Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
March 2026
The Namibian
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwawas accused oftaking 30 000 food packs intended for Independence Day celebrations to dish out to the public
Source
“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.”
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwastated in her affidavit that a meeting took placeon 17 January with demonstrators, government representatives, and UN representatives
Source
“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 Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwasaid the group commenced their demonstration under supervision ofNamibian Police Force, culminating in camping at SWAPO Party National Headquarters on 22 October 2025
Source
“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 secretary general Sophia Shaningwaissued a directiverequiring regions and districts to hold extraordinary conferences
Source
“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 secretary general Sophia Shaningwamet withIran's ambassador to Namibia Mohammed Baqer Beigi
Source
“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.”
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.
Why it matters
Politically connected businessman's sale of N$200m in plots under parliamentary scrutiny reveals ongoing concerns about land allocation accountability and crony capitalism.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency is partnering with Ghanaian businessman Jory Adu-Boahene to develop a N$4-billion oil and gas supply base in Lüderitz Bay, with Nida claiming a 51% stake. The project, which involves Swapo-linked businessman Josef Andreas, has resurfaced after a previous tender process was cancelled amid disagreements over governance and structure.
Swapo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told party lawmakers at an induction workshop that discipline, coordination, and service delivery must define their work, warning that public trust depends on visible improvements in people's lives. She stressed that Swapo's electoral dominance brings responsibility to deliver on its manifesto and the Sixth National Development Plan.
The PDM's McHenry Venaani received a delegation of former Swapo refugees repatriated in 1989, who have been camping at Swapo headquarters since October 2025 with longstanding grievances. Venaani committed to advocating for the group at the national level, though the UN and Swapo have disputed claims regarding fund diversion and repatriation support.
Mathias Kanana Hishoono, one of the last surviving founders of Swapo and a key organiser in Namibia's liberation struggle, was buried on Saturday following his death on 14 January at age 89. His passing marks the closing of a formative chapter in Namibian political history, as a generation whose authority was rooted in lived experience of colonial repression and resistance fades away.