“Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources Tobie Aupindi says Namibia's small-scale mining sector requires urgent legislative and institutional reforms to unlock its potential and address persistent challenges facing miners.”
Aupindisaysmineral laws and policies must be amended to accommodate mining technology advances
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“Namibia's mineral laws and related policies must be amended to accommodate advances in mining technology and formally recognise small-scale mining as an integral component of the country's socio-economic development.”
Tobie Aupindichairedthe Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources
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“The committee, chaired by Tobie Aupindi, visited the operation to assess the concerns raised and better understand the conditions under which mining activities are taking place.”
Tobie Aupinditableda parliamentary motion calling for national audit of unclaimed benefits
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“The renewed debate follows a parliamentary motion tabled last month by member of parliament Tobie Aupindi, who called for a national audit of unclaimed pension, insurance and death benefits.”
Dr Tobie Aupindicriticisedthe management of government green schemes, describing Hardap Green Scheme as a disaster
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“THE Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Dr Tobie Aupindi, has criticised the management of government green schemes, describing conditions at the Hardap Green Scheme in particular as "a disaster".”
Dr Tobie Aupindidescribedgrape and date farming operations at Naute Farm as world-class
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“The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Dr Tobie Aupindi, has described the grape and date farming operations at Naute Farm in the //Kharas Region as world-class, with significant potential to contribute to the country's development.”
Aupindinotedfarm's ability to realise potential constrained by challenges at NIDA
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“However, Aupindi noted that the farm's ability to realise its full potential is being constrained by challenges at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA), which oversees its operations.”
Tobie Aupindileddelegation touring Hardap Green Scheme, ROOTS Project, Namib Dairies Super Farm
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“Led by the committee's chairperson Tobie Aupindi, the delegation toured the Hardap Green Scheme, the ROOTS Project in Stampriet, and the Namib Dairies Super Farm.”
Elsie Uxams, a retired school matron, has sold semi-precious stones—tourmaline, Agat, amethyst, crystals and rose quartz—from a roadside stall in the Dâures area for almost 40 years, operating largely on trust by allowing customers to leave payment in a bucket when she is not present.
Elsie Uxams, a retired school matron, has sold semi-precious stones—tourmaline, Agat, amethyst, crystals and rose quartz—from a roadside stall in the Dâures area for almost 40 years, operating largely on trust by allowing customers to leave payment in a bucket when she is not present.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, following an oversight visit to mining sites in Erongo Region, calls for urgent legislative and institutional reforms to address challenges and unlock the potential of Namibia's small-scale mining sector. Key issues include disputes between Exclusive Prospecting Licence holders and mining claim holders, and the need to amend mineral laws to formally recognize small-scale mining as integral to socio-economic development.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources visited Okarikua Mining in Opuwo and found that the operation has reportedly conducted testing activities for about two years, with piles of copper-bearing rocks on site and questions raised about whether production may be taking place under the guise of testing. The committee also raised concerns about worker safety, welfare, and Ministry of Mines and Energy oversight.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah opened the 13th Chamber of Mines Mining Expo and Conference, themed "From Dialogue to Delivery: Assessing Progress in Creating Mining-Led Economic Growth and Employment Since NamPPF." The President stated that the mining sector remains one of Namibia's leading economic sectors towards Vision 2030.
Consumer advocates and industry players are calling for reform of Namibia's unclaimed benefits system, with a parliamentary motion seeking a national audit of unclaimed pension, insurance and death benefits and stronger tracing obligations for institutions. Consumer analyst Salomo Iipinge argues the issue reflects a structural failure that disadvantages vulnerable families and rural and low-income Namibians, and warns against unscrupulous tracing agents while calling for greater transparency on interest earned on unclaimed funds.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has criticised the management of government green schemes, describing conditions at the Hardap Green Scheme as "a disaster" due to poor maintenance, mismanagement, and lack of proper governance, following an oversight visit to agricultural projects in Hardap Region.
NIDA oversees grape and date farming operations at Naute Farm in //Kharas Region that produce world-class products with significant potential, but the agency's financial and operational challenges constrain the farm from realising its full potential for socio-economic development and job creation.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has concluded an oversight visit to agricultural projects in Hardap Region, including the Hardap Green Scheme, ROOTS Project, and Namib Dairies Super Farm. The committee commended the efficiency and innovation of privately managed enterprises and said it will incorporate findings into a report to parliament on strengthening agricultural output and food security.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority is investigating Wealth Management Solutions, owned by Hanjo Schlabitz, over losses of at least N$250 million belonging to clients, mostly pensioners and families. The liquidator estimates total losses may reach N$350 million, with 87 people and two organisations claiming as creditors, after Schlabitz allegedly used money market funds to cover failed foreign exchange investments.
Members of Parliament have challenged the incoming Anti-Corruption Commission leadership to demonstrate independence and impartiality, with lawmakers warning that the institution's credibility depends on investigating corruption without fear or favour. Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi criticized the outgoing ACC leadership and alleged the commission had been weaponized to settle political scores and applied investigations selectively.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah nominated Bryan Eiseb as the new Anti-Corruption Commission director general following a prime ministerial motion; Parliament approved without objection. During the Assembly debate, urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa urged Eiseb to lead the institution "like a wolf and not a donkey," warning against allowing the ACC to be weaponised for political or tribal agendas and stressing the need for independent operation.
Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi has tabled a motion in the National Assembly calling for a national investigation into millions of dollars in unclaimed pension, insurance, death and other financial benefits held by institutions. According to the financial sector regulator, unclaimed pension benefits alone exceed N$218 million, with the total value of unclaimed funds potentially significantly higher.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare told over 600 graduates at Triumphant College's 2026 ceremony to use their qualifications to create opportunities and contribute to Namibia's development amid high youth unemployment. Ngurare emphasized that education drives economic growth and technological advancement, and that graduates' futures depend on how they apply their skills.
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."
Board earnings for chairs and senior members at Namibian banks, listed companies and state-owned enterprises range from N$400,000 to N$1.6 million annually. Opposition chief whip Rodney Cloete argues board work has shifted from part-time public service to a full-time income stream for a politically connected group, often appointed through personal connections rather than merit.
Swapo member of Parliament and former Otjozondjupa governor James Unomasa Uerikua died in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday, along with his 14-year-old son. Parliamentary colleagues and opposition leaders mourned him as a capable legislator, committed servant, and respected figure across political divides.
Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua has died suddenly and tragically, leaving his wife recovering from injuries and his children grieving. A fellow MP pays tribute to Uerikua as a rare leader of exceptional intellect and humility who was deeply committed to economic renewal and serving Namibia's voiceless.
Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, 43, and his 14-year-old son died Friday when their vehicle overturned on the Otjiwarongo-Okakarara road after a rear tyre burst. Colleagues remembered him as a sharp-minded, articulate, and humorous legislator with a passion for farming.
James Unomasa Uerikua, a Swapo member of Parliament and former governor of Otjozondjupa region, died on Friday in a car accident between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara; his 14-year-old son also died from injuries sustained in the crash. Political leaders across parties paid tribute to him as a promising young leader and voice for the voiceless.
Tobie Aupindi, a Member of Parliament, has paid tribute to his fellow MP James Uerikua, who died in a car accident on the road between Otjiwarongo and Okakarara on Friday. Aupindi described Uerikua as a dear friend, brother, and devoted servant to Namibia.
Parliamentarians from multiple parties criticized the N$109 million allocation to the Anti-Corruption Commission for the 2026/27 fiscal year as inadequate, arguing that underfunding, limited access to modern technology, and outdated legislation prevent the institution from effectively combating corruption. MPs called for increased funding and legislative amendments to enable the ACC to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics.
Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi has proposed establishing a sovereign fund for veterans to reduce dependence on annual treasury allocations. He argues that investing part of the roughly N$1 billion annual veterans allocation could generate self-sustaining income over time rather than relying solely on government budgets.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has allocated N$20 million for capital development to construct a regional office at Oshakati as part of its N$109 million budget allocation for 2026/27. Parliamentarians commended the move but called for broader regional coverage and better funding and staff compensation to strengthen the ACC's capacity to address corruption.
Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.
Hundreds of illegal street vendors in Windhoek's CBD face regular evictions by municipal police, but continue trading because formal markets do not generate sufficient income. The city says it is developing structured trading venues as part of a long-term strategy, while vendors and lawmakers call for legal recognition, proper infrastructure, and compensation for confiscated goods.
Swapo MP Tobie Aupindi has proposed a "Commodity Dividend Model" under which Namibia would receive mining and resource dividends in physical commodities like gold, uranium, and lithium rather than fiat currency, arguing this would protect the country against inflation and currency volatility while building a strategic reserve. Aupindi also called for greater industrialisation, more effective taxation of mineral rents, reform of state-owned enterprises, and a shift from passive SACU reliance toward regional value chains and manufacturing.
Swapo parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi has proposed that the government should receive dividends in physical commodities such as gold, uranium, or lithium instead of cash, arguing this would provide a hedge against currency volatility and inflation rather than converting mineral wealth into fiat currency.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has endorsed the continuation of uranium mining by Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Rosatom, in the Leonardville area despite environmental concerns about contamination of the Stampriet aquifer. The committee chair argues that uranium is a natural resource already present in the area and that In-Situ Recovery technology, refined over 50 years, should be allowed to proceed to acquire scientific knowledge and enable Namibia to develop its nuclear industry.
A parliamentary standing committee recommended allowing Rosatom to proceed with uranium exploration and mining in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, arguing the project could help gather scientific data on natural contamination. The recommendation has drawn criticism from former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein and farming groups, who warn the project could permanently damage the aquifer—Namibia's key drinking water source for the arid south—and lack scientific grounding, while supporters cite potential economic benefits and Rosatom's expertise.
Namibia's parliament opened its third session in February with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressing the chamber on enhancing parliament's role in inclusive development and participatory democracy, while bills including a land bill await action by lawmakers.