Social media platform where Namibian creators face monetization barriers and where unverified products and sexualized AI content have been reported.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
TikTok has served as a platform where North Korea's propaganda song drew praise from Gen Z users
“The pop-y propaganda has drawn praise from Gen Z users of the social media app”
How North Korea’s latest propaganda song has become a TikTok hitA Namibian editorial examines the broader economic damage of the Fishrot scandal beyond direct theft, arguing that Namibia's greylisting and subsequent banking restrictions have hindered Namibian digital creators' access to international payment platforms and monetisation systems.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
A Namibian editorial examines the broader economic damage of the Fishrot scandal beyond direct theft, arguing that Namibia's greylisting and subsequent banking restrictions have hindered Namibian digital creators' access to international payment platforms and monetisation systems.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Data services generated N$944 million in revenue during the second quarter of 2026, making it the largest source of income for Namibia's telecommunications sector. Total telecommunications revenue was N$1.9 billion between April and June, a 12% increase from the previous quarter, with mobile data usage rising to 30.8 million gigabytes, an 11% increase from the previous quarter.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
MTC's data adviser said the mobile operator does not steal customer data and charges consumption-based on actual usage. He attributed rapid data depletion to video streaming on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and advised customers to reduce video quality or use data-saving features.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A 19-year-old university student purchased unverified abortion medication from an unregistered TikTok seller after falling pregnant and fearing her strict parents' reaction. She experienced severe pain and heavy bleeding, and doctors later warned she may have difficulty conceiving in future.
28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The US Department of Justice said the FBI thwarted a plot targeting Sunday's UFC event at the White House and arrested five men across four states. The alleged plan involved striking nearby buildings with explosive-laden drones, firing on "high value targets" with snipers, and storming the White House gate in a coordinated attack.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
TikTok has restricted its experimental AI-generated video descriptions after the feature produced absurd errors, such as describing a video of dancer Charli D'Amelio as "a collection of various blueberries with different toppings." The AI overviews will now only be used to identify products shown in videos.
12 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Around 150 people from 23 countries are stranded on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic near Cape Verde after three confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases were identified on board. Three passengers have died, and the WHO says three suspected hantavirus patients have been evacuated to The Netherlands for medical care.
7 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The University of Namibia's media society held a lecture day on "The Reality of the Media Industry" for over 50 students. Keynote speaker Johnathan Beukes, editor of The Namibian, discussed systemic challenges in traditional journalism, including competition from social media platforms prioritizing speed over accuracy, financial pressures as newsrooms compete with global tech giants, and recovery from Covid-19 pandemic impacts and declining advertising revenue.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The National Theatre of Namibia and City of Windhoek transported more than 1,700 Grade 8 pupils to see 'Bang Bang', a play about school violence and youth challenges, directed by local theatremaker Veronique Kuchekana-Chirau. The production uses the 'Kilanova Method' to help pupils engage with their prescribed text while exploring issues such as bullying, trauma, criminal violence and teen pregnancy.
25 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian content creators face systemic barriers to monetizing their work despite reaching global audiences, including exclusion from payment platforms like PayPal, affiliate marketing programmes and freelance work sites that are unavailable or restrict access from Namibia. The author argues this reflects how the global digital system was designed with structural inequality, leaving Namibian creators with viewers but limited income opportunities.
18 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Newly appointed editor Johnathan Beukes says The Namibian's printed edition continues to fund the publication despite expansion into digital and multimedia platforms, though print circulation decline appears to be stabilising. Beukes plans to reinvest in print while growing digital reach and building a newsroom culture that prioritises both journalists and readers.
26 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo has criticized local internet service providers as "unreliable monopolies" following the government's rejection this week of Starlink's application to operate in Namibia, citing the company's failure to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Amoomo argued that Namibians are "stuck" with expensive and unreliable services from Telecom and MTC, while the regulatory authority Cran has warned the public against purchasing or subscribing to Starlink services as they are illegal under Namibian law.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
TikTok has removed 20 accounts after the BBC and researchers found dozens of unlabelled AI-generated videos of highly sexualised black female avatars on social media platforms, many linking to explicit content sites. Critics say the trend perpetuates racist exploitation and stereotypes of black women through exaggerated depictions and race-based terminology.
23 March 2026 · The Namibian →
MultiChoice Namibia is phasing out its Showmax streaming service following a comprehensive review, citing significant financial losses and shifting viewer preferences toward on-demand streaming platforms. The company says the decision is part of a broader digital strategy and that it will redirect resources to DStv Stream, though the move has prompted concerns from local filmmakers about reduced platforms for African content.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibian lawmakers and child welfare experts are divided over whether to ban social media for children under 15, with supporters citing mental health and cyberbullying concerns while critics argue for evidence-based regulation rather than an outright ban. Experts also note that enforcement would be technically challenging given the ease of age verification manipulation.
8 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Tangeni Neshuku, a 21-year-old Namibian content creator known as Tangos, has grown a significant international following on TikTok by developing his own style rather than simply copying trends, most notably his "gentle tambula" approach to popular sounds. Despite his social media success and brand collaborations, Tangos emphasises staying true to himself and balancing his digital presence with academic pursuits in actuarial science.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Shapwa Panduleni launched Lenis Cakes in June 2022 after struggling with unemployment, teaching herself baking through online tutorials and now successfully serving Windhoek and northern Namibia. She balances the growing business with her nursing studies, crediting family inspiration and faith for helping her persevere through challenges like limited equipment and rising ingredient costs.
18 February 2026 · New Era →
France's lower house voted 116-23 in favour of legislation that would ban under-15s from accessing platforms like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, with President Macron calling it a "major step" toward protecting children's mental health. The bill now goes to the Senate for approval, and similar restrictions are being considered in other European countries including Denmark, Greece, Spain and Ireland.
27 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Two musicians from outside Namibia's main music hubs—DJ Vuyo from Katima Mulilo and UGEE from Kavango East—describe the obstacles facing rural artists, including expensive studio time, costly professional promotion, and years of struggle before gaining national recognition. Both say persistence, self-funding, and remaining opportunity-ready have been key to building their careers.
6 January 2026 · The Namibian →