Namibia Minute.
Monday, 7 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 7 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Unam

Also known as: University of Namibia · Unam FC · Unam Sport Field · The University of Namibia · Clever Boys of Unam · Unam choir · UNAM Main Campus · UNAM Khomasdal Campus

Unam — football club making CAF Confederation Cup debut, and university conducting research on Namibian education trends.

2019-06-252026-09-07

What’s been said

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

  1. May 2026
  2. The Namibian

    The University of Namibia has recorded a 747% increase in student enrolment since 1992

    Source

    The University of Namibia has recorded a 747% increase in student enrolment since 1992, with its student population rising from 3 639 to 30 836, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has revealed.

    Unam enrolment increases by 747% since 1992
  3. The Namibian

    Unam ranked 24th in Africa and 13th in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings

    Source

    It is on record that in 2024 Unam was ranked by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and achieved 24th place among African universities and secured 13th place among sub-Saharan African universities.

    Unam enrolment increases by 747% since 1992
  4. Namibian Sun

    The University of Namibia (Unam) conferred qualifications on 4,342 graduands across eight ceremonies at five venues

    Source

    The University of Namibia (Unam) conferred qualifications on 4 342 graduands across eight ceremonies at five venues, while the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduated 2 804 students in 2025, bringing the total to at least 7 146 in the most recent graduation cycle.

    A nation cannot preach renewal while practising stagnation
  5. Informanté

    UNAM hosted President's Graduation Ceremony speech in Windhoek

    Source

    She made this call during her speech at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Graduation Ceremony in Windhoek.

    President calls for private sector collaboration on internship and apprenticeship programmes
  6. April 2026
  7. The Namibian

    Unam has grown from roughly 3,600 students in 1992 to over 30,000 today

    Source

    Addressing thousands of graduates, she said since its inception in 1992, Unam has grown from a modest student body of roughly 3 600 to over 30 000 today.

    Namibia needs skilled graduates for energy shift – Nandi-Ndaitwah
  8. The Namibian

    University of Namibia (UNAM) graduated 901 students from northern campuses on Wednesday

    Source

    A total of 901 students graduated from the University of Namibia's (UNAM) northern campuses on Wednesday.

    Unam produces ‘army of poverty eradicators’ in north
  9. New Era

    University of Namibia released 901 qualified graduates to workforce in various fields

    Source

    Today, the University of Namibia, consistent with its mandate of contributing to the social and economic development of our country, and globally, is releasing 901 qualified graduates to the workforce of Namibia and globally in various fields.

    Northern campuses deliver 901 graduates
  10. New Era

    Unam works closely with health ministry and collaborates with National Institute for Communicable Diseases, UCSF, Africa CDC, and SADC Malaria Elimination Eight

    Source

    The university works closely with the health ministry and collaborates with key international partners, including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases; the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Academic Medical Centre (AMC); the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Southern African Development Community Malaria Elimination Eight (E8).

    Eloff goes for malaria’s jugular …     trailblazes in Namibia’s disease elimination research
  11. The Namibian

    University of Namibia's NamHack Innovators team secured a spot at Global HackAtom 2026 Grand Final

    Source

    The University of Namibia's NamHack Innovators team has secured a spot at the Global HackAtom 2026 Grand Final after winning the national round of the international student competition on nuclear technology innovation.

    Unam team earns spot at Global HackAtom finals
  12. New Era

    Unam suffered a 35-30 loss to Grootfontein

    Source

    Grootfontein continued their strong form of recent seasons with a hard-fought 35-30 win over Unam, maintaining third place on the log with five points and reinforcing their status as the leading side from northern Namibia.

    Dolphins’ strong start in NRU Premier League
Society

Namibian debate examines whether boys falling behind academically

The News

The article examines why the "boy child" has become a focus of public discourse in Namibia, noting that boys have higher school dropout and repetition rates than girls. While women have made significant political gains, including the 2025 election of the country's first female president, the article suggests economic and social power remains unevenly distributed across sectors.

6 September 2026 · The Namibian

Yesterday

  1. Namibian debate examines whether boys falling behind academically

    The article examines why the "boy child" has become a focus of public discourse in Namibia, noting that boys have higher school dropout and repetition rates than girls. While women have made significant political gains, including the 2025 election of the country's first female president, the article suggests economic and social power remains unevenly distributed across sectors.

    6 September 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 3 September

  1. Namibian clubs prepare for CAF continental football debuts

    African Stars and Unam FC are preparing for their respective CAF inter-club competition campaigns. African Stars, Namibian champions, will face AS Mangasport of Gabon in the Champions League preliminary round (first leg 5 September in Gabon, return 12 September in Namibia), while Unam make their debut in the Confederation Cup against Angolan club Kabuscorp SCP.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Older Namibians incur debt to meet basic living expenses

    Research shows older Namibians are falling into debt traps when emergency costs like ambulance fees are added to municipal accounts, with roughly one in ten taking personal loans from NamPost against their old age grants. A N$13,000 loan from NamPost can cost nearly N$25,000 to repay over five years, locking recipients of subsistence grants into long-term debt.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Human rights experts call for remand detainee protections

    Human rights experts have called for greater protection of the dignity and rights of people held in remand detention, particularly vulnerable detainees, during a panel discussion in Windhoek. The panel discussed whether alternatives to custodial detention could serve justice while protecting vulnerable detainees' dignity and well-being.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Four NRU Premier League teams secure 2026 semi-final spots

    Round 13 of the Namibia Rugby Union Premier League produced decisive results, with Kudus, Grootfontein, United, and Wanderers securing their places in the 2026 semi-final play-offs. Defending champions Kudus beat Unam 35-26, Grootfontein defeated Dolphins 54-22, and Wanderers lead the log with 69 points from 13 matches.

    1 September 2026 · New Era

Monday 31 August

  1. National research commission battles funding and staffing gaps

    The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology faces significant institutional and financial challenges, including heavy reliance on external funding, insufficient staffing, and limited specialist research capacity, according to a National Council Standing Committee report. The NCRST is considering a research and development levy and incentives for companies to establish R&D capacity as potential solutions.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 30 August

  1. Namibia must pursue pro-poor economic vision beyond growth

    An editorial argues that while Namibia has achieved political progress since independence, economic inequality remains stark, with a small elite controlling disproportionate wealth while many citizens face poverty and unemployment. The piece contends that genuine national development requires an economy that improves living standards for all citizens, especially the historically excluded, consistent with Article 95 of the Constitution.

    30 August 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 29 August

  1. National Council flags NUST infrastructure inadequacy amid student growth

    The National Council Standing Committee on Education reports that NUST has not significantly expanded its physical infrastructure since 1991, despite student numbers growing from 7,000 to 25,000, creating severe capacity pressures and limiting the university's ability to deliver teaching and research effectively.

    29 August 2026 · Informanté

  2. Documentary explores Bience Gawanas beyond institutional roles

    A new documentary titled 'The Encapsulation of Bience Gawanas', directed by filmmaker Othilia Mungoba, presents an intimate audiovisual portrait of the liberation figure and human rights advocate using multi-sensory storytelling that blends conversations, archival footage, personal artefacts, photographs and music. The film will be screened on 28 August at a public event in Windhoek.

    29 August 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 28 August

  1. Elemotho returns to National Theatre after four years

    Namibian musician Elemotho Mosimane, now based in East Africa, will perform at the National Theatre of Namibia on Saturday for his first show in the country since 2022. He says the intimate venue calls for a laid-back approach, and plans to focus on his acoustic guitar and lyrics rather than dancing, mixing new songs with old favourites.

    28 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Young Namibians support hero status for teenage water rescue

    Young Namibians have backed President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's decision to confer national hero status on 16-year-old Cornelius Tulotokela Shimwaafeni for rescuing nine-month-old twins from a water pond on 17 May 2026. While some have questioned whether the recognition was influenced by tribal considerations or whether other brave Namibians were overlooked, youth argue his courage and willingness to act should be celebrated rather than consumed by controversy.

    28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. NASRIA injects N$25 million into all 14 regions

    The Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association has handed over N$25 million to regional governors to support productive initiatives across all 14 regions, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare emphasising that the funds must deliver tangible economic benefits including job creation and infrastructure improvements.

    28 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Unam: 2027 applicants unaffected by new evaluation scale

    The University of Namibia says its admission requirements for students applying for the 2027 academic year are in line with the new national higher education evaluation point scale.

    28 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Free buses provided for Heroes' Day ceremony August 26

    The Khomas Region Office of the Governor has arranged free municipal bus transport to Heroes' Acre in Windhoek for the Heroes' Day commemoration on 26 August 2026, collecting members of the public from designated pick-up points across Windhoek from 05:00.

    25 August 2026 · Informanté

Saturday 22 August

  1. Namibian artist Chikune transitions from music career to medicine

    Tjikune Leitner, who performed as Chikune and won Namibia's artist of the year, has moved into medicine and currently works as a doctor at a private health centre in Rosh Pinah. She describes the shift as growth rather than a goodbye from music.

    22 August 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 21 August

  1. Havana student's plight prompts reader donations and business opportunity

    A New Era article about Ndapandula Vanyika Maria Shiimi, who walked hours daily between Havana and Triumphant College because she could not afford rent and taxi fare, prompted readers to offer support including a business opportunity to sell skincare products and N$1,000 in transport funds.

    21 August 2026 · New Era

  2. Namibian boys show lower grades, higher dropout rates than girls

    Research by UNAM found that more Namibian boys than girls repeat grades and leave school early, while women have made up the majority of tertiary students and graduates for over three decades. Male learners had a promotion rate of 75.1% versus 78.4% for females, a repetition rate of 18.5% versus 14.7%, and a school-leaving rate of 6.3% versus 4.9%.

    21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  3. First Gentleman launches foundation for youth education, sports, agriculture

    The First Gentleman, Lt Gen (Rtd) Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, has launched the DEN Impact Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation aimed at addressing challenges facing Namibian youth through education, sports, agriculture and vocational training, operating under a four-year strategic plan with four strategic pillars.

    21 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 20 August

  1. Teacher runs online order business for extra income

    Julia Nakale, a teacher in Ongwediva, started an "Order with me" business in May 2019 while a university student to earn extra money. The business, which sells clothes, shoes and electronics, has grown into a reliable additional income source that she manages through careful time management, processing orders on Saturdays and during school holidays.

    20 August 2026 · New Era

  2. Marine consultant backs call for expanded ocean research

    A marine biodiversity consultant supports a Ministry of Agriculture official's view that more research is needed to understand ocean resources, noting that while some work has been done in Namibia on sensitive ocean areas, recommendations have not been followed up. A ministry director cited that only 10% of the ocean has been explored, and highlighted the growing ocean-based economy, including marine transport, tourism, fisheries, and renewable energy, alongside challenges such as plastic waste, illegal fishing, and climate change.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. DEN Foundation launches to address boys' education gap in Namibia

    Research presented at the launch of the Denga Epaphras Ndaitwah Impact Foundation shows girls outnumber boys in secondary and tertiary enrolment, with boys experiencing higher repetition and school-leaving rates. The foundation aims to provide targeted interventions to address declining male participation and academic outcomes while complementing existing support for girls.

    20 August 2026 · Informanté

  4. Namibian job seekers must perfect CVs to stand out

    In Namibia's competitive job market where youth unemployment stands at 44.4%, a CV serves as a candidate's first interview. Applicants should ensure accurate contact details, tailor CVs to specific opportunities, and avoid common mistakes like incorrect phone numbers and outdated email addresses.

    20 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Funky Town Mall struggles to fill boutique and dining slots

    Khomas Grove Mall (Funky Town), a retail hub in Khomasdal with an 80–85% occupancy rate and strong anchor tenants, has struggled to fill secondary lifestyle, dining, and boutique spaces on its upper floors, though ground-floor retail remains fully occupied.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. National Council backs mental health bill with funding concerns

    National Council parliamentarians have welcomed Namibia's new mental health bill but warn that the legislation could fail without adequate government infrastructure, staff and funding. The bill seeks to repeal the 1973 Mental Health Act and introduce a modern, rights-based framework promoting community-based care, early intervention and protection of patients' rights.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. US pledges support for Namibia's offshore oil development

    The US Ambassador to Namibia says the country's offshore petroleum discoveries could deliver long-term economic benefits, jobs, and skills development, but cautioned that a Final Investment Decision would only mark the beginning of work needed to achieve lasting prosperity. US oilfield service companies are already operating in Namibia.

    19 August 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Kunene mineral boom raises readiness questions for region

    Kunene is emerging as Namibia's next mining frontier, with 2,438 mineral rights and applications as of 24 June, but questions arise about whether the region's regulatory systems are prepared for the level of mineral development interest and investor competition now directed toward the area.

    18 August 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 17 August

  1. Namibia, Botswana emphasise diversification beyond natural resources

    Namibia and Botswana have discussed how natural resource wealth can be transformed into sustainable and inclusive prosperity, with both countries stressing the importance of economic diversification, strong institutions, and saving for future generations. Bank of Namibia governor Ebson Uanguta highlighted that resource wealth alone cannot guarantee broad-based prosperity, and called for greater local value addition, technology transfer, and stronger domestic supply chains as the country explores opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia's mental health bill faces staffing and resource shortages

    Namibia's new Mental Health Bill, applauded in June, confronts operational challenges: the system is severely stretched with too few psychiatrists, inadequate resources, limited community services, and heavy reliance on a single Windhoek facility. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, over 91,500 outpatient consultations, 11,400 inpatient admissions, and 542 deaths were reported.

    17 August 2026 · New Era

  3. AfCFTA success depends on member states honouring commitments

    National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila warned that African countries' signing and ratifying continental agreements will mean little without concrete action to implement them, and that the African Continental Free Trade Area should not be viewed as a solution in itself but as an instrument whose success depends on member states' willingness to honour their obligations.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. Bank of Namibia hosts dialogue on resource wealth management

    The Bank of Namibia and UNAM convened a public lecture featuring the governors of Namibia and Botswana to discuss translating natural resource endowments into sustainable prosperity through economic diversification, sovereign wealth management, and local value addition in sectors including oil, gas, and green hydrogen.

    17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Unam — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute