Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
June 2026
The Namibian
Vaino Hangulais seekingclarity from government on plans to procure and store locally produced maize
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning parliamentarian Vaino Hangula is seeking clarity from the government on plans to procure and store locally produced maize amid expectations of a bumper harvest this year.”
Vaino Hangularaised concerns aboutreports that produce at the Namibia Correctional Service farm at Divundu was at risk of spoilage
Source
“The lawmaker also raised concerns about reports that produce at the Namibia Correctional Service farm at Divundu was at risk of spoilage due to inadequate storage facilities.”
AR chief whip Vaino Hangulasaid this would apply toindividuals and entities keeping serviced land vacant or using property for exploitative rental purposes
Source
“During the debate on the land bill in parliament last week, Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula said this would apply to individuals and entities that keep serviced land vacant or use property primarily for exploitative rental purposes.”
Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangulasaysthe current practice is fine, although more clarity is needed
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula says the current practice is fine, although more clarity is needed on the reasons attached to leave applications, some of which do not need to be disclosed.”
Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangulatook to social media on Fridayfollowing the incident
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula took to social media on Friday following the incident, saying: "So this was farewell, my brother. Barely 24 hours ago."”
Affirmative Repositioning whip Vaino HangulasaidACC must be funded like critical institution if government serious about addressing corruption
Source
“Affirmative Repositioning whip Vaino Hangula said the ACC must be funded like a critical institution of the country if the government is serious about addressing corruption.”
Vaino HangulasaidECN's budget is too small for institution covering all country corners
Source
“Meanwhile, Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula said the ECN's budget is too small for an institution expected to cover all corners of the country, and suggested that the budget be increased to conduct annual training and voter registration.”
Vaino HangulasaysNamibia could face increasing international pressure for clearer diplomatic position
Source
“Meanwhile, Affirmative Repositioning chief whip Vaino Hangula says Namibia could come under increasing international pressure to adopt a clearer and more forceful diplomatic position should tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.”
Affirmative Repositioning MP Vaino Hangula is asking the government to explain its plans to procure and store locally produced maize, citing projections that white maize production will exceed 100,000 tonnes this year following good rainfall. He also raised concerns about poor-quality imported rice distributed through government aid programmes and reports of spoilage at the Namibia Correctional Service farm at Divundu due to inadequate storage facilities.
Affirmative Repositioning MP Vaino Hangula is asking the government to explain its plans to procure and store locally produced maize, citing projections that white maize production will exceed 100,000 tonnes this year following good rainfall. He also raised concerns about poor-quality imported rice distributed through government aid programmes and reports of spoilage at the Namibia Correctional Service farm at Divundu due to inadequate storage facilities.
Affirmative Repositioning lawmaker Vaino Hangula proposed creating an "absentee urban landlord" category with higher levies and possible government acquisition of urban land for public housing, arguing the current land bill fails to address Namibia's urban housing crisis by excluding local authority and settlement areas. He called for levies on vacant serviced land, progressive property ownership limits, and stricter accountability for urban land held for commercial purposes.
Swiss carrier Edelweiss has begun non-stop service between Zurich and Windhoek with two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays, adding a third frequency on Wednesdays from July 2026. The inaugural flight landed at Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday carrying 285 passengers.
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that MPs are not automatically entitled to leave of absence and that requests can be declined under Standing Rule 76. She stressed that leave is typically granted only for illness, bereavement of close family, official committee duties, or parliamentary travel, and must be formally submitted with reasons and approval from party chief whips.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has mourned the death of Swapo parliamentarian James Uerikua, who died in a road accident in Otjozondjupa on Friday. She described him as a promising leader and called on Namibians to exercise caution on the roads.
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.
Independent Patriots for Change MP Michael Mwashindange criticised the Electoral Commission of Namibia's allocation of N$1.6 million for legal fees as wasteful, arguing the commission should prioritise improving voter turnout and drafting an electoral amendment bill instead. Other MPs also questioned whether the ECN's overall N$181 million budget for 2026/27 is adequate for national coverage.
The City of Windhoek, which records approximately 960 burials annually, says five of its seven cemeteries are at full capacity and is urging residents to consider cremation as an alternative. The municipality is exploring measures including second interments and developing a new cemetery at Rocky Crest, though some residents and cultural groups have raised concerns about land allocation and religious objections to cremation.
IPC president Panduleni Itula warns that the Iran-US-Israel conflict, though distant, will affect Namibians through rising fuel, food, and import costs if tensions escalate, with inflation potentially climbing from 2.9% to 3.5% or higher. AR chief whip Vaino Hangula adds that Namibia may face international pressure to adopt a clearer diplomatic stance on the Middle East crisis.
Multiple opposition parties have objected to a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer oil and gas regulatory authority from the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Energy to the Presidency, warning it could enable political interference, corruption, and undermine parliamentary oversight. The bill requires support from all 51 Swapo parliamentarians to pass in the 96-seat National Assembly.
A New Era column pays tribute to Johnny-Wambu, a former left fullback for Windhoek's Ingwe (Tigers) who overcame initial social barriers and team cliques to become a vital defender, renowned for his hard-tackling style and man-marking abilities alongside teammates like Nicodemus and Hipondoka.