Friday, 21 August 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Friday, 21 August 2026

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Namibian press · Organization

Windhoek Observer

Windhoek Observer — Namibian news publication covering governance, infrastructure, labor, and resource management issues.

2025-05-232026-08-21

What’s been said

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

May 2025
23 MayThe Namibian
Windhoek Observer published photographs of the Oshikuku Massacre aftermath
Source
“He fled the country after being tipped off that South African security forces were searching for him following the publication of the photographs in the Windhoek Observer and abroad.”
Oshikuku – hidden gem of the north

Society

Namibia must sustain anti-firearms campaign beyond amnesty

The News

The Windhoek Observer welcomes the Namibian Police Force's September amnesty for illegal firearms but warns that prevention efforts must extend beyond the month-long initiative. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the country recorded 20 firearm murders, 261 armed robberies, and hundreds of other weapons-related offences, underscoring the need for a sustained national campaign against firearms.

21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Yesterday

Namibia must sustain anti-firearms campaign beyond amnesty
The Windhoek Observer welcomes the Namibian Police Force's September amnesty for illegal firearms but warns that prevention efforts must extend beyond the month-long initiative. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the country recorded 20 firearm murders, 261 armed robberies, and hundreds of other weapons-related offences, underscoring the need for a sustained national campaign against firearms.
21 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →
Minors hospitalised after consuming recovered vodka drinks
Several minors were taken to Otavi Clinic after consuming vodka-based mixed alcoholic beverages recovered from a truck accident near Otavi on Tuesday. The Otavi Town Council warned residents against consuming, selling or distributing the products, citing concerns they were not intended for the Namibian market, contain high alcohol concentration, and may have been contaminated during the accident.
22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 17 August

Security plan for 400 magistrates and prosecutors reaches Cabinet
Chief Justice Peter Shivute convened a meeting to review a security assessment for over 400 prosecutors and judicial officers, following concerns heightened by the death of regional prosecutor Justine Shiweda. The report is expected to be submitted to Cabinet and the Office of the Prime Minister in the coming weeks for consideration and possible implementation.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 14 August

Rundu council approves People's Assembly and Youth Advisory Council
Rundu Town Council has unanimously adopted a motion to establish a Rundu People's Assembly and Rundu Youth Advisory Council to give residents and young people a more permanent role in municipal decision-making. The proposal, introduced by councillor Kufuna Patrick Masonde, addresses what he described as a gap between residents and municipal authorities, particularly affecting those in neglected neighbourhoods and informal settlements.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Two medicines quarantined or recalled in Namibia
The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council quarantined two batches of Azithromycin Oral Suspension after complaints it failed to dissolve properly and contained lumps, while Cospharm Investments issued a voluntary recall of VCS Flumed Syrup after crystals were found in units.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 12 August

Amnesty International seeks to join genocide reparations legal challenge
Amnesty International has filed to participate as amicus curiae in a High Court review case challenging the Namibia-Germany Joint Declaration on the 1904-1908 genocide. The applicants, led by Bernadus Swartbooi, the Landless People's Movement, and the Ovaherero Traditional Authority, argue the declaration was improperly handled by Parliament and violates the Constitution and international law.
12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 10 August

Triumphant College faces staff complaints over pay equity and nepotism
An anonymous coalition of staff at Triumphant College has lodged complaints with the rector alleging pay inequities, arbitrary salary adjustments, and unclear recruitment practices. Administrative employees reportedly earn between N$7,000 and N$9,000 monthly without defined criteria, while a Level 8-qualified lecturer receives N$14,132.56 including benefits, with staff citing inadequate housing allowances and financial pressure in Windhoek.
10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 7 August

Former NAC board members challenge minister's power to remove them
Five members of the Namibia Airports Company Board of Directors, fired by Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, have disputed the legality of their removal and defended their tenure, citing inherited financial and operational pressures including losses of N$111.7 million in 2020/2021 and N$93.7 million in 2022.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

Minister Nekundi defends removal of five NAC board members
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has defended his decision to remove five Namibia Airports Company board members on Tuesday, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen governance, accountability and stability at the state-owned aviation company. Nekundi said he acted within his constitutional and legal mandate and appointed an interim board to oversee the company during a transitional period.
6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 5 August

Shell fast-tracks appraisal drilling after Orange Basin oil discovery
Shell has announced it will fast-track appraisal drilling following an offshore oil discovery in Namibia's Orange Basin, with reservoir quality and fluid characteristics described as the best seen so far within its licence area. The Windhoek Observer cautions that while the discovery is encouraging, Namibia should exercise restraint and national wisdom, as the path from exploration success to sustained prosperity is long and littered with examples of resource-rich nations that failed to convert natural resources into lasting development.
5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 4 August

Namibia's ageing sewer systems need urgent upgrades
An editorial in the Windhoek Observer argues that Namibia's sewerage infrastructure, built decades ago for much smaller populations, is reaching capacity limits across municipalities and town councils, as illustrated by Katima Mulilo's recurring sewage crisis.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Aging sewer system exceeds capacity in Katima Mulilo
Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa says Katima Mulilo's sewage crisis stems from an aging sewer system designed decades ago for 10,000–15,000 people that has not kept pace with the town's growth. The overflowing infrastructure threatens public health and the town's tourism ambitions ahead of the Zambezi Bream Festival.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 3 August

Windhoek's N$381m road shows cracks before handover
The 6.1-kilometre Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road in Windhoek, which cost N$381 million, has begun to deteriorate before being handed over to the City of Windhoek. The City said responsibility for repairs remains with the developer and project engineer, who are investigating the defects.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 July

Omusati residents face years-long delays in identity document processing
Residents of Omusati region report prolonged processing times for national identity documents from the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, with some waiting years without receiving feedback on applications and losing access to essential services and employment opportunities.
28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 27 July

Yango defends safety systems amid phantom trips complaints
Ride-hailing platform Yango Namibia has defended its safety, customer support and driver verification systems following complaints over alleged phantom trips, delayed complaint responses and drivers whose identities did not match their profiles. The company's country manager acknowledged the system is not perfect but said safeguards are in place to detect fraud and compensate wrongly charged customers, though he did not disclose complaint numbers or driver suspension figures.
27 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 24 July

NASAWU rejects Gendev Fishing's salary increase offer
The Namibia Seamen and Allied Workers Union has rejected Gendev Fishing Group's proposal to raise the basic monthly salary from N$3,850.95 to N$6,800 for 195 hours per month, arguing it does not constitute a genuine increment but rather payment for standard working hours. The company issued a 24-hour ultimatum and framed the move as a 120% increase, while the union maintains that paying workers for hours actually worked is not a pay rise.
24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
AR student command opposes exclusion of Namcol learners from subsidies
The Affirmative Repositioning student command has criticised the government's decision not to subsidise learners rewriting Grade 11 and 12 subjects at Namcol or other institutions, arguing that the move contradicts the constitutional right to education. The ministry has ruled out extending financial assistance to such learners, citing financial unsustainability and the measure's failure to improve academic outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 23 July

Windhoek informal settlement residents demand water and basic services
Residents of Baboon City, an informal settlement in Windhoek, say they have been neglected by political leaders after elections and lack access to clean water and basic services. The City of Windhoek maintains the area is not a recognised settlement and has no plans to formalise it or provide municipal services.
23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Gendev gives employees 24 hours to accept doubled salary offer
Gendev Fishing Group's management has given employees less than 24 hours to accept a new salary structure offering a 120% nominal increase in gross pay to N$6,700 per month for 195 hours, despite the union's rejection of the terms. Workers who decline face remaining on the current N$2,960 monthly rate after the deadline passes.
23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 22 July

Otjiwarongo CEO accused of receiving housing allowance while in council house
The CEO of Otjiwarongo municipality is facing allegations of unlawfully receiving a housing allowance while residing in a council-owned property, a practice that violates government housing policy and may constitute a criminal offence under Namibian law. Government policy and council staff regulations explicitly prohibit simultaneous receipt of a housing subsidy and occupation of state-owned accommodation.
22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 21 July

Former Tsumeb mayor denies reported arrest over N$2 million
Matheus Hangula, a Tsumeb regional councillor and National Council member, has denied reports that he was arrested after N$2 million was allegedly discovered in his bank account. The Windhoek Observer confirmed he was in the Zambezi region fulfilling duties on a parliamentary committee investigating road accidents.
21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 20 July

Venaani backs Nuclear Bill to grow uranium-driven economy
PDM president McHenry Venaani has endorsed the draft Nuclear Bill, arguing that Namibia should use its uranium resources to drive economic growth and value addition rather than export raw minerals. The government has concluded nationwide public consultations on the proposed legislation, which seeks to modernise the nuclear regulatory framework and establish three specialised institutions to oversee the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 17 July

Terrorism accused Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony
Jona Hangula, accused under Namibia's Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Act, has asked the High Court to reject the State's application for closed-door testimony from an alleged FBI agent, arguing it would breach his right to a fair trial. He proposes the witness testify remotely via Zoom or Teams in open court, with his family, friends, church members, and full legal team permitted to attend.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Hangula opposes closed-door FBI testimony in terrorism trial
Terrorism-accused Jona Hangula has filed a motion opposing the prosecution's request to hear FBI agent testimony behind closed doors, arguing the proceedings should remain open to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair trial. Hangula proposes the witness testify remotely without video and requests that his family, friends, and entire legal team be allowed to attend.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Witnesses contradict police in assault-in-custody lawsuit
Four witnesses have filed statements in the High Court contradicting the Namibian Police's version of events surrounding the arrest of former Spitzkoppe tour guide Melvin //Areseb, who is suing the police and three officers for N$2.8 million over an alleged assault while in custody. Police officers deny assaulting //Areseb or witnessing any assault, claiming only reasonable force was used after he became aggressive following questioning about a reported domestic violence incident.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Four witnesses contradict police in assault lawsuit filed by tour guide
Four witnesses have filed statements in the High Court contradicting the Namibian Police's version of events in a N$2.8 million assault lawsuit filed by former Spitzkoppe tour guide Melvin //Areseb against the police and three officers over an alleged assault during his arrest on 22 August 2025. Police officers deny assaulting //Areseb or witnessing assault by colleagues, while the officers claim only reasonable force was used after the plaintiff became aggressive during questioning about a domestic violence incident.
17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 16 July

Walvis Bay children's home faces monthly N$43,000 funding shortfall
Jonah Home in Walvis Bay, which cares for twenty vulnerable children, faces a monthly funding shortfall exceeding N$43,000 that threatens its ability to provide basic necessities. The facility has become a de facto national repository for child protection cases from across Namibia, with children often lacking birth certificates and requiring intensive medical or psychological support.
16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Census reveals education and housing gaps in marginalized communities
The Namibia Statistics Agency released a report based on the 2023 Population and Housing Census showing that marginalized communities—comprising San, Ovatue/Ovatwa, and Ovatjimba peoples (75,569 people, 2.5% of Namibia's population)—face significant challenges in education, employment, housing, and access to basic services. The data aims to support evidence-based planning and policy formulation to address inequalities.
16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
City of Windhoek denies halt to informal trading permits
The City of Windhoek has denied allegations that its CEO's office instructed officials to stop issuing new informal trading permits, saying applications continue to be processed under existing regulations. The denial follows complaints from traders and residents in Dorado Park about City Police preventing informal traders from operating and the City refusing to issue trading letters.
16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Swapo denies managing Farm 37 housing list at district office
Swapo Party's Walvis Bay Rural district coordinator Patrick Barthomeus has denied allegations that the party is managing the municipal housing beneficiary list for the Farm 37 housing project from its district office, calling such claims "malicious lies and propaganda." He stated that Swapo Party district offices are not government institutions and lack the mandate or authority to carry out government functions like housing allocation.
16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →