Namibia Minute.
Monday, 11 May 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Person

Sam Nujoma

Also known as: founding president Sam Nujoma · father of the Namibian nation · founding president Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma · founding president Nujoma · Dr Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma · former president Sam Nujoma · first president of Namibia · founding father Nujoma · tatekulu Nujoma · Our founding father Nujoma · late H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma · Tatekulu Sam Nujoma · His Excellency Tatekulu Sam Nujoma · the late Sam Nujoma · Founding Father Sam Nujoma · founding president of Namibia · the first president of Namibia · late founding president Sam Nujoma · The eldest son of late founding president Sam Nujoma · late Nujoma · Dr. Nujoma · the late, great Sam Nujoma · comrade Sam Nujoma · tate Sam Nujoma · the late founding president Sam Nujoma · Sam Safiishuna Nujoma · Former president Nujoma · the late Namibian founding president · founding father and former president Sam Nujoma · our founding president, Sam Nujoma · founding president

Namibia's founding president, honoured in independence anniversary commemorations and referenced in cultural initiatives.

2018-05-032026-05-11
Share on WhatsApp

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. February 2026

  2. … At independence in 1990, he joined the newly created Namibian Defence Force (NDF) with the rank of colonel, but in 1995 switched to politics when Founding President Sam Nujoma appointed him as Deputy Defence Minister. …

    Informanté

    Former minister Nghintina passes on

  3. … al hero in both Namibia and Angola, was commemorated simultaneously at the Omhedi Palace in the Ohangwena Region and at the historic Oihole village in the Cunene Province of Angola this weekend, coinciding with the remembrance event for Namibia’s Founding President, Dr Sam Nujoma …

    Informanté

    Mandume Day commemorated at Omhedi and Oihole

  5. The son of Namibia’s founding president, Utoni Nujoma, paid his homage at the remembrance ceremony held in honour of the late presidents H.E. …

    New Era

    Never Forgotten…

  6. … Her remarks come ahead of a combined candlelight ceremony to be held at the Heroes Acre in honour of departed former president Geingob and Founding President Sam Nujoma on Saturday. …

    New Era

    ‘Namibians own Geingob’

  10. … She stated that the late Founding President Sam Nujoma was also one of the founding fathers of the continent, a legacy that must be celebrated by Namibians. …

    New Era

    Geingob honoured in Kigali
  11. January 2026

  12. … President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Hishoono’s extensive contribution to the liberation struggle and nation-building, noting that he served as an adviser to both founding president Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba. …

    The Namibian

    President honours Matias Hishoono as liberation icon

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibian President tributes former Botswana leader Mogae

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to former Botswana president Festus Mogae, who died on Friday at age 86, describing him as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose contributions to regional unity and development will be remembered across Africa.

    8 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Businessman Haimbodi urges youth: education and hard work lead to success

    Prominent businessman Josua Haimbodi, who recently obtained a Specialised Diploma in Political Science from Bircham International University in Madrid, Spain, has called on young Namibians to embrace education and hard work, sharing his journey from a barefoot village boy to a university graduate as evidence that anything is possible with faith and determination.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. President calls for national unity to honour liberation heroes

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the best way to honour fallen liberation heroes is for Namibians to work together in unity for socio-economic development, speaking at the Cassinga Day commemoration in Omusati Region. The commemoration marked the 4 May 1978 attack on the Cassinga refugee camp in Angola, where more than 600 people reportedly died.

    5 May 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. Swapo party marks 66th anniversary, inaugurates new headquarters

    Swapo Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged members to uphold the party's founding values and principles during the party's 66th anniversary celebrations in Katutura on Sunday, which also saw the official inauguration of the new Swapo Party headquarters.

    28 April 2026 · New Era →

Monday 27 April

  1. Former refugees protest Swapo HQ opening over unpaid repatriation funds

    A group of former refugees repatriated in 1989 protested at Swapo's national headquarters inauguration in Windhoek, demanding access to alleged UN-linked funds and unpaid benefits. The group, camped at the premises since October, says they are considering legal action against Swapo.

    27 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 26 April

  1. Former President Mbumba honours late Dr Tjitendero's lasting legacy

    Former President Nangolo Mbumba has paid tribute to the late Dr. Mose Penaani Tjitendero, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy continues to shape Namibia's governance, education and national identity 20 years after his passing. Mbumba honoured Tjitendero's role in the country's liberation struggle, post-independence development, and work through the United Nations Institute for Namibia.

    26 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Swapo president defends party headquarters built near hospital

    Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah defended the ruling party's construction of a multimillion-dollar headquarters near Katutura Intermediate Hospital, saying party member contributions for the project cannot be redirected to government facilities, and that members' taxes already support such state purposes.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 19 April

  1. President calls for unity and service delivery at SWAPO's 66th anniversary

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated SWAPO's 66th anniversary on 19 April 2026, calling for renewed commitment to service delivery, economic transformation, and unity, while paying tribute to liberation heroes. She announced that planned anniversary celebrations and the party's national headquarters inauguration have been postponed to 26 April following the death of MP James Uerikua and his son.

    19 April 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Namibia's oldest football club Tigers faces relegation

    Tigers Sport Club, founded in 1927, is mathematically unable to escape the Namibia Premier Football League drop zone following a 3–2 defeat to Eleven Arrows, marking the club's first-ever relegation in its 99th year. The club's fall reflects a broader decline of traditional powerhouses in Namibian football, attributed by analysts to failure to adapt to modern football demands and compounded by recruitment, discipline, and administrative issues.

    14 April 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 →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. Councillor honours Nujoma's legacy and local predecessors

    Ongenga constituency councillor Josef Stalin Nenghwanya has said that Founding President Sam Nujoma and his generation laid a foundation for a peaceful, united and prosperous nation, with his legacy continuing through his presidential successors. Nenghwanya also thanked his own predecessors for establishing the foundation upon which he is now building.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 March

  1. MURD launches five-year plan aligned to Vision 2030

    The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development launched its 2025–2030 strategic plan, anchored on sustainable human settlement, effective governance, and regional development. Minister James Sankwasa urged officials to adopt long-term thinking to support Namibia's industrialisation and align with Vision 2030, warning against short-sighted approaches.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Heita defends WBO title at Sam Nujoma tribute boxing event

    Namibian boxer Mateus Heita will defend his WBO Africa Featherweight Title against South Africa's Zolisa Batyi on 9 May at the Windhoek Showgrounds during a boxing event honouring Namibia's Founding Father Sam Nujoma, organised by the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy in partnership with the Sam Nujoma Foundation. The event will also feature several local boxing talents and is intended to boost Heita's international ranking and open opportunities for a world title shot.

    26 March 2026 · New Era →

  3. 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. Independence Day speeches across Namibia emphasise unity, youth jobs

    Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations across all 14 regions carried a unified message from political and community leaders to preserve the liberation legacy, strengthen unity, and address youth unemployment and economic inequality. While acknowledging democratic achievements and progress in service delivery, leaders emphasised that political independence must now be matched by economic emancipation and that youth must drive future development.

    24 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Traditional authorities need clearer role in Namibia's development agenda

    Chief Manasse Zeraeua has called for traditional authorities to have a strengthened and more clearly defined role in national governance. He stressed their continued importance in mobilising communities, resolving disputes, managing land allocation in communal areas, and facilitating dialogue between government and citizens.

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. 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 →

  4. Vice President marks 36 years of Namibian independence in Karasburg

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi commemorated Namibia's 36th independence anniversary in Karasburg under the theme "Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future," calling for unity and action to build on the country's foundations and accelerate socio-economic transformation. She highlighted government priorities including agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and green hydrogen initiatives, while acknowledging structural challenges in the IIKharas region and ongoing development projects aimed at inclusive growth.

    24 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  5. 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 →

Monday 23 March

  1. //Kharas region evolving into strategic economic hub, VP says

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi says //Kharas has evolved from a historically marginalised area into a dynamic economic hub through government's commitment to inclusive development, with progress in agriculture, mining, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. She noted the region faces ongoing challenges in value addition, water, sanitation and housing, and is positioned to benefit from large-scale renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives.

    23 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 22 March

  1. President marks 36th Independence Day, reaffirms international partnerships

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah celebrated Namibia's 36th Independence Day by reflecting on the country's sovereignty since 1990 and expressing gratitude for global support during the liberation struggle. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development while addressing socio-economic challenges and youth empowerment.

    22 March 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 21 March

  1. VP Witbooi urges unity and inclusive development on Independence Day

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for collective responsibility and socio-economic transformation as Namibia marked its 36th Independence Day, emphasizing government priorities under the Sixth National Development Plan including agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and renewable energy, while acknowledging remaining challenges in housing, water, and sanitation.

    21 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Defence minister urges unity and collective effort for growth

    Minister of Defence Frans Kapofi called on Namibians to safeguard unity, strengthen democratic values, and actively contribute to national development during the country's 36th Independence Day celebrations at Sam Nujoma Stadium. He acknowledged persistent challenges including drought, unemployment, and economic constraints, emphasizing that prosperity requires collective citizen participation and warning against divisions based on ethnicity, regionalism, or political affiliation.

    21 March 2026 · Informanté →

  3. President calls for unity at Namibia's 36th Independence Day

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Namibians to work together toward inclusive development and tackle poverty, inequality, and corruption as the nation celebrated 36 years of independence. She highlighted democratic progress and infrastructure gains while acknowledging ongoing challenges, and warned against tribalism and regional divisions.

    21 March 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 20 March

  1. Editorial: Namibia's 36 years shows democratic maturity despite youth

    A New Era editorial reflects on Namibia's independence milestone, arguing that despite being a relatively young democracy at 36 years, the country demonstrates maturity through peaceful power transfers, constitutional stability, press freedom, and social protection systems that compare favourably to many African peers. The piece cautions that continued progress requires deliberate effort in economic growth, youth integration, and strengthening existing institutions.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. 36 years of freedom: progress made, deep challenges persist

    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 →

  3. 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 →

Thursday 19 March

  1. IPC MP proposes renaming Henties Bay after founding president

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Armas Amukoto has proposed renaming Henties Bay to 'Sam Nujoma Bay' in honour of Namibia's founding president, arguing that the country should replace colonial geographical names with ones that reflect its own liberation history and identity.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC lawmaker proposes renaming Henties Bay after Sam Nujoma

    IPC lawmaker Armas Amukoto has urged Namibia to rename Henties Bay in honour of founding president Sam Nujoma as part of decolonising public spaces and honouring liberation heroes. The proposal comes as parliament also considers converting the Old State House into a museum dedicated to Nujoma's legacy.

    19 March 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. AR leader opposes chief mourner role as foreign cultural import

    Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda tabled a motion in the National Assembly opposing the use of chief mourners at state funerals, arguing the practice is a foreign concept that disregards indigenous burial customs and creates cultural confusion. Amupanda cited examples from various Namibian traditions, including orientation of graves and gender-specific burial practices, and contended that state funerals fail to observe rituals that hold spiritual significance.

    18 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Namibia Minute