Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Swapo

Also known as: Swapo Party · Swapo ||Kharas · Swapo government · Swapo MPs · Swapo of Namibia · Swapo Elders Council · Swapo's · Swapo head office · SPEC · Swapo election manifesto · the ruling Swapo · Swapo Central Committee · Swapo Youth League · Swapo leadership · Swapo elite · Swapo-led governments · Swapo Manifesto Implementation Plan · Swapo president · Swapo-led government · Swapo office · Swapo Erongo · Swapo-led · Swapo machinery · ruling Swapo party · Swapo Today · Swapo-led elite cartel · Swapo Oshana Executive · Swapo Party government

Namibia's ruling party; its lawmakers, secretary general, and affiliated entities feature prominently in parliamentary debates and governance issues.

2018-11-232026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. May 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    Joplin Pagley !Gontes was Swapo Hardap regional coordinator

    Source

    “President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and vice president Lucia Witbooi are attending the burial service of late Swapo Hardap regional coordinator Joplin Pagley !Gontes on Saturday.”

    President, VP pay final respect to !Gontes

  3. The Namibian

    Swapo hosted its first embassy abroad in New Delhi in 1986

    Source

    “From hosting the first Swapo embassy abroad in New Delhi in 1986 to witnessing the birth of a free Namibia in 1990, our partnership has always been defined by aligned goals and profound mutual respect.”

    Namibia and the New Era of India-Africa Partnership

  4. Informanté

    SWAPO Party emphasises in its manifesto commitment to strengthening health sector through equitable access

    Source

    “She also referred to the ruling SWAPO Party's manifesto, which emphasises commitment to strengthening the health sector through equitable access to quality healthcare, investment in human capital, improved infrastructure, and responsive public health systems.”

    Governor Hamutumwa hails healthcare workers

  5. New Era

    Swapo Party-led government has prioritised initiatives and programmes aimed at improving living standards of all Namibians

    Source

    “The President noted that since independence in 1990, the Swapo Party-led government has prioritised initiatives, programmes and interventions aimed at improving the living standards of all Namibians and driving sustainable development.”

    Cassinga sacrifice should inspire national unity – NNN

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Swapo helped ensure the Ndilimani Cultural Troupe performed at the event

    Source

    “We thank the Swapo party for making sure that the band was here.”

    Nandi-Ndaitwah stresses unity on Cassinga Day

  7. The Namibian

    Swapo members urged to prioritise unity and service over personal or tribal interests

    Source

    “He urged Swapo members to prioritise unity and service over personal or tribal interests.”

    Commemoration must guide actions – Samupwa

  8. Informanté

    SWAPO Party-led government has prioritised initiatives, programmes, and interventions aimed at improving living standards since 1990

    Source

    “According to the president, since Namibia gained independence in 1990, the SWAPO Party-led government has prioritised initiatives, programmes, and interventions aimed at improving living standards and promoting sustainable development.”

    President calls for unity in fight against corruption

  9. Informanté

    SWAPO has historical ties with the labour movement

    Source

    “She reaffirmed the historical ties between SWAPO and the labour movement, noting that 1 May was declared a public holiday after independence in recognition of workers' contributions.”

    President calls for skills development and worker empowerment at May Day commemoration
  10. April 2026

  11. New Era

    Swapo turned 66 years old

    Source

    “Adolf Kaure Swapo Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged party leaders and members to remain guided by the values and principles that have sustained the movement for over six decades.”

    Swapo turns 66

  12. Namibian Sun

    Swapo prepared to officially open its long-awaited new headquarters

    Source

    “Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday urged party members to remain united and reject misinformation as the ruling party prepared to officially open its long-awaited n...”

    New HQ marks Swapo ‘renewal and progress’
Politics

Baby Blue sells 264 plots valued at N$200 million nationwide

The News

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.

22 hours ago · The Namibian →

Yesterday

  1. Baby Blue sells 264 plots valued at N$200 million nationwide

    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.

    22 hours ago · The Namibian →

Friday 5 June

  1. NBC marks 35 years of information, education, entertainment

    The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation celebrated its 35th anniversary on Friday. Former directors and a media ombudsman reflected on the corporation's journey, including challenges of modernization, content acquisition, and maintaining relevance as a public broadcaster.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ex-PLAN veteran receives N$10,000 from Sisa Namandje Foundation

    The Sisa Namandje Foundation has announced Anna Kaunawoye Mekondjo Thomas as the latest beneficiary of its Injured But Not Fallen Ex-PLAN Combatants Project, which has supported more than 20 seriously injured liberation war veterans since commencing in May 2025. Each beneficiary receives a once-off payment of N$10,000 as a token of appreciation for their sacrifices.

    5 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Namibia marks second Genocide Remembrance Day with calls for justice

    Namibia observed its second Genocide Remembrance Day to reflect on the 1904–1908 genocide against the Ovaherero, Nama, Damara, and ≠Nkhoen San peoples. The commemoration emphasises the need for truth-telling, restorative justice, and Germany's full acknowledgment of responsibility for the genocide.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. President inspects Green Schemes, emphasises agriculture's development role

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah toured irrigation projects in Kavango East, Kavango West, Ohangwena and Omusati regions as part of government efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, food security and employment. At Ndonga Linena Green Scheme in Kavango East, she noted the project is expected to produce about 4,754 tonnes of maize from 574 hectares this season.

    4 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Businessman denies political role in Namibia fuel supply deal

    Mathews Hamutenya has denied having political connections to State House or involvement in the government's decision to appoint Vitol as Namibia's sole fuel supplier, though his son recently bought 52 service stations and Hamutenya is a partner in a storage facility with Vitol. The Independent Patriots for Change have linked Hamutenya to what they describe as a "conglomerate at the centre of Namibia's petroleum oil takeover."

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Public enterprises bill divides opposition and Swapo in parliament

    Opposition and Swapo lawmakers are divided over a governance amendment bill that would grant the prime minister authority to oversee state-owned enterprises and appoint board members in consultation with line ministers. Critics argue it concentrates political power and weakens accountability, while supporters say it clarifies reporting structures and improves coordination.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 31 May

  1. President absent from Genocide Remembrance Day events

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.

    31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 28 May

  1. Keetmanshoop municipality spends N$391,000 monthly on vehicle rentals

    Keetmanshoop municipality pays N$391,000 a month to rent 26 vehicles from Avis Fleet, including a Mercedes-Benz for the mayor, prompting criticism from councillors who call the expenditure wasteful given the municipality's financial constraints.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Swapo party endorses One-China policy, recognises Taiwan as Chinese territory

    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 →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Windhoek mayor's Azerbaijan trip draws scrutiny from activists

    Activist Sem David has called on the City of Windhoek and Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to release full details of mayor Sackarias Uunona's trip to the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, questioning the purpose and cost of the visit and why technical officials were not sent instead.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 25 May

  1. High Court orders auction of Hodago Fishing's freezer trawler

    A Windhoek High Court judge has authorised the deputy sheriff to sell Hodago Fishing's vessel Venus 1 through public auction after the financially troubled company failed to repay Standard Bank Namibia N$36 million in loan and facility agreements. Gendev Fishing Resources, in which the Swapo-owned company Guinas Investments holds 96.5%, has 45% shareholding in Hodago Fishing.

    25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. 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 →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. PM Ngurare backs Nandi-Ndaitwah for second term

    Prime minister Elijah Ngurare publicly supports president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah serving a second term, arguing that previous elected presidents served more than one term and that premature succession debates distract from government service delivery. Swapo's elective congress to choose a presidential candidate for the 2029 elections is expected next year.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Swapo succession debate continues despite PM's call for discipline

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare appealed for political discipline and focus on governance rather than premature debates over who should succeed President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, but the article argues that succession politics is an inevitable feature of Namibian political life regardless of such appeals.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. 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 →

  4. Inaction, not policy lack, driving Namibia's hardship, Aupindi warns

    Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi said Namibia's core problem is government institutions failing to act on unemployment, poverty and inequality despite producing reports and analyses. He called for transition from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods, and warned that "we analyse situations until we paralyse them."

    20 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Former PDM MP Hamata denies plans to join Swapo

    Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.

    19 May 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 17 May

  1. President tributes late SWAPO regional coordinator Joplin !Gontes

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah paid tribute to late SWAPO Party Hardap Regional Coordinator Joplin Pagley !Gontes during her funeral service, describing her as a committed leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, and dedication to the party and Namibian people. !Gontes passed away on 4 May 2026, the same day Namibia commemorated the 48th anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre, and had served in education and health sectors before becoming a SWAPO Party Regional Coordinator in 2022.

    17 May 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Swapo-linked fishing firm faces US$3m dispute with DRC entity

    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 →

Saturday 16 May

  1. President praises late Swapo coordinator for unity, compassion

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has described Swapo's late Hardap coordinator Joplin !Gontes as a unifying and compassionate leader who believed in uplifting others and treating people with dignity. Speaking at her funeral service in Windhoek on Saturday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said !Gontes' values of humility, compassion and commitment to serving communities should continue to inspire Namibians.

    16 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. President, VP attend burial of Swapo regional coordinator

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Vice President Lucia Witbooi attended the burial service of Joplin Pagley !Gontes, Swapo's Hardap regional coordinator, on Saturday at Pioneerspark cemetery in Windhoek. !Gontes died on 4 May in Mariental after a short illness.

    16 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Namibia and India deepen partnership ahead of New Delhi summit

    India has supported Namibia's independence since 1946 and hosted Swapo's first embassy abroad in 1986. The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi (28–31 May) will align India's development vision with Africa's Agenda 2063 and strengthen the relationship through business and ministerial meetings.

    16 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Katima Mulilo proposes servicing 200 plots annually

    Katima Mulilo mayor Kabende Kabende has proposed servicing 200 residential plots annually for five years to address a housing backlog exceeding 6,000 units and over 2,000 applicants on a waiting list dating back to 2008. The plan aims to reduce informal settlements and introduce predictability and accountability in addressing land demand.

    16 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. High commissioner sues IPC member over defamatory WhatsApp audio

    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 →

Tuesday 12 May

  1. President honours Founding President Nujoma on 97th birthday

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid tribute to Namibia's Founding President Sam Nujoma on what would have been his 97th birthday, describing him as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, unity, and Namibia's liberation struggle. She reflected on his journey from Etunda village to becoming one of Africa's respected liberation leaders and noted his advocacy for Namibia's independence at the United Nations and international platforms.

    12 May 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 11 May

  1. Oshana governor urges Swapo unity over tribalism and faction

    Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has warned Swapo members against tribalism and factionalism during an internal party conference, urging delegates to prioritise unity above personal ambitions and to avoid divisive political competition driven by insults and character assassination.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Erna Kambalantu becomes Oshana SPYL youth league secretary

    Swapo Party Youth League member Erna Kambalantu was declared Oshana youth league secretary after contender Oshotuli Ngolo was disqualified for reportedly not meeting election requirements. Ngolo disputed the decision, saying she was only informed on the day of the election and claimed she had previously submitted all required documents.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Regional Governor praises healthcare workers at awards ceremony

    Ohangwena Regional Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa encouraged leaders and public servants to build an efficient, accountable healthcare system at the second Ohangwena Regional Health Directorate's Health Professionals' Award Ceremony. Awards were presented to district hospitals, management teams, and individual healthcare workers based on measurable indicators including patient care, infection prevention, hospital cleanliness, data management, leadership and timely reporting.

    10 May 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 8 May

  1. Businessman Haimbodi urges youth: education and hard work lead to success

    Prominent businessman Josua Haimbodi, who recently obtained a Specialised Diploma in Political Science from Bircham International University in Madrid, Spain, has called on young Namibians to embrace education and hard work, sharing his journey from a barefoot village boy to a university graduate as evidence that anything is possible with faith and determination.

    8 May 2026 · Informanté →

Swapo — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute