Also known as: Environment commissioner Timoteus Mufeti · Mr Timoteus Mufeti
Environmental commissioner who has issued controversial environmental clearance certificates for marine phosphate and mining projects, facing scrutiny from ministers and courts.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Timoteus Mufeti
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
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The Namibian
Timoteus Mufeti says his office is facing several challenges in ensuring Environmental Management Act provisions are adhered to
“Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti says his office is facing several challenges in its efforts to ensure that the provisions of the Environmental Management Act (7 of 2007) are adhered to.”
Mufeti calls for environmental overhaulThe Namibian
Mufeti said his office needs to operate independently from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
“The commissioner said his office also lacks the expertise needed to properly screen EIA applications and that there is a need for the office to operate independently.”
Mufeti calls for environmental overhaulNew Era
Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted Namibian Marine Phosphate an Environment Clearance Certificate on 5 August 2026
“At the centre of the dispute is Mufeti's decision of 5 August 2026 to grant NMP an ECC for mining activities under Mining Licence 170 off Namibia's west coast.”
Minister tears into Environmental CommissionerThe Namibian
Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted environmental clearance certificate for controversial marine phosphate mining project
“That is precisely what is happening with marine phosphate mining currently after environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted an environmental clearance certificate allowing the controversial project to proceed – a decision the fisheries minister has now formally appealed.”
Editorial: How Does Mufeti Get Away With Environmental Destruction?The Namibian
Mufeti conceded he failed to consider the presence of endangered black and white rhino when issuing the clearance
“Mufeti conceded that he failed to consider the presence of these endangered species when issuing the clearance.”
Editorial: How Does Mufeti Get Away With Environmental Destruction?The Namibian
Mufeti conceded under oath he has no written record supporting his decision to grant environmental clearances for tin mining in core conservancy area
“In another matter currently before the High Court involving the Doro !Nawas and Uibasen Twyfelfontein conservancies, Mufeti conceded under oath that he has no written record supporting his decision to grant environmental clearances for tin mining in a core communal conservancy area also recognised as an important black rhino habitat.”
Editorial: How Does Mufeti Get Away With Environmental Destruction?The Namibian
Mr Timoteus Mufeti is Environmental Commissioner
“Mr Timoteus Mufeti, Environmental Commissioner”
President Lucia Witbooi Calls for Youth Empowerment to Drive Namibia’s Sustainable DevelopmentThe Namibian
Environment commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted the Sandpiper marine phosphate project an environmental clearance certificate on 5 August
“Environment commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted the Sandpiper marine phosphate project an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) on 5 August.”
Zaamwani appeals Sandpiper phosphate clearanceThe Namibian
Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted ECC to Namibian Marine Phosphate for Sandpiper project
“About two weeks ago, environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted an ECC to Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) for its Sandpiper project.”
Swapo youth league wants Cabinet to vet permitsThe Namibian
Environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted Namibian Marine Phosphate an environmental clearance certificate on 5 August
“The decision by environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti to grant Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP) an environmental clearance certificate on 5 August exposes the lack of a clear policy position on seabed phosphate mining.”
Editorial: We Need Clarity on Phosphate Once and For AllTimoteus Mufeti, the environmental commissioner, says his office faces several challenges in enforcing the Environmental Management Act, including receiving EIA applications from unqualified applicants, a lack of expertise to screen them, insufficient training in hazardous waste management, and a need to revise the Act to address emerging environmental issues.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Timoteus Mufeti, the environmental commissioner, says his office faces several challenges in enforcing the Environmental Management Act, including receiving EIA applications from unqualified applicants, a lack of expertise to screen them, insufficient training in hazardous waste management, and a need to revise the Act to address emerging environmental issues.
1 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The deputy minister of environment, forestry and tourism told the launch of a revised book on environmental law that law and policy must guide Namibia's management of water, land, biodiversity and climate change, and must remain responsive to current and emerging environmental challenges.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani is demanding the revocation of an Environment Clearance Certificate issued by environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti to Namibian Marine Phosphate for its Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project off Namibia's west coast, arguing that Mufeti failed to properly consult her ministry before granting the approval on 5 August 2026.
16 September 2026 · New Era →
An editorial argues that environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti is granting environmental clearance certificates without proper due diligence, citing his approval of marine phosphate mining despite fisheries minister opposition and a High Court finding that he failed to apply his mind when clearing mining at Erindi Private Game Reserve, where he overlooked endangered species.
6 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the fifth Sustainable Development Awards ceremony, calling for youth empowerment as a driver of Namibia's sustainable development and emphasizing that sustainable development is a shared national endeavour requiring commitment from all sectors of society.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has appealed against the environmental commissioner's decision to grant an environmental clearance certificate to Namibian Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper marine phosphate mining project, appealing against the decision in its entirety and all conditions in the certificate.
3 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Fishing industry workers, backed by community members and politicians, protested in Walvis Bay on Thursday against marine phosphate mining following the Ministry of Environment's issuance of an Environmental Clearance Certificate to the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project. Workers handed a petition calling for stricter scrutiny, citing concerns about potential impacts on fish stocks, jobs, and coastal livelihoods.
24 August 2026 · New Era →
The Swapo Party Youth League wants the Cabinet to oversee environmental clearance decisions, arguing that ministers must supervise decisions within their ministries. Critics including former Cabinet minister Helmut Angula warn that Cabinet involvement could politicise the process and that administrators should remain responsible for ECC applications.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian editorial commends President Nandi-Ndaitwah for opposing seabed phosphate mining but criticizes the lack of clear policy, after environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti granted Namibian Marine Phosphate an environmental clearance certificate despite more than a decade of unresolved controversy.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reportedly objects to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti's approval of an environmental clearance certificate for Namibian Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper project to mine for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean, saying Namibia should not be used for an ocean experiment. The president held a meeting with senior government officials this week to express concerns about the decision made without apparent consultation on a matter of massive public interest.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has threatened to challenge the validity of Namibian Marine Phosphate's environmental clearance certificate, alleging the environmental commissioner failed to respond to repeated information requests since May 2022 and broke a July 2022 promise to provide a response before the certificate was issued on 5 August.
11 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations has enlisted lawyer Sisa Namandje to challenge the Environmental Clearance Certificate granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, citing the Environmental Commissioner's lack of transparency and failure to address the industry's repeated concerns since 2022.
11 August 2026 · New Era →
Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga has pledged to address landfill fires that have blanketed parts of the town in smoke, citing public health and air quality concerns. He attributed the fires to unauthorised activity and tyre burning, announced an immediate ban on tyre dumping, and said the municipality is working to transfer land within Dorob National Park to improve site management.
30 April 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism will remove part of the Walvis Bay landfill from Dorob National Park to allow the municipality full management authority and ability to enforce bylaws. The ministry has issued a compliance order against illegal tyre burning at the site, which residents report creates toxic smoke affecting the town, and has flagged health risks from living near the landfill.
10 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A controlled landfill in Walvis Bay has transformed into an informal settlement housing over 100 shacks and more than 300 people, with residents reporting illegal tyre burning, undercover prostitution, domestic violence, and drug activity. The situation raises serious environmental and health concerns for surrounding communities, prompting authorities to engage stakeholders on de-proclaiming the portion within Dorob National Park to enable better municipal management.
9 April 2026 · New Era →
The government is seeking an independent technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before deciding on Headspring Investments' application to conduct four-year test mining using in-situ leaching in the Omaheke region. Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti said the decision will prioritise science-based evaluation of impacts on the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System and community rights, with the IAEA's technical report expected to undergo inter-ministerial review before March.
4 March 2026 · New Era →
The Environmental Commissioner confirmed no final decision has been made on the proposed uranium in-situ leach mining project in Leonardville, Omaheke Region. The government is awaiting a technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducted an independent review mission in February 2026 to evaluate environmental, groundwater, health and safety impacts before the government decides whether to proceed.
2 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's environment ministry will base its decision on a proposed uranium mining project in Omaheke on scientific findings, not politics, the government said. The project—an in-situ leach mining operation by Headsprings Investments (under Russian state-owned Rosatom)—has raised concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer, which supplies water to the region and neighbouring countries. The government has requested a technical assessment from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which will deliver its report in March.
26 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has halted implementation of the proposed Coastal Management Authority citing overlaps with existing legislation, particularly the Fisheries Act and Pollution Act. Ministry officials say functions such as coastal pollution responsibility were unclear, as the department of maritime affairs already handles such matters.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's amended Environmental Management Act will extend legal protections to ecosystems like natural springs and habitats previously unprotected, and set standards for noise, smell, water and air quality. The ministry is consulting on proposed sand and gravel mining regulations and has flagged unprecedented illegal sand mining as a major environmental concern, attributing it to weak management, corruption, and insufficient enforcement.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Uukwambi Traditional Authority has started rehabilitating sand-mined borrow pits in its jurisdiction, including at Onatshiku village in Oshana region, after residents questioned the delay. The authority must submit detailed rehabilitation plans to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for approval, and is responsible for funding the work, which operators can carry out using their equipment.
15 January 2026 · The Namibian →