Namibia Minute.
24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Place

South Africa

Also known as: South African market · South African · that country · Proteas · South Africans · South African rule · South Africa women's national football team

Politics

Opinion: Is parliamentary disorder a political strategy?

The News

An opinion piece examines recent disruptions in Namibia's Parliament—including table-banging and xenophobic remarks—asking whether disorder functions as a deliberate political instrument to advance narrow interests rather than genuine democratic expression. The author draws on African political theory to suggest that weak institutionalization may enable actors to exploit confusion strategically.

17 April 2026 · New Era

Friday 17 April

  1. Opinion: Is parliamentary disorder a political strategy?

    An opinion piece examines recent disruptions in Namibia's Parliament—including table-banging and xenophobic remarks—asking whether disorder functions as a deliberate political instrument to advance narrow interests rather than genuine democratic expression. The author draws on African political theory to suggest that weak institutionalization may enable actors to exploit confusion strategically.

    17 April 2026 · New Era

  2. Pan-Africanist activist arrested in South Africa on extradition warrant

    South African police arrested anti-Western activist Kemi Seba in Pretoria while he was attempting to flee to Zimbabwe and Europe. Benin has issued an international warrant for his arrest after he publicly supported a failed coup attempt in December, on charges of inciting rebellion and crimes against the state.

    17 April 2026 · New Era

  3. Kenya fuel prices surge amid global oil crisis

    Kenya's energy regulator has raised diesel and petrol prices to record levels, citing higher global oil and shipping costs exacerbated by conflict in Iran, even as the government cut value-added tax to cushion consumers. The increase occurs alongside a fuel quality scandal and reports of shortages, though officials say stocks are sufficient.

    17 April 2026 · The Namibian

  4. South African firm enters Namibian renewable energy market

    Commodore Industries, a South African renewable energy developer and investor, has announced plans to expand into Namibia's solar power sector and is in talks with licensed solar and wind plant owners and stakeholders. The company, which has appointed a country manager, says it could develop its own solar plants or invest in existing ones, and is also interested in Namibia's railway industry.

    17 April 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 16 April

  1. Jackals, hyenas, vultures sustain Namibia's coastal ecosystem

    Namibia's coastline hosts scavenging species including brown hyenas, black-backed jackals, and vultures that play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance by feeding on marine carcasses. These 'beach cleaners' prevent disease spread and facilitate nutrient exchange between ocean and land, though they also face challenges including rabies transmission and endangerment.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian

  2. South Africa appoints Roelf Meyer as US ambassador

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer, a former apartheid-era negotiator and longtime friend of Ramaphosa, as ambassador to the United States. The appointment comes after the country's previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled last year following his criticism of President Trump, leaving the post vacant amid strained diplomatic relations.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Kia Tasman bakkie arrives in Namibia with unconventional design

    The 2026 Kia Tasman, featuring a 2.2-litre diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, has launched in Namibia's competitive bakkie market with a bold, polarising design aimed at buyers seeking something different. Available in three derivatives starting from N$679,995, the vehicle combines rugged capability with modern technology and comfort features.

    16 April 2026 · New Era

  4. Namibian banks deny fraud refunds despite rising losses

    Namibian commercial banks have no policies to refund defrauded clients, even as the Bank of Namibia reports losses of over N$6 million monthly to fraud. Banks claim liability rests with customers who authorize transactions under deception, while victims say they have been denied compensation; international regulators in the UK and EU are moving to mandate refunds to fraud victims.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Suzuki launches Across SUV in Namibian market

    Suzuki has unveiled the Across, its largest SUV to date, aimed at first-time buyers and budget-conscious consumers. The vehicle features a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen, hands-free tailgate, claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100km, and is available in three derivatives with pricing positioned competitively against established rivals.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 15 April

  1. South Africa's DA party elects young new leader to broaden appeal

    Geordin Hill-Lewis, 39, has become leader of South Africa's second-largest Democratic Alliance party, tasked with extending its support beyond its predominantly white and minority voter base to the black majority who make up about 80% of the population. Hill-Lewis has acknowledged a "trust deficit" and says winning the trust of more black South Africans will be his main focus, supported by a more diverse and younger senior leadership team than his predecessors.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian

Namibia Minute