News reports
Order a long-term news report on Vilho Hangula
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Vilho Hangula said nearly 45 million hectares are affected by bush encroachment
“"It is a fact that due to past poor rangeland management, nearly 45 million hectares are affected by bush encroachment," Hangula said.”
MEFT rejects Schlettwein’s claims that charcoal threatens biodiversityThe Namibian
Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula confirmed authenticity of the environmental clearance certificate
“Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula has confirmed the authenticity of the certificate.”
Katti’s Sandpiper phosphate clearance upsets conservationists, politiciansNew Era
Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula told New Era that officials will meet with communities on 16 and 18 July to discuss human-wildlife conflict
“Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula told New Era that officials will meet with communities in Oromauua on 16 July and in Otjokavare on 18 July to discuss the growing human-wildlife conflict and identify a way forward.”
Lions terrorise Kunene …farmers cry foul over payoutsNew Era
Hangula confirmed that ministry plans to begin repairing sections of Etosha National Park fence near Hobatere
“He also confirmed that the ministry plans to begin repairing sections of the Etosha National Park fence, particularly near Hobatere, where wildlife is believed to leave the park.”
Lions terrorise Kunene …farmers cry foul over payoutsThe Namibian
Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula says the ministry is among several stakeholders involved in the research
“Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula says the ministry is among several stakeholders involved in the research, together with EHRA and Ongava Game Reserve.”
Scientists probe Namibian desert elephant calf deathsNew Era
Vilho Hangula revealed more than 1.2 million hectares destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from 1,300 reported cases
“This was revealed yesterday by the ministry of forestry's spokesperson Vilho Hangula.”
Fires ravage1.2m hectaresNew Era
Vilho Hangula stressed wildfires can destroy human lives, property and biodiversity
“Hangula stressed that wildfires can destroy human lives, property and biodiversity.”
Fires ravage1.2m hectaresThe Namibian
Vilho Hangula stated that the human-wildlife conflict scheme does not provide meat to affected families, only N$100,000 for funeral expenses
“Hangula said Namibia's human-wildlife conflict scheme does not make provision for affected families to be given meat, but provides N$100 000 for funeral expenses.”
Elephant victim’s family demands meatThe Namibian
Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula says tour operators will still be allowed to take clients to Deadvlei through an operator
“"Tour operators will still be allowed to take their clients to Deadvlei, but through an operator.”
Sossusvlei shuttle ban ‘monopolising’ national parksThe Namibian
Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesperson Vilho Hangula says Namibia's high-end tourism sector significantly depends on charter aviation
“"Namibia's high-end and nature-based segment of the tourism sector significantly depends on charter aviation.”
Aviation industry wants foreign pilotsAn escalating lion population in the Zambezi region has resulted in 70 head of cattle being killed in three months, with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism attributing the killings to younger males driven from main prides into settlements and a shortage of natural prey.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
An escalating lion population in the Zambezi region has resulted in 70 head of cattle being killed in three months, with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism attributing the killings to younger males driven from main prides into settlements and a shortage of natural prey.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A black rhino attacked tourists' car at Etosha National Park on Saturday, causing vehicle damage but no injuries. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism urged visitors to exercise caution, seek guidance from registered tour operators, and familiarize themselves with wild animal behaviour.
20 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Over 2,000 square kilometres of Etosha National Park have burnt as firefighting teams battle wildfires in the park; preliminary assessments as of Wednesday show the total burnt area is 2,587 square kilometres, with active fires remaining small but unpredictable winds continuing to pose risks.
17 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has extinguished three of four wildfires ignited by lightning last Wednesday in Etosha National Park, with the remaining fire still under control. More than 1.2 million hectares have been destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from about 1,300 reported cases since last year.
16 September 2026 · New Era →
The Independent Patriots for Change has warned that Namibia risks repeating last year's devastating Etosha wildfire disaster unless the government urgently strengthens its firefighting capacity, as fresh fires sparked by lightning continue to burn in the national park.
14 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism says Namibia is still developing a national circular economy policy in its initial stage, with a consultant appointed to drive the process, though budgetary constraints have slowed progress. The policy aims to embed circularity across energy, waste, and industrial development sectors, with support from the Environmental Investment Fund and Finnish universities collaborating with Namibia University of Science and Technology.
13 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 →
The PDM president McHenry Venaani has accused the government of poor coordination after the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform appealed an environmental clearance certificate granted to Namibian Marine Phosphate for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project. Venaani said the appeal exposed shortcomings in how government ministries communicate and make decisions, noting the agriculture ministry only learned of the Environmental Commissioner's decision through social media two days after it was granted on 5 August 2026.
3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism says illegal sand and gravel mining persists across the country, posing dangers to the environment, people and livestock. The ministry notes that such commercial extraction requires an environmental impact assessment and clearance certificate, and that illegal sites are particularly prevalent in north-central regions.
20 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has rejected former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein's claims that large-scale charcoal production threatens biodiversity, arguing instead that sustainable bush control can restore degraded rangelands and improve wildlife habitats. Schlettwein warned that removal of woody vegetation for charcoal could result in loss of tree and shrub-associated species, though the ministry countered that bush encroachment itself poses significant consequences for biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
18 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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 environmental commissioner issued an environmental clearance certificate on 5 August for Knowledge Katti's Namibia Marine Phosphate's Sandpiper marine phosphate mining project offshore Namibia, valid until 5 August 2029. The decision has triggered opposition from the IPC and conservationists who have raised long-running environmental and industry concerns.
10 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Communal farmers in Kunene region are calling for an urgent review of the government's human-wildlife conflict offset payment scheme, saying current payments do not reflect the true value of their animals. The Otjikaambuti Farmers Association reports that lions have killed about 40 cattle and over 100 goats and sheep since January this year in villages near Etosha National Park.
13 July 2026 · New Era →
Scientists are expanding research into the deaths of desert elephant calves in north-western Namibia, working with researchers to analyse genetic and field samples as well as stress levels in desert elephants. An experienced safari guide suggests increasing human activity and tourist presence around elephants may be contributing to stress, though the exact cause of calf mortality remains unknown.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Since last year, more than 1.2 million hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires across Namibia from 1,300 reported cases. The ministry of forestry is hosting a national workshop in Oshakati to develop protocols and frameworks for national wildfire management and prevention.
19 June 2026 · New Era →
A woman was killed by an elephant in Kavango East on 28 March; the elephant was later shot and found dead but decomposed before the family could access its meat. The family is now requesting the Environment Ministry provide them meat from another elephant, as the killed elephant's carcass could not be recovered in time for the funeral.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced that driving between Sossusvlei's parking areas will be limited to a single operator (About Africa Co) from 1 May, restricting access for independent tour operators and self-drivers. Tour operators and industry figures warn the exclusive concession will harm competition, raise prices, create liability concerns, and damage the tourism sector despite ministry claims it will generate revenue and protect the environment.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
A herd of elephants has destroyed crops in several villages in Okahao and Tsandi constituencies of Omusati region since last month, with animals feeding on mahangu, maize, melons and damaging property at night. The Environment Ministry says it has requested authorisation to cull one elephant to scare others away and is preparing a helicopter to drive the elephants from affected areas.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's aircraft operators say restrictive visa and work permit processes are constraining pilot availability, threatening aviation safety and tourism. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association notes that Namibia's pilot pool is exhausted, with only 2% of recent pilot job applicants being Namibian nationals, and calls for the Home Affairs ministry to expedite work permits for qualified foreign commercial pilots and flight instructors.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is considering importing honeybees from South Africa to improve pollination for blueberry farms in Kavango East, but beekeepers, environmentalists, and government officials warn the imports could introduce diseases, weaken native bee populations, and threaten food security. The Beekeeping Association of Namibia and Ministry of Environment and Tourism both oppose the plan, citing risks of genetic dilution and resource competition, and recommend instead investing in local beekeeping capacity.
31 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Johanna Jacobs Vocational Training Centre at Gibeon is proposing a biodiversity and restoration programme to remove invasive prosopis (makarakasha) trees that consume large quantities of water and damage infrastructure. The centre plans to harvest timber for productive use and introduce fish farming and superfruit orchards to transform the area into an agricultural hub.
15 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's environment and tourism ministry will inaugurate new light infrastructure, a solid waste management facility, and Wildlife Protection Service duty stations at Etosha National Park on 28 March. The improvements aim to strengthen ranger patrols against poaching, improve wildlife monitoring, and manage visitor waste to protect animals and the park's natural environment.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Three men were arrested and granted bail after allegedly shooting an elephant in Omusati region that subsequently killed a 46-year-old woman who was provoked the animal. Police registered a case of illegal hunting; the suspects allegedly used a .303 hunting rifle on the protected animal, valued at about N$295,000.
11 March 2026 · New Era →
Klaudia Amunyela was trampled to death by an elephant in Omusati's Tsandi constituency after approaching what she believed was a dead animal to take photographs. Her widower, left to care for three young children, is calling on the government for funeral assistance and citing chronic livestock losses to wildlife in the area; the ministry says it is launching awareness campaigns and intensifying patrols to address human-wildlife conflict.
10 March 2026 · The Namibian →
A 46-year-old woman, Klaudia Mwaala, died in Omugulugombashe village after being attacked by a roaming elephant while attempting to take pictures with it. The incident has sparked calls from residents for improved government response and wildlife awareness, and ministry officials have urged the public to refrain from engaging with wild animals and report sightings to authorities instead.
9 March 2026 · New Era →
Conservancies representing the Sorris Sorris area have submitted an assessment to government arguing that the Goantagab tin mining project is financially unfeasible and environmentally damaging, disputing figures from Andrada Mining's agreement to buy ore from the mine. The project has faced a protracted legal battle over environmental clearance, with conservancies requesting the ministers of mines and environment withdraw the area from mining exploration.
19 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has linked baboon attacks on Goreangab residents to poor waste management and urged proper disposal of waste, after failed attempts to scare the animals away. The City of Windhoek acknowledged the recurring incidents and said it lacks a comprehensive policy on human-wildlife conflict, but is investigating the provision of waste management facilities in the affected area.
31 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has urged Windhoek residents to manage waste responsibly after increased baboon sightings in areas like Goreagab and Kwanangombe, where the animals have been entering homes, damaging property, and stealing food. The ministry's spokesperson said the baboons are drawn to urban areas by improperly managed waste and called on residents to work together to fence off the animals or relocate them without harm, as only law enforcement are permitted to use firearms in the city.
30 January 2026 · New Era →