South West Africa National Union — opposition political party represented in the National Assembly, consulted on land reform, unemployment, and genocide issues.
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March 2026
Informanté
SWANU delegationraised concerns relating toland matters, ongoing genocide negotiations, and the role of Agribank
Source
“During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns relating to land matters, the ongoing genocide negotiations and the role of Agribank, particularly regarding loan defaulters and the need to reposition the institution to better support farmers.”
South West Africa National Unionhad as cadre and later presidentRihupisa Kandando
Source
“In most of his speeches and writings, as an individual, a Swanu cadre and later as president of the oldest liberation movement in Namibia, he would always deploy historical materialism to position his beloved party and the broader liberation struggle in its proper context.”
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah argues that the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration is creating divisions rather than promoting unity and collective healing as intended. He says the government's approach, selection of speakers, and messages delivered are contributing more to division than unity, and warns that regional activities and speeches reflected limited knowledge of the genocide.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah argues that the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration is creating divisions rather than promoting unity and collective healing as intended. He says the government's approach, selection of speakers, and messages delivered are contributing more to division than unity, and warns that regional activities and speeches reflected limited knowledge of the genocide.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare rejected claims that public hospitals are creating special VIP units for government officials, saying the government's focus is improving healthcare for all Namibians. He highlighted seven major health facilities earmarked for upgrades and announced Vision April 2026, a programme requiring senior officials to use public hospitals to improve service quality nationwide.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Swanu leaders to discuss high unemployment, land reform, manufacturing, education, and social welfare as part of her political party consultations. Swanu representative Evilastus Kaaronda said the meeting allowed both sides to exchange views in depth on national issues, highlighting the importance of such dialogue for strengthening democratic processes.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held consultations with South West Africa National Union (SWANU) at State House to discuss national issues including land reform, genocide negotiations, agriculture financing, and water challenges facing farmers. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with political parties represented in the National Assembly.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced a N$100 increase in the old-age pension grant to N$1,700 per month, prompting divided responses. Some pensioners accept the modest raise and support government priorities elsewhere, while others and opposition party Swanu argue the increase is inadequate given the cost of living and call for the N$3,000 monthly pension that was previously promised.
Petrusfontein, a small settlement in Kunene region, has deep historical roots for its residents but lacks basic infrastructure and services over 35 years after independence. Residents report ongoing challenges including the absence of a bridge, safe water, medical facilities, and kindergartens, despite the community's cultural ties and peaceful character.
Several Namibian lawmakers have given notice of parliamentary questions on pressing national issues: judicial understaffing and magistrate workload; the country's grey listing status and oil sector regulatory violations; support needed for dairy and poultry sectors amid production gains; drug use and rehabilitation services in schools; and electricity tariff methodology and consumer protection measures.
Namibian opposition leaders have divided over a proposed amendment to transfer upstream petroleum powers from the mines and energy minister to the Office of the President. While the government argues the change will strengthen governance of the emerging oil and gas sector, opposition figures including IPC leader Panduleni Itula, APP's Imms Nashinge, and PDM's McHenry Venaani warn that the shift risks undermining parliamentary oversight, constitutional separation of powers, and regulatory accountability.
The Landless People's Movement confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to a letter from party leader Bernadus Clinton Swartbooi sent during last year's election claiming minority groups faced discrimination and pressure in Namibia. Meanwhile, several parliamentarians reacted positively to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's recent address, though some cautioned that scrutiny of pending bills—particularly the Petroleum Amendment Bill—is essential before passage.