Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Vetaruhe Kandorozu

Also known as: Kandorozo · honourable Kandorozu · Nudo parliamentarian · Zebaldt Ngaruka Sole Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu

National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian who has questioned government ministry capacity, called for anti-immigrant protests, and made controversial remarks in the National Assembly in April 2026.

2024-10-072026-07-23
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What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu told Ballotti to 'go back to Italy'

    Source

    “This comes after Kandorozu last week told Ballotti to "go back to Italy," adding, "Namibia does not look like that", when referring to him in the National Assembly.”

    Kandorozu and Ballotti smoke the peace pipe

  3. The Namibian

    Kandorozu said the two lawmakers have put the matter behind them

    Source

    “Kandorozu took to his social media on Wednesday, saying the two lawmakers have put the matter behind them.”

    Kandorozu and Ballotti smoke the peace pipe

  4. Informanté

    Member of Parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu queried whether people affected by natural disasters over past 10 years have been assisted

    Source

    “Kandorozu queried.”

    Natural Disaster team dispatched to Zambezi amidst rising flood levels

  5. Informanté

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu made white-hate insults in the National Assembly

    Source

    “Ignorance is one of the rare diseases that cannot be treated and it is terminal as being proved by the NUDO-one-man- show, Vetaruhe Kandorozu, with his white – hate insults in the National Assembly.”

    Tribalism and racism destroys

  6. Informanté

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu should not be allowed back in the National Assembly when it resumes

    Source

    “His tribalism and racism should not allow him back in the National Assembly when it resumes tomorrow.”

    Tribalism and racism destroys

  7. The Namibian

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu made racial attacks in parliament

    Source

    “Racial attacks by National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu this week were out of order.”

    Editorial: Point of Order, Mr Kandorozu

  8. The Namibian

    Kandorozu pronounced "A white man is a white man, they are not Namibians, whether we like it or not"

    Source

    “"A white man is a white man, they are not Namibians, whether we like it or not," he pronounced in parliament on Wednesday.”

    Editorial: Point of Order, Mr Kandorozu

  9. The Namibian

    Kandorozu told Ballotti to go back to Italy

    Source

    “During the National Assembly on Wednesday, Kandorozu told Ballotti to "go back to Italy," later saying the comment was a joke and not intended to be personal.”

    Swapo youth league wants Kandorozu to apologise to Ballotti

  10. New Era

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu refused to withdraw remarks bordering on tribalism and racialism against deputy education minister Dino Ballotti

    Source

    “Defiant National Unity Democratic Organisation lawmaker Vetaruhe Kandorozu has refused to withdraw remarks bordering on tribalism and racialism against deputy education minister Dino Ballotti.”

    Nudo’s Kandorozu ‘unrepentant' …party vows to discipline MP

  11. New Era

    Kandorozu told Ballotti to 'go back to Italy' and that 'Namibians do not look like him'

    Source

    “Kandorozu on Wednesday in Parliament told Ballotti to "go back to Italy" and that "Namibians do not look like him."”

    Nudo’s Kandorozu ‘unrepentant' …party vows to discipline MP
Politics

Opposition blocks vote on ECN chairperson without documentation

The News

Several opposition parties are refusing to approve Gerson Sindano's appointment as Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson until parliament provides all documentation on his nomination, including interview minutes and selection committee recommendations. Opposition leaders also raised concerns that Sindano's previous role as a personal assistant to Swapo's secretary general could undermine the commission's independence.

11 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 11 July

  1. Opposition blocks vote on ECN chairperson without documentation

    Several opposition parties are refusing to approve Gerson Sindano's appointment as Electoral Commission of Namibia chairperson until parliament provides all documentation on his nomination, including interview minutes and selection committee recommendations. Opposition leaders also raised concerns that Sindano's previous role as a personal assistant to Swapo's secretary general could undermine the commission's independence.

    11 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Immigration policy debate must follow law, not emotion

    Namibia's rising unemployment and economic stagnation have intensified public debate over immigration, work permits, and border control. The Windhoek Observer editorial argues that while states have the right to regulate immigration, enforcement must follow legal institutions and constitutional principles rather than public mobilisation against particular groups.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Former PM Angula rejects calls for anti-immigrant protests

    Former Prime Minister Nahas Angula said the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security is capable of dealing with illegal immigrants, rejecting calls for anti-immigrant protests similar to those in South Africa. The statement came after NUDO MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu called for nationwide protests against illegal immigrants and foreign workers in sectors including diamond polishing, mining, and transportation.

    1 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 15 June

  1. Churches welcome housing emergency but warn declarations lack teeth

    Churches and analysts have welcomed Namibia's proposed housing state of emergency, but caution that declarations alone will not address a backlog of over 300,000 homes. The Council of Churches in Namibia says the move must be accompanied by concrete measures, adequate resources, and clear implementation timelines, and calls for faster implementation of free residential plots and increased investment in land servicing.

    15 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Land and petroleum bills dominate National Assembly agenda

    The National Assembly has resumed with focus on several key legislative items, including the long-awaited land bill, the petroleum bill, the public enterprises governance amendment bill, and the mental health bill. A political analyst says the land bill should receive highest priority due to its implications for livelihoods, investment, housing, agriculture and social equity.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 31 May

  1. President absent from Genocide Remembrance Day events

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah did not attend Genocide Remembrance Day events held at Shark Island and in six regions, drawing criticism from political and community leaders, though the vice president attended events in Ohangwena. The president's absence came despite an active public schedule that included attending agricultural and cultural festivals and other state events.

    31 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Okandjoze Chiefs call for action on genocide reparations

    The Okandjoze Chiefs' Assembly on Genocide has called on the Namibian government to adopt a "business unusual" approach to genocide apology and reparations, saying years of discussions have produced little action. The group urged the government to move away from symbolic discussions and engage descendants of Ovaherero, Ovambanderu and Nama communities differently on restorative justice.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Nudo MP questions Ministry capacity amid corruption allegations

    Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu told the National Assembly that the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy lacks adequate capacity and has become a "breeding ground for corruption," citing questionable diamond valuations, improperly awarded lithium licences, and inconsistent petroleum exploration licence processing, and alleged an ongoing dispute with Red Soil Energy and Mineral Exploration exposed systemic corruption spanning multiple administrations.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 April

  1. Political leaders unite at memorial for late MP James Uerikua

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and leaders from across Namibia's political spectrum paid tribute to former Otjozondjupa governor and Swapo MP James Uerikua at a Wednesday memorial service, celebrating his legacy as a bridge-builder who commanded respect across party lines. Uerikua, who died in a car accident on 3 April along with his 14-year-old son Venturo, was praised for his dedication to inclusive development and democratic dialogue.

    17 April 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 16 April

  1. Government plans building materials factory in Otjiwarongo

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Otjiwarongo to produce cost-effective building materials locally, reducing reliance on imports and lowering construction costs. The initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle high housing costs and improve access to affordable housing for ordinary Namibians.

    16 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Nudo MP recalls Swapo rival's recruitment pitch at memorial

    Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu recalled that Swapo MP James Uerikua once asked when he would join Swapo, which surprised him. Speaking at Uerikua's memorial service at Parliament Gardens, Kandorozu praised Uerikua as a strong party defender and influential leader whose character and impact will be missed.

    16 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. PM Ngurare defends VIP wards plan as healthcare upgrade

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare dismissed claims that planned VIP wards at public hospitals would create a two-tier healthcare system, saying the government's objective is to upgrade public health services accessible to all Namibians and that the controversy has been "dramatised". Opposition lawmakers questioned whether the initiative contradicts government policy on equality, with some arguing it risks reinforcing inequality within public healthcare.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 April

  1. President addresses parliament on oil, land, wealth fund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. ACC to build N$20 million regional office in Oshakati

    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.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 March

  1. Nudo MP challenges Namibia's fishing and mining tax collection

    Parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu has raised concerns about low tax revenue collection from Namibia's fishing and mining industries despite their significant economic contributions. He called for stronger collection systems, value addition to lithium, and industrialisation incentives to boost government revenue and reduce reliance on foreign loans.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. 36 years of freedom: progress made, deep challenges persist

    An opinion piece reflecting on Namibia's 36 years of independence marks achievements in education, gender equality, and healthcare while identifying persistent challenges including youth unemployment, land inequality, poverty, corruption, and unresolved historical reconciliation. The authors argue that true independence requires addressing social justice, equitable resource distribution, and honest engagement with the nation's colonial and apartheid past.

    20 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 19 March

  1. Opposition slams Swapo's modest social grants increase

    Opposition MPs and activists have criticised the government's 2026/27 budget allocation, accusing it of breaking campaign promises by increasing social grants by only N$100 rather than the promised larger amounts. They argue the government has adequate resources to fund higher increases to pensioner and vulnerable children's grants to better protect citizens from inflation.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. MP pushes timber value addition and artisan support in Kavango

    Zebaldt Ngaruka Nudo MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu advocated in Parliament for local timber in the Kavango regions to be processed into furniture for government use, and called for incubation centres, grants, and the Youth Credit Scheme to support vocational training graduates and informal artisans in woodworking and other trades. He also proposed that the Zambezi region develop taxidermy services to add value to trophy hunting in conservancies locally rather than exporting for processing elsewhere.

    19 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 16 March

  1. Peter Kazongominja becomes Nudo president after Muinjangue's resignation

    The National Unity Democratic Organisation's national executive committee has appointed Peter Kazongominja as party president following the resignation of former deputy health minister Utjiua Muinjangue. The party also retrenched all employees due to financial challenges from the loss of two parliamentary seats, and formally reprimanded MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu for his parliamentary conduct.

    16 March 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 15 March

  1. Kandorozu's parliamentary comedy routine falls flat with audience

    Vetaruhe Kandorozu delivered an impromptu stand-up comedy special on the parliamentary floor titled 'Namibia Does Not Look Like That', featuring a joke about deputy minister Dino Ballotti that drew silence rather than laughs. The Namibian's opinion piece critiques the failed routine and suggests Kandorozu misunderstands both comedy and Namibia's multicultural identity.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

  1. NUDO MP apologises for remark about Namibian appearance

    National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu apologised on social media for unparliamentary conduct towards education minister Sanet Steenkamp after remarking "Namibians don't look like that" during a parliamentary debate, which prompted a heated exchange.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. NUDO MP and deputy education minister resolve parliamentary dispute

    NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu and deputy education minister Dino Ballotti have reconciled after Kandorozu made unparliamentary remarks telling Ballotti to "go back to Italy" during a National Assembly debate. The two lawmakers announced their peace on social media, with Kandorozu describing the incident as teasing and both committing to move forward.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government dispatches disaster team to flooding-hit Zambezi Region

    The Prime Minister says the government has sent the National Disaster Risk Management Unit to the Zambezi Region after rising river levels caused flooding in areas including Linyanti and Sibbinda, with the Hydrological Services warning communities to move to higher ground.

    12 March 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Opinion: Tribalism and racism destroy Namibian democracy

    An opinion piece argues that tribalism and racism in the National Assembly, including a recent incident involving NUDO legislator Vetaruhe Kandorozu, undermine democracy and national unity. The author calls for Namibians to reject tribal and racial divisions and pursue a national dialogue based on equality and reconciliation.

    10 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Namibian editorial condemns parliamentary racial remarks, inaction

    The Namibian editorial criticizes NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu for making racial remarks in parliament, calling such divisive statements inappropriate and unworthy of lawmakers sworn to uphold the Constitution. The piece also faults parliament's poor legislative record and calls for accountability, noting that no non-budget law has passed since members were sworn in last year.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 7 March

  1. Swapo youth league demands apology from Kandorozu over Ballotti remarks

    Swapo Party Youth League secretary general Ephraim Nekongo has called on National Unity Democratic Organisation parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu to apologize and withdraw comments made to education deputy minister Dino Ballotti during National Assembly proceedings, citing the need for respectful parliamentary conduct and saying personal attacks undermine the Namibian Constitution.

    7 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Nudo MP refuses to apologize for remarks against deputy minister

    Nudo lawmaker Vetaruhe Kandorozu has remained defiant after making tribal and racial remarks against deputy education minister Dino Ballotti in Parliament, telling him to "go back to Italy." The party's acting president Peter Kazongominja said Kandorozu will face disciplinary action, emphasizing that Nudo is founded on principles of unity and the remarks do not represent the party.

    6 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. MP's race comments spark parliamentary chaos and public debate call

    Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp condemned remarks by National Unity Democratic Organisation MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who told deputy education minister Dino Ballotti that he is from Italy and that Namibians do not look like him, calling for the matter to be addressed at the highest level. Kandorozu initially refused to apologize, saying his comments were meant as a joke, though he later withdrew them; Steenkamp said the incident dehumanised Namibians and argued that Namibia belongs to all its people.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 March

  1. NUDO parliamentarian withdraws inflammatory remarks toward deputy minister

    NUDO's Vetaruhe Kandorozu told Education Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti to "go back to Italy" and made comments about white people not being Namibian in the National Assembly on Wednesday, forcing Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo to adjourn the session; Kandorozu later withdrew his remarks after being told they were "unparliamentary" and not in the interest of building the nation.

    5 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Road minister cites budget constraints delaying MR112 upgrade

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi told Parliament that insufficient funds prevent upgrading all roads the country needs, though he confirmed the MR112 road between Okahandja and Okondjatu remains a priority with construction expected to begin in 2026/27 after consultant procurement started in 2025. Nekundi attributed road accidents to driver behaviour rather than road conditions.

    18 February 2026 · New Era →

Vetaruhe Kandorozu — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute