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. March 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Khomas governor Sam Nujoma is allegedly refusing to vacate his position as regional coordinator for Swapo Party Youth League

    Source

    “This comes after allegations surfaced that Khomas governor Sam Nujoma is refusing to vacate his position as a regional coordinator for the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), and National Council deputy chairperson and Windhoek West constituency councillor Emma Muteka is refusing to vacate her SPYL district secretary position.”

    Swapo leaders refuse to vacate posts despite Shaningwa directive

  3. New Era

    Dr Sam Nujoma adopted the policy of national reconciliation

    Source

    “Under the leadership of Dr Sam Nujoma, the country adopted the policy of national reconciliation, a decision that remains one of the most admired aspects of Namibia's democratic transition.”

    Opinion – Unfinished business: Namibia’s land, national reconciliation
  4. February 2026

  5. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma promised that when Namibia is free, its riches will be distributed for good of all citizens

    Source

    “Five years before Namibia's independence, Sam Nujoma promised that when Namibia is free, its "riches will be distributed for the good of all citizens".”

    Editorial: A Donkey-Cart Economy, Mercedes-Style Presidential Retirements

  6. The Namibian

    Nujoma claimed both retirement perks: lump sum payment and N$43 million retirement house

    Source

    “Our reporting shows that Nujoma claimed both retirement perks: the lump sum payment after stepping down in 2005, as well as a N$43 million retirement house.”

    Editorial: A Donkey-Cart Economy, Mercedes-Style Presidential Retirements

  7. New Era

    Khomas region Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma launched Khomas 2023 Census Regional Profile report

    Source

    “This is according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Khomas 2023 Census Regional Profile report, which was launched this week by Khomas region Governor Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.”

    23% have no toilets in Khomas

  8. Informanté

    Swapo leader Sam Nujoma met with US lawmakers including Senator Edward Kennedy and members of the Congressional Black Caucus

    Source

    “Nujoma also met with US lawmakers, including Senator Edward Kennedy, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus to rally support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 435, which paved the way for Namibia's independence in 1990.”

    Jesse Jackson, US civil rights icon who backed Namibia’s independence struggle, dies at 84

  9. Informanté

    Dr Nujoma was hailed for steering liberation struggle on political, diplomatic and military fronts until independence in 1990

    Source

    “Dr Nujoma, Namibia's Founding President and leader of the liberation movement, was hailed for steering the struggle on political, diplomatic and military fronts until independence in 1990.”

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah honours Nujoma and Geingob at Heroes Acre candlelight ceremony
  10. January 2026

  11. Informanté

    Hishoono served as political adviser to then President Sam Nujoma

    Source

    “He also served as political adviser to then President Sam Nujoma.”

    Late Kanana Hishoono: integrity and unity
  12. December 2025

  13. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma initiated National Youth Service in early years of Namibian independence

    Source

    “We acknowledge with great appreciation the visionary leadership of Sam Nujoma, who initiated the National Youth Service in the early years of our independence.”

    Keynote by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at National Youth Service Pass-Out Parade
  14. November 2025

  15. The Namibian

    Sam Nujoma reminded that a nation that cannot feed itself will never be respected

    Source

    “Our late founding president Sam Nujoma reminded us that a nation that cannot feed itself will never be respected.”

    Intervention by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the G20 Session on Global Resilience
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