Also known as: Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua
Governor of Kunene Region, addressing social challenges, crime reduction, and development priorities including traditional authority disputes and agricultural initiatives.
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The Namibian
Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has maintained silence on the move of Etosha's administrative control to Oshana region
“The deafening silence of governor Vipuakuje Muharukua on the issue leaves much to be desired; one could argue that to him an asset and the single biggest contributor to the region's development is a mere afterthought.”
Etosha: Let’s Not Redraw Boundaries Without Good ReasonThe Namibian
Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua said Kunene region has recorded 2,438 mining rights.
“Namibia's Kunene region has recorded 2 438 mining rights, highlighting a sharp rise in exploration activity as investors target one of Namibia's least explored but most prospective mineral provinces, governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has said.”
Kunene mining rights climb to 2 438The Namibian
Muharukua called for stronger collaboration between government, Ministry of Industries Mines and Energy, environmental authorities, traditional leaders, investors and small-scale miners.
“Muharukua calls for stronger collaboration between the government, the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, environmental authorities, traditional leaders, investors and small-scale miners to ensure the region's growing exploration activity delivers lasting economic benefits.”
Kunene mining rights climb to 2 438Namibian Sun
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua sounded the alarm over rising illegal immigration in the region
“Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has sounded the alarm over rising illegal immigration in the region, revealing that 411 undocumented immigrants were arrested during the year un...”
Kunene deports 401 illegal immigrantsInformanté
Vipuakuje Muharukua announced that total reported crime decreased from 2,683 in 2024 to 2,282 cases in 2025, a 15% reduction
“"The Namibian Police Force in Kunene recorded a positive downward trend in reported crimes during the period under review. Total reported crime decreased from 2,683 in 2024 to 2,282 cases in 2025, representing a reduction of 401 cases, approximately 15% lower," the Governor of the Kunene Region, Vipuakuje Muharukua, announced.”
Kunene crime rate drops by 15%Informanté
Vipuakuje Muharukua noted that major crime categories declined between 2025 and 2026
“The governor further noted that major crime categories also recorded declines between 2025 and 2026.”
Kunene crime rate drops by 15%The Namibian
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has urged regional leaders to address growing social challenges
“Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has urged regional leaders to address growing social challenges, warning that unresolved issues could undermine development efforts in the region.”
Kunene governor calls for urgent action on social ills facing regionThe Namibian
Muharukua called on councillors and leaders to strengthen delivery of government services
“He also called on councillors and other leaders to strengthen the delivery of government services, including healthcare, education and policing, saying they should take greater ownership of improving conditions in the region.”
Kunene governor calls for urgent action on social ills facing regionInformanté
Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has expressed concern over growing social challenges affecting Kunene Region
“THE Governor of the Kunene Region, Vipuakuje Muharukua, has expressed concern over the growing social challenges affecting the region, citing substance abuse, attempted suicide and gender-based violence (GBV) as major concerns.”
Muharukua concerned over rising social challenges in KuneneInformanté
Muharukua revealed 1,793 social ills cases reported, including 129 substance abuse, 89 attempted suicide, and 46 GBV cases
“"Regrettably, a total of 1,793 individual cases of social ills were reported to the Division of Gender and Social Welfare. A total of 129 cases of substance abuse were reported, 89 cases of attempted suicide were reported, and 46 cases of gender-based violence were reported," Muharukua revealed.”
Muharukua concerned over rising social challenges in KuneneThe Namibian reports that a delimitation commission is proposing to move Etosha National Park's administrative control from Kunene to Oshana region, a change that could harm surrounding communities and Kunene's economy, with the governor's silence on the issue questioned.
2 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian reports that a delimitation commission is proposing to move Etosha National Park's administrative control from Kunene to Oshana region, a change that could harm surrounding communities and Kunene's economy, with the governor's silence on the issue questioned.
2 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Kunene region has recorded 2,438 mining rights, reflecting a sharp rise in exploration activity as investors target one of Namibia's least explored but most prospective mineral provinces. Between 1 April and 24 June, authorities recorded 318 mineral rights under application or granted, generating N$5.55 million in revenue during the 2025/26 financial year through application fees and related charges.
6 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has flagged rising illegal immigration in the region, revealing that 411 undocumented immigrants were arrested during the year.
3 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Crime in Kunene Region decreased from 2,683 reported cases in 2024 to 2,282 in 2025, a reduction of 401 cases or 15%, according to the regional governor. The downward trend has continued into 2026, with major crime categories including assault, housebreaking, robbery, and rape all declining between 2025 and 2026.
2 July 2026 · Informanté →
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua warned that unresolved social challenges—including 1,793 cases involving socially vulnerable individuals, 129 substance abuse cases, 89 attempted suicides and 46 gender-based violence cases over several months—could undermine development efforts and called on regional leaders to strengthen delivery of government services and find practical solutions.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Governor of Kunene Region expressed concern over growing social challenges, reporting 1,793 individual cases of social ills to the Division of Gender and Social Welfare, including 129 substance abuse cases, 89 attempted suicides, and 46 gender-based violence cases. He warned these statistics reflect deep-seated societal problems undermining regional development and affecting community wellbeing.
30 June 2026 · Informanté →
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has accused the Kunene Regional Council of using employees as a "human shield" over a dispute involving George Kamseb's position as chief regional officer, after staff members reportedly did not receive their June salaries. Muharukua said Kamseb and those protecting him are responsible for the salary delays, not minister James Sankwasa, and has invited Sankwasa to a meeting on 1 July to find a solution.
26 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Governors of Ohangwena and Kunene regions have raised alarm about ongoing medicine shortages at public health facilities, with hospitals in Opuwo, Khorixas and elsewhere running low on medication for about three months. The shortages particularly affect chronic illness treatments including diabetes, hypertension, ARVs and tuberculosis medication, forcing patients to queue for long periods only to find prescribed drugs unavailable.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.
29 May 2026 · Informanté →
The Khorixas town council will provide free graves to support bereaved families of three victims from a May 1 bus-truck crash that killed 11 people near Otjiwarongo. The graves are for the hospital patient bus driver and two brothers who will be buried together.
20 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Hidipo Hamata, who recently quit the Popular Democratic Movement, has clarified he is not joining the ruling Swapo party and may take time to reflect and pursue other work instead.
19 May 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibian workers to take initiative in improving their skills through available learning opportunities, including online courses, and stressed that capacity building has no age limit. She said the 2026 International Workers' Day theme on continuous in-service training highlights the need for a skill-driven workforce to ensure productivity and economic growth, and called for cooperation between workers and employers.
5 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua says competing claims for chieftaincy positions are hampering governance, delaying recognition of chiefs, and slowing development in the region. He is leading consultative meetings to resolve disputes within traditional authorities through dialogue and inclusivity.
15 April 2026 · New Era →
The Kunene Governor's office, working with Agra ProVision, trained 15 participants in modern beekeeping techniques and financial management. Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua aims to expand the programme to 200 beehive outlets across the region, using profits from initial sales to train additional beekeepers and create livelihoods.
19 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Environment Ministry has denied authorising the Kaoko Fria Smart City project within Skeleton Coast National Park, citing conservation concerns, while the Kunene Regional Council says it was never consulted despite the company's recruitment drive in Windhoek. The company claims it has submitted environmental assessments and is seeking deproclamation of the park for the development.
2 March 2026 · New Era →
The 19.3 MWp Gerus Solar One Project, located between Otjiwarongo and Otavi, was officially inaugurated by the British High Commissioner. The plant, developed by Solarcentury Africa in partnership with Sino Energy, will sell electricity directly into the Southern African Power Pool, contributing to Namibia's renewable energy capacity and regional power trade.
10 February 2026 · Informanté →
Following the discovery of 21-year-old Florencia Jacobs' body behind an Outjo fire station, Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua has called for regional vigils and donations to support the bereaved family. Outjo constituency youth forum chairperson Ben Narib is urging community members and public servants to help prevent crime in the area.
9 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Kunene is one of Namibia's fourteen regions, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Angolan border and home to Himba, Damara, and Nama communities. With a 2023 population of 120,762 and low population density, the region's capital is Opuwo and current governor is Vipuakuje Muharukua.
6 February 2026 · New Era →
Court proceedings in Opuwo have been delayed due to a shortage of magistrates and interpreters, with one magistrate managing two court rolls and inadequate coverage for Otjiherero and Damara/Nama speakers. A local lawyer warns the delays violate the right to fair trial, while the judiciary says it faces structural challenges in interpreting all indigenous languages across courts.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM president McHenry Venaani criticised Namibian journalism for failing to contribute effectively to political discourse, citing inexperienced journalists, inadequate investment, and over-reliance on artificial intelligence. He also urged opposition parties to form coalitions to prevent Swapo from regaining a two-thirds majority, and reported PDM's electoral performance as satisfactory, including reclaiming the Okakarara constituency.
26 January 2026 · New Era →
The governors of Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Kunene regions are on a working visit to Angola to exchange knowledge on maize and wheat seed production and subsistence farming support. They met with Angola's Cunene Province acting governor and visited farms to observe production and food security practices.
21 January 2026 · Informanté →