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

Parliament, cabinet, parties, governance.

Today

  1. Gazetted parliamentary candidate quits Landless People's Movement

    Vendjii Kandetu, a gazetted parliamentary candidate for the Landless People's Movement (LPM), has resigned from the party with immediate effect, ending a six-year association.

    7 hours ago · Namibian Sun

Yesterday

  1. Swapo Grootfontein branch renewal stalled ahead of 2027 congress

    Swapo members in Grootfontein district remain deadlocked over disputed meetings and quorum requirements, with the district coordinator and information officer warning that branch conferences must be held soon or the district will be unable to elect new leadership before terms expire next month.

    12 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. High Court defers in-camera ruling in terrorism trial case

    High Court judge Hannelie Prinsloo has deferred a judgment on the State's application for a closed-door hearing in the trial of Jona Hangula, a 32-year-old accused of working with ISIS and Boko Haram to allegedly overthrow the Namibian government. The in-camera application will be decided by the trial judge once assigned to the case; the matter was postponed to 20 August 2026 pending translation of Arabic-language evidence documents.

    14 hours ago · Informanté

  3. LPM senior member Vendjii resigns, hints at new political chapter

    Landless People's Movement senior member Vendjihimisa Kandetu has resigned from the party, citing personal convictions and professional aspirations that require a new direction. Kandetu stepped down as an LPM member, central committee member, and gazetted parliamentary candidate with immediate effect, though she declined to disclose her next political move.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. Slower growth and lower revenue restrict development funding

    National Planning Commission director general Kaire Mbuende says slower-than-expected economic growth and lower government revenue have reduced funding available for development projects across Namibia. He told local authority heads at an Oshakati engagement that revenue fell short due to weaker economic performance and delayed oil and gas projects, and that ministries—not the NPC—decide how to distribute allocated funds to regions and towns.

    19 hours ago · The Namibian

  5. Former ACC director advises successor to resist political pressure

    Former Anti-Corruption Commission director general Paulus Noa has advised his successor, Bryan Eiseb, to uphold the rule of law and resist public and political pressure, cautioning that public opinion should never dictate investigative decisions and warning against entertaining personal, material, or political agendas.

    19 hours ago · New Era

  6. Limited capacity and funding hamper Namibia's decentralisation agenda

    A Parliamentary Standing Committee has identified limited institutional capacity, inadequate funding, and weak coordination between government levels as key obstacles to Namibia's decentralisation reforms under NDP6. The committee is holding a five-day workshop in Gobabis to examine whether the country's legal, institutional, and financial frameworks are sufficient to support decentralisation objectives.

    19 hours ago · New Era

  7. Namibia's PAP delegation begins committee preparations

    Namibia's Pan-African Parliament delegation, led by Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo, has commenced Permanent Committee sittings ahead of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament, scheduled to begin on 27 July 2026 in Midrand, South Africa. The committee meetings, running until 25 July, form part of preparations to review matters under the various PAP committees' mandates.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  8. Africa must move beyond political independence to economic freedom

    Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, speaking after the UN Alliance of Civilizations Summit in Angola, called for Africa to achieve economic liberation so that the continent's resources create jobs and opportunities for its people, particularly youth. He stressed that lasting peace is the foundation for economic growth and that young Africans must lead efforts to transform the continent's economies.

    22 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  9. 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.

    23 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  10. NPA considering whether to prosecute Idac boss Johnson

    Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac), told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the National Prosecuting Authority is deciding whether to prosecute her over accusations that she leaked information to Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan.

    23 hours ago · The Namibian

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Namibia, South Africa sign prisoner transfer agreement, await legislation

    Namibia and South Africa have signed an agreement to allow mutual transfer of sentenced prisoners between the countries, but transfers cannot occur until South Africa passes enabling legislation expected by mid-2027. Namibia has already finalised its side of the arrangement.

    21 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. PM Ngurare revives 'Question Time' TV programme for public engagement

    Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced plans to revive 'The Prime Minister's Question Time', a television call-in programme that allows citizens to question the prime minister directly on government policies and service delivery. He also announced a new platform for social media and community activists to periodically meet with the prime minister to discuss governance issues.

    21 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Minister warns rural development era of 'business as usual' is over

    Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has warned that the era of 'business as usual' in rural development is over, cautioning regional councils to improve project implementation and ensure public resources deliver measurable benefits for communities. He expressed concern over incomplete projects, unspent development funds and idle rural development centres, calling for performance-based resource allocation and improved accountability.

    21 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. 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

  5. Lutuhezi urges flexibility on social grant verification deadline

    The Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of gender equality has called on the gender ministry to ensure vulnerable social grant beneficiaries do not lose their income during verification, after the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare set a July end-of-month deadline for verification or risk losing payments. Lutuhezi said suspension of grant payments before verification is completed will cause unnecessary hardship and asked what measures would protect beneficiaries unable to meet the deadline due to illness, disability, old age or lack of transport.

    21 July 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Eighth Parliament adjourned without passing single bill

    The Windhoek Observer criticizes Namibia's eighth parliament for adjourning without passing any bills, including long-awaited land and mental health legislation, suggesting MPs have spent excessive time on questions rather than deliberating on pending laws.

    21 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Six government institutions owe Okahandja N$1.37 million

    A total of 753 business accounts in Okahandja have outstanding municipal debts, and the municipality is pursuing collections following a directive to disconnect water service.

    21 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

  8. ACC director says commission resisted political interference

    Outgoing Anti-Corruption Commission director general Paulus Noa said politicians never interfered with the commission's work, despite its pursuit of cases against senior figures.

    21 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

Monday 20 July

  1. Acting prosecutor freezes fugitive lawyer's N$75.3m assets

    Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has obtained a Prevention of Organised Crime Act property restraint order in respect of fugitive lawyer Marén de Klerk's assets valued at up to N$75.3 million, as well as assets valued at up to N$2.3 million in respect of the close corporation Moyo Estates. De Klerk, who left Namibia in January 2020 and is believed to be living in South Africa, is wanted in connection with the Fishrot fraud case involving alleged illegal allocation of Namibian fishing quotas.

    20 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. High Court freezes Namcor accused's farm and vehicle

    The High Court has frozen assets linked to Namcor accused Cornelius 'Cedric' Willemse, including farm Groot Driehoekvlakte in Hardap and a Toyota Land Cruiser, as part of efforts by the prosecutor general to permanently seize them under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

    20 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. IPC urges members to focus on poverty and unemployment challenges

    Independent Patriots for Change's Erongo chairperson Aloisius Kangulu called on party members to remain focused on addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality facing ordinary Namibians, rather than allowing internal differences and political speculation to distract them during the party's restructuring process.

    20 July 2026 · New Era

  4. Swapo veterans urge party discipline ahead of elective congress

    With Swapo's elective congress a little over a year away, veteran party leaders have called on the ruling party to strictly uphold its constitution, restore internal discipline, and refocus on ordinary Namibians' concerns. Former Cabinet minister Jerry Ekandjo cited the party's loss of its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly—now holding 51 seats while opposition parties collectively occupy 45—and urged the party to follow constitutional provisions, including filling the long-vacant vice president position.

    20 July 2026 · New Era

  5. Namibia hosts African Union labour and social policy summit

    Windhoek will host the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment from 27 to 31 July, bringing together African government ministers and stakeholders to address high unemployment, poverty and weak social protection systems across the continent.

    20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Budget disbursement delays slow Zambezi region development projects

    A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance found that schools, sewerage upgrades and agricultural projects in Zambezi are facing implementation delays because government funds are not reaching implementing institutions on time, despite no major irregularities in fund use being detected.

    20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  7. Minister blasts Henties Bay acting CEO over water crisis

    Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has criticized the Henties Bay municipality's acting chief executive officer as the "poorest of poor performers" amid a water crisis where residents cannot purchase prepaid water after the service provider suspended vending in June over a contractual dispute. The minister's concerns centre on the stalled implementation of an approximately N$27 million prepaid water meter project and has formally objected to the acting CEO's appointment as substantive CEO.

    20 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 19 July

  1. Namibian divorce law reform reflects modern marriage realities

    An analysis argues that Namibia's new approach to divorce law aligns with historical legal traditions and contemporary social changes, drawing on examples from Roman law and recent English legal philosophy to support reforming divorce procedures.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia joins regional cost-benefit analysis initiative

    Namibia has joined an initiative with seven other southern African countries to use cost-benefit analysis to help governments achieve better outcomes with limited budgets. The tool translates economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits into present-day dollars, allowing policymakers to compare policy alternatives and prioritise spending.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Windhoek traffic crisis reflects municipal leadership failure

    Windhoek's infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population growth, with commuters facing hour-long journeys clogged with potholes and non-functioning traffic lights, while municipal authorities have deflected responsibility rather than offering solutions.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. High Court dismisses bid to legalise cannabis in Namibia

    The Windhoek High Court dismissed an application by the Ganja Users of Namibia to legalise cannabis, ruling that ongoing government legislative reviews make judicial intervention premature. The group says it will intensify efforts to push for cannabis law reform and hold the government accountable to its commitment to review the cannabis laws.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

  5. IPC accuses Swapo of exploiting poverty to weaken opposition

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused Swapo of exploiting poverty and people's personal circumstances to weaken opposition parties, following the defection of former Erongo regional mobiliser Rudolf Kahingunga and others to the ruling party.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 18 July

  1. VP Witbooi calls for ethical communication to combat misinformation

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Swakopmund, urging communicators across Africa to strengthen public trust by promoting accurate information, combating misinformation, and embracing ethical communication as essential for good governance and national development.

    18 July 2026 · Informanté

  2. Swapo councillor Blaauw elected Keetmanshoop mayor

    The Keetmanshoop municipal council has elected Swapo councillor Emrico Blaauw as the town's new mayor, with Beata Set as deputy mayor. The election follows the recall of LPM mayor Melody Swartbooi in June.

    18 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. IPC withdraws Keetmanshoop councillor for party directive violations

    The Independent Patriots for Change has withdrawn councillor Pieter Skeyer from the Keetmanshoop Town Council, citing alleged violations of party directives. Skeyer, who served six months, said his decisions were based on personal conviction and will now focus on his role as school principal.

    18 July 2026 · The Namibian

Friday 17 July

  1. Venaani calls on president to address Orange River border dispute

    PDM leader McHenry Venaani has urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her visit to South Africa to push for resolution of the long-standing Orange River boundary dispute with South Africa. Venaani says the dispute has remained unresolved since independence and requires urgent political attention, and that he has tabled a motion in the National Assembly calling for the matter to be debated.

    17 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. VP urges communicators to combat misinformation, support development plan

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Swakopmund, calling on government and private sector communicators to champion truth and support the implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan. She emphasized that communication is central to democratic governance and social cohesion, and that communicators must counter misinformation and disinformation in an age of artificial intelligence and digital platforms.

    17 July 2026 · The Namibian

  3. VP urges communicators to champion truth, combat misinformation

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi addressed the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Swakopmund, calling on government and private sector communicators to lead the fight against misinformation and disinformation, particularly as artificial intelligence and digital platforms expand. She framed strategic communication as central to democratic governance, social cohesion, and implementation of Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan.

    17 July 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Corruption case against former Grootfontein councillor struck from roll

    A corruption case against former Grootfontein councillor Etnee Jack Tsanigab, arrested in 2020 for allegedly using family members' names to buy property cheaply from the local authority, was struck from the court roll after the State indicated it was not ready to proceed. In a related matter, High Court Judge Thomas Masuku dismissed Tsanigab's N$771 008 claim against Grootfontein Municipality for alleged jackhammer rental costs, finding he could not provide supporting invoices.

    17 July 2026 · Informanté

  5. Corruption case against former Grootfontein councillor struck from court roll

    Former Grootfontein councillor Etnee Jack Tsanigab, arrested in 2020 on suspicion of using family members' names to buy property cheaply from the local authority, has had his case struck from the court roll after the State indicated it was not ready to proceed. In a related matter, a High Court judge dismissed Tsanigab's N$771,008 claim against Grootfontein Municipality over a jackhammer rental dispute.

    17 July 2026 · Informanté

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Vice President warns misinformation could undermine NDP6 delivery

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi cautioned that misinformation and weak public communication risk undermining implementation of Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, and said government communicators must ensure accurate information reaches the public to build trust and deliver on national priorities.

    17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  9. VP warns misinformation could undermine NDP6 delivery

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi cautioned that misinformation and weak public communication could undermine implementation of Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, stating that government communicators must ensure accurate information reaches the public and serve as champions of truth against disinformation.

    17 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. City of Windhoek raises municipal tariffs by 4% from July

    The City of Windhoek has announced a 4% average increase in municipal tariffs for the 2026/2027 financial year, effective 1 July 2026, affecting water, refuse and waste management, sewerage, fire brigade services and property assessment rates.

    17 July 2026 · Informanté

  11. Harageib discusses leadership approach and African development

    Steven Bernardus Harageib says leadership is about creating conditions for people to rise and solve challenges together rather than standing above others.

    17 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

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