Also known as: Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa · Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa · SWAPO Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa
Sophia Shaningwa — Swapo party secretary general, involved in party discipline and public statements.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Sophia Shaningwa made mourners laugh during memorial service
“Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa made mourners laugh during a memorial service held in honour of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua at Parliament Gardens in Windhoek on Wednesday.”
Swapo's Shaningwa jokes about ‘safe water' at Uerikua memorialThe Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa was cleared by the National Assembly of using the f-word in parliament
“The National Assembly has cleared Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa of using the f-word in the parliament.”
National Assembly finds Shaningwa did not use f-wordThe Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa was accused of taking 30 000 food packs intended for Independence Day celebrations to dish out to the public
“Last year, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa was accused of taking 30 000 food packs intended for Independence Day celebrations to dish out to the public.”
Editorial: It’s Time to Revamp Namibia’s Independence CelebrationsThe Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa stated in her affidavit that a meeting took place on 17 January with demonstrators, government representatives, and UN representatives
“She also informed the court that a meeting between herself, the demonstrators, government representatives and representatives of the UN in Namibia took place on 17 January.”
Swapo asks court to evict head office campersInformanté
Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa said the group commenced their demonstration under supervision of Namibian Police Force, culminating in camping at SWAPO Party National Headquarters on 22 October 2025
“In a founding affidavit, the Swapo Party's Secretary General, Sophia Shaningwa, said that the group went on to commence their demonstration under the supervision of the Namibian Police Force, which culminated in them camping at the SWAPO Party National Headquarters on 22 October 2025.”
SWAPO party seeks court order to remove veterans camped outside headquartersThe Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa issued a directive requiring regions and districts to hold extraordinary conferences
“Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa issued a directive last month, saying all regions and districts should hold extraordinary conferences to elect new party members to fill the vacant positions.”
Swapo leaders refuse to vacate posts despite Shaningwa directiveThe Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa allegedly uttered "f*** you" to a fellow MP
“Last year, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa allegedly uttered the words "f*** you" to a fellow member of parliament (MP).”
Editorial: Point of Order, Mr KandorozuNew Era
Sophia Shaningwa confirmed meeting Mohammad Baqer Beigi, Iran's ambassador to Namibia
“Taking to her official social media platforms, Shaningwa confirmed meeting Mohammad Baqer Beigi, Iran's ambassador to Namibia.”
Swapo SG meets top Iranian diplomatsThe Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia Mohammed Baqer Beigi
“Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia, Mohammed Baqer Beigi, at the party's head office in Windhoek on Wednesday, reaffirming ties of solidarity and mutual respect between the two countries.”
Swapo secretary general Shaningwa reaffirms ties with Iran, condemns attack on Ayatollah KhameneiThe Namibian
Shaningwa describes the attack as unjustified aggression and an illegal military operation
“Shaningwa describes the attack as "unjustified aggression and an illegal military operation".”
Swapo secretary general Shaningwa reaffirms ties with Iran, condemns attack on Ayatollah KhameneiThe Independent Patriots for Change has accused Swapo of exploiting poverty and people's personal circumstances to weaken opposition parties, following the defection of former Erongo regional mobiliser Rudolf Kahingunga and others to the ruling party.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has accused Swapo of exploiting poverty and people's personal circumstances to weaken opposition parties, following the defection of former Erongo regional mobiliser Rudolf Kahingunga and others to the ruling party.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has rejected allegations from former Erongo regional mobiliser Rudolf Kahingunga that the party suffers from centralised decision-making and that some branches may boycott upcoming regional elections, with IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge dismissing his claims as "fake news." Kahingunga resigned from the IPC on 7 July and subsequently joined Swapo Party alongside former Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb and 15 members of the IPC's Otjimbingwe branch.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Rudolf Kahingunga, Erongo regional mobiliser for the Independent Patriots for Change, resigned and joined SWAPO, citing the IPC's departure from founding principles of democracy and transparency toward centralized decision-making. His departure follows that of Ohangwena regional counterpart Erastus Mwahafa a month prior.
13 July 2026 · Informanté →
Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi has rejected calls to visit liberation struggle veterans protesting outside Swapo Party headquarters, saying their grievances fall outside his ministerial mandate and that they raise issues beyond his responsibility.
30 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Josef Andreas, a politically connected businessman, is selling 264 plots valued at N$200 million through his company Tulaing Group, including 150 residential plots near Grootfontein. The sale has drawn scrutiny from parliament over whether the original land allocation conditions were fulfilled.
7 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo's secretary general Sophia Shaningwa issued a statement affirming the party's support for the One-China policy and recognition of Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory. The party framed the position as important for international stability and cited Namibia's historical relationship with China dating back to the liberation struggle.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 →
Hodago Fishing, a joint venture partly linked to Swapo, faces a US$3 million legal dispute after allegedly breaching a horse mackerel quota agreement with a Democratic Republic of Congo entity. The DRC-linked party claims the company failed to meet agreed delivery volumes and has demanded either the release of 500 tonnes of fish or repayment of US$1.4 million.
17 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian high commissioner to Ghana Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata has filed a N$250 000 defamation lawsuit against former Outapi constituency councillor and IPC member Fillemon Shikwambi over an alleged WhatsApp audio recording made on 22 September 2025 containing false statements about her appointment and family connections. Nghituwamata alleges the audio suggests she was appointed through nepotism rather than merit and falsely links her to corruption and apartheid-era figures.
13 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Swapo's application to evict former freedom fighters camping at its headquarters since October was struck off the High Court roll. The move has triggered internal party divisions, with former secretary general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana questioning whether the legal action was authorised by the central committee, while deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga says the politburo made the decision.
20 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa delivered condolences at a memorial service for parliamentarian James Uerikua at Parliament Gardens, recalling his advocacy for development projects in the Otjozondjupa region and describing him as a voice of reason and charismatic legislator.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Windhoek High Court has struck Swapo's urgent application to evict a group of people camping at the party's national headquarters since October last year off the court roll, with the judge finding it did not meet the requirements for an urgent hearing. The group, led by Matheus Nangolo, are demanding clarification about funds allegedly provided by the United Nations for the repatriation of Namibian exiles in 1989.
19 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Windhoek High Court Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed Swapo's urgent application to evict war veterans camping at its headquarters, ruling the application lacked urgency. The veterans, who have occupied the site since October 2025, are demanding payment of benefits from the 1989 liberation struggle that they say remains unresolved.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
Swapo party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa delivered a tribute to parliamentarian James Uerikua at a memorial service in Parliament Gardens, recalling his dedication to development projects in Otjozondjupa and his personal warmth. Uerikua and his son died in a road accident on 3 April.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
James Unomasa Uerikua, a Swapo member of Parliament and former governor of Otjozondjupa region, died on Friday in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara; his 14-year-old son also died from injuries sustained in the crash. Political leaders across parties paid tribute to him as a promising young leader and voice for the voiceless.
7 April 2026 · New Era →
The National Assembly speaker has ruled that Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa did not use profanity in parliament, after consulting official Hansard recordings of an alleged incident from last year in which she was accused of using the f-word to an IPC member.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian's editorial argues that after 36 years, Namibia's Independence Day celebrations need fundamental reform to move beyond ruling-party-focused, stadium-centred events and instead embrace inclusive, progressive formats that resonate with younger generations and address economic realities like urban poverty.
22 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo has filed an urgent application in the Windhoek High Court to evict about 50 people who have been camping at the party's national headquarters since October 2024, demanding clarity on alleged UN funds for repatriated exiled Namibians in 1989. The hearing is scheduled for 27 March after the court gave respondents time to obtain legal representation.
20 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's ruling party has filed a High Court application seeking removal of repatriated veterans who set up camp outside SWAPO's Windhoek headquarters, demanding release of funds and benefits allegedly promised over three decades ago. SWAPO's Secretary General said the party has found no UN documents proving funds were paid to SWAPO for distribution to returning exiles, and cited health and environmental hazards from the occupation.
18 March 2026 · Informanté →
Some Swapo members holding full-time government positions as councillors, governors and ministers are allegedly refusing to vacate their party leadership posts, defying a February directive by party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa requiring them to step down to prevent leadership vacuums and operational paralysis. Those refusing include Khomas governor Sam Nujoma (SPYL regional coordinator), Emma Muteka (SPYL district secretary), and Minister Indileni Daniel (party women's council coordinator), though some members have complied with the order.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian editorial criticizes NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu for making racial remarks in parliament, calling such divisive statements inappropriate and unworthy of lawmakers sworn to uphold the Constitution. The piece also faults parliament's poor legislative record and calls for accountability, noting that no non-budget law has passed since members were sworn in last year.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia and condemned the US-backed Israeli military operation against Iran. Namibia's government also issued a statement expressing grave concern about the escalation in the Middle East, citing risks to international peace and security.
5 March 2026 · New Era →
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa met with Iran's ambassador to Namibia to reaffirm ties between the two countries and extended condolences following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on 28 February, which she described as "unjustified aggression and an illegal military operation."
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, presented evidence he says shows the president's family members hold interests across the oil and gas sector—including the president's son operating a diesel distribution business at Lüderitz port and the first gentleman serving as patron of a petroleum industry forum—and called on Parliament to reject a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer licensing authority to the Presidency.
2 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Liberation hero and former Cabinet minister Erkki Nghimtina was buried at Eenhana Memorial Shrine on Saturday, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Cabinet ministers and senior government officials in attendance. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah praised him as a courageous cadre who served the nation with selfless dedication.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Cabinet minister Erkki Nghimtina, aged 78, was buried at the Eenhana memorial shrine on Saturday after passing away on 8 February. Political leaders praised him as a disciplined, loyal servant of Namibia who served in government from 1997 to 2020.
23 February 2026 · New Era →
Former President Nangolo Mbumba and SWAPO Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa paid tribute to late freedom fighter Erkki Nghimtina at his military memorial service in Omahenge, describing him as a hero who carried the burden of the struggle without wavering. Nghimtina died on 8 February, a month that has seen the deaths of several prominent Namibian figures including Founding President Sam Nujoma and President Hage Geingob in previous years.
21 February 2026 · Informanté →