy of paramount chief Clemens Kapuuo, assassinated in 1978, who was instrumental in Namibian anti-colonial movements and the struggle for Herero land rights. The author argues that Kapuuo's inclusive leadership style should serve as a model for contemporary political figures in fostering community unity.

    1 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. 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 →

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Kapofi celebrates 36 years of Namibian independence at stadium

    At a national Independence Day commemoration at Sam Nujoma Stadium on 21 March 2026, Frans Kapofi addressed Namibians 36 years after the country's sovereignty in 1990, honouring those who fought colonial rule and calling on citizens to contribute to national prosperity through active participation rather than passive expectation.

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia marks 36 years of independence with gratitude

    At a State House ceremony, Namibia's Head of State Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the nation's 36th Independence Day, reflecting on the country's sovereignty and the international solidarity that enabled its liberation. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to inclusive development, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence while expressing gratitude to nations and movements that supported the independence struggle.

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. President marks Namibia's 36th independence anniversary

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated Namibia's 36 years of independence, honouring the nation's struggle for freedom and founding president Sam Nujoma, while calling for collective action to address poverty, inequality, corruption, and tribalism. The President outlined government priorities including poverty reduction, youth development, education, infrastructure, and climate adaptation under the theme "Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future."

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. Khomas hosts cultural festival ahead of Independence Day

    Windhoek will host the Khomas Uhuru march and Namfest@36, featuring a 1,000-person parade, innovation talent shows, and music performances by local artists, to celebrate national unity before the official Independence Day celebrations at Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia's Parliament maturing but facing oversight challenges

    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 →

Sam Nujoma — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute