Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Society

Education, health, crime, social issues.

Society

Namibian debate examines whether boys falling behind academically

The News

The article examines why the "boy child" has become a focus of public discourse in Namibia, noting that boys have higher school dropout and repetition rates than girls. While women have made significant political gains, including the 2025 election of the country's first female president, the article suggests economic and social power remains unevenly distributed across sectors.

3 hours ago · The Namibian

Today

  1. Namibian debate examines whether boys falling behind academically

    The article examines why the "boy child" has become a focus of public discourse in Namibia, noting that boys have higher school dropout and repetition rates than girls. While women have made significant political gains, including the 2025 election of the country's first female president, the article suggests economic and social power remains unevenly distributed across sectors.

    3 hours ago · The Namibian

  2. Transgender activist urges government protection against hate crimes

    A former Mr. Gay Namibia, now a transgender woman writing from abroad, calls on the government to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect LGBTQIA+ Namibians from escalating targeted violence and hate crimes, citing recent fatal and brutal attacks against transgender and queer community members.

    3 hours ago · The Namibian

  3. NARETU and Welwitchia University establish internship partnership

    The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (NARETU) and Welwitchia University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide practical internship opportunities for law students in areas including dispute resolution, arbitration, and labour rights advocacy, aiming to bridge academic legal education with workplace experience.

    9 hours ago · Informanté

Yesterday

  1. Okapya Liner apologises after fatal Ondangwa bus crash

    An Iveco bus operated by Okapya Liner Transport veered into roadside vendors in Ondangwa on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring six others. The company issued a public apology and condolences, pledging to cooperate with authorities and strengthen safety measures.

    15 hours ago · Informanté

  2. Unidentified person dies in Okakarara road crash

    An unidentified person died in a road accident at Otuvingo village near Okakarara in the early hours of Saturday when a Nissan NP200 lost control, left the road and collided with a tree, with the victim's remains burnt beyond recognition. The remains have been taken to Otjiwarongo police mortuary and are expected to be transferred to Windhoek for forensic examination.

    16 hours ago · Windhoek Observer

  3. Three-year-old dies after wall collapses in Otjiwarongo

    A toddler died after a boundary wall collapsed in Otjiwarongo's Ombili settlement on Friday, allegedly struck by a reversing vehicle whose spare wheel hooked a metal gate. A six-year-old boy was also injured and remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition; a culpable homicide case has been opened.

    23 hours ago · The Namibian

  4. Muteka urges youth to use social media for community change

    National Council vice-chairperson Emma Muteka told 42 school-going learners from all 14 regions gathered at the fourth junior National Council session that social media should be used to create meaningful change in communities, not just for entertainment, and that "followers are not the same as leadership."

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Youth urged to develop practical cybersecurity habits amid threats

    Namibia's Global Cybersecurity Initiative launch calls on young people to move beyond awareness and adopt practical habits to protect themselves, as the country recorded 161,547 cyber events and 513,921 vulnerabilities between April and June 2026. Cybersecurity experts stress that personal digital safety is now an everyday responsibility for individuals, not just IT departments, amid rising risks from phishing, data breaches, and compromised accounts.

    5 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  6. Health ministry, MVA Fund sign emergency medical care agreement

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund have signed an agreement to improve emergency medical response and trauma care through cooperation on ambulance services, equipment, facility improvements, and training.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project raises record N$4 million

    Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project raised a record N$4 million this year for the Cancer Association of Namibia, bringing total contributions since 2000 to N$42.4 million. The funds will support cancer awareness, screening, outreach and patient support as the 26-year campaign addresses Namibia's rising cancer burden.

    5 September 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Minors created roadblock near Usakos to solicit food and money

    Nampol in Usakos clarified that a roadblock on the gravel road between Usakos and Henties Bay was created by minors seeking attention from passing motorists and tourists to ask for food and money, not for robbery. The minors were warned in the presence of their parents, and police confirmed the road remains safe to use.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté

  9. Namibia launches National Day of Prayer for September 2026

    Vice President Lucia Witbooi has officially launched Namibia's 2026 National Day of Prayer, scheduled for Saturday, 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00, calling on Namibians to unite in prayer against killings, gender-based violence and road accidents under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention Towards Behavioural Transformation to Save Lives." The event, set by Cabinet, will be hosted at Independence Arena in Katutura, Windhoek, with regional gatherings at local churches and places of worship, while alcohol outlets and gambling establishments are urged to close for the occasion.

    5 September 2026 · Informanté

  10. Otjiwarongo hospital operates with only eight of 40 required doctors

    Doctors at Otjiwarongo State Hospital are severely overworked due to a staffing shortage that has left only eight medical practitioners doing the work of 40. The shortage forces doctors to juggle multiple departments simultaneously, with patients often waiting hours for treatment.

    5 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Friday 4 September

  1. Otjiwarongo residents protest delayed pension debt write-off initiative

    Residents of Otjiwarongo staged a demonstration over the municipality's alleged delays in writing off pensioners' accumulated debt, claiming some eligible pensioners were excluded from a government initiative and accusing councillors of favouritism. The demonstrators demanded a response by 8 September and called on the ministry to extend an 31 August deadline.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia and US announce phased reduction of HIV funding

    Namibia and the United States announced a planned, phased reduction of US financial assistance for Namibia's HIV-AIDS response, with US support to transition over the next year from financial assistance to a technical cooperation model. This follows Namibia's achievement of HIV-AIDS epidemic control and surpassing of global targets, including reaching 96-98-98 and exceeding the UNAIDS 95-95-95 fast-track targets.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Usakos police officer granted bail in drug smuggling case

    A Usakos police officer, Shaun van Wyk, was granted N$5,000 bail after appearing in Usakos Magistrate's Court on 20 August, accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into police holding cells. The case has raised concerns about substance abuse among children and young people in Usakos, with community activists questioning whether enough is being done to prevent drugs from reaching children.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. NamWater warns of critical Omatako Dam water depletion

    NamWater has issued an urgent water shortage alert for Omatako Dam, which supplies central areas including Windhoek and Okahandja, warning that the water level has reached critically low levels with available abstraction nearing depletion and only one to two weeks of remaining supply at current conditions.

    4 September 2026 · Informanté

  5. Namibia records 122,600 malaria cases and over 100 deaths

    Namibia has recorded more than 122,000 malaria cases this year, with nearly 10,000 hospital admissions and over 100 deaths; 81% of cases are local transmission. Health Minister Esperance Luvindao called on communities to support Indoor Residual Spraying efforts to reduce transmission, citing preventable illness and strain on healthcare facilities.

    4 September 2026 · Informanté

  6. NSFAF opens final 2026 funding application window until October

    The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has reopened its 2026 online application process for a third and final phase from 7 September to 7 October, giving eligible students another opportunity to apply for financial assistance for the 2026 academic year.

    4 September 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Okapya Liner apologises for Ondangwa crash that killed one

    Sostenus Wilherm Okapya Liner Transport Management has apologised following a 1 September road accident in Ondangwa that resulted in one death and six injuries, as well as damage to goods and property. The company said it remains committed to cooperating with authorities and strengthening safety measures.

    4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  8. Uis woman sells semi-precious stones for four decades

    Elsie Uxams, a retired school matron, has sold semi-precious stones—tourmaline, Agat, amethyst, crystals and rose quartz—from a roadside stall in the Dâures area for almost 40 years, operating largely on trust by allowing customers to leave payment in a bucket when she is not present.

    4 September 2026 · New Era

  9. President urges corporates to expand internships and apprenticeships

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on private sector companies to expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities for graduates and provide start-up equipment support, as part of a broader government initiative to tackle youth unemployment. She also urged stakeholders to support the government's plan to repurpose eight industrial parks into entrepreneurial centres by 2027.

    4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Oshikoto governor urges community action against gender-based violence

    Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has called on traditional leaders, churches, families and residents to speak up and report abuse rather than remain silent on gender-based violence, saying the fight requires collective action beyond government intervention alone.

    4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. Katima Mulilo begins N$450 million wastewater treatment plant

    Katima Mulilo Town Council has handed over the site for a N$450 million wastewater treatment plant to contractor Fulbright Water, financed by Standard Bank Namibia and Old Mutual. The 13 to 14-month project aims to address persistent sewerage problems while creating local employment opportunities.

    4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. 67 deaths recorded on Otjozondjupa roads in 2025/26

    Road crashes in the Otjozondjupa region claimed 67 lives and injured 678 people across 282 crashes during the 2025/26 reporting period, raising road safety concerns.

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  13. Malaria deaths and cases surge in Namibia this year

    Malaria has killed 122 people and hospitalised almost 10,000 this year, with more than 122,000 confirmed cases, according to Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao.

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  14. Ministry of Health and MVA Fund sign collaboration agreement

    The Ministry of Health's executive director Penda Iithindi and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund's chief executive officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday.

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  15. Edu-Game Namibia uses games to improve student learning

    Edu-Game Namibia, founded in 2022, is using games as an educational approach to change how Namibian children and young people study.

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  16. 38 Namibian students depart for EU-funded study abroad

    Thirty-eight Namibian students have left for universities across Europe under the EU's Erasmus+ programme, with the European Union fully funding their studies.

    4 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Thursday 3 September

  1. High Court allows N$13m medical negligence claim to proceed

    The Windhoek High Court has dismissed a special plea by the government and health minister in a case where a woman is suing them for N$13 million after a surgical needle fragment was left in her body during 2016 surgery at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. The dismissal allows her medical negligence claim to continue.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Windhoek relocates street vendors to low-traffic trading site

    Street vendors at Dorado Valley were relocated by the City of Windhoek following confiscation of their stock in July, including produce that was returned in rotten condition. Vendors report severe financial losses at the new site due to low customer traffic and limited prospects for selling fresh fruits and vegetables.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Fisheries Ministry investigates fish deaths at Henties Bay coastline

    The Fisheries Ministry is investigating reports of dead fish washed ashore at Henties Bay and has urged the public not to consume them until the cause is determined. Samples have been collected for scientific analysis to establish the underlying cause and extent of the mortalities.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté

  4. Mental Health Bill approval highlights Ohangwena facility shortage

    Namibia's new Mental Health Bill has been approved by the national council, but a national council member notes that Ohangwena region has no dedicated mental health facilities, forcing patients to travel to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, which is often at capacity, and the region lacks a dedicated rehabilitation centre.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  5. Ondangwa crash kills one, injures six roadside vendors

    A silver VW Polo Vivo made an unsafe lane change on the main road between Onethindi and Ondangwa on Tuesday afternoon, colliding with an Iveco bus whose driver then lost control and hit roadside vendors, killing one pedestrian and injuring six others. The Iveco driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after a breathalyser test recorded 0.69 mg/l.

    3 September 2026 · New Era

  6. 380,000 Namibians depend primarily on government grants

    The 2025 Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey finds that 20.8% of eligible adults, or approximately 378,000 people, rely mainly on government social transfers—old-age pensions, child grants, and disability grants—to survive; 90% of grant recipients prioritize food and groceries, and 75% struggle to make income last until the next payment cycle.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Henties Bay warns against eating sea-caught fish pending safety tests

    Henties Bay Municipality has advised the public to refrain from consuming, selling, or distributing fish caught at sea or collected from the shore until further notice while officials investigate and await test results to determine safety for consumption.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté

  8. Expired test kits hamper Ondangwa fatal crash investigation

    A minibus accident in Ondangwa on Tuesday killed one person and injured six others; the minibus driver tested positive for alcohol at roadside, but the police investigation is complicated by expired blood alcohol testing kits and a malfunctioning breathalyser machine in the Oshana and Oshikoto regions.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Human rights panel examines treatment of remand detainees

    A panel hosted by the Southern African Leaders Coalition for Faith, Freedom and Justice examined the rights and dignity of people awaiting trial in Namibia, considering existing protections, implementation challenges, and alternatives to custodial detention for vulnerable groups.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. High Court allows N$13m negligence lawsuit over surgical needle to proceed

    A woman is suing the ministry of health and social services and the government for N$13 million after a surgical needle allegedly broke and became lodged in her uterus during a procedure at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in February 2016. The High Court rejected the state's attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed on prescription grounds, allowing the claim to proceed, though the court has not yet ruled on whether negligence occurred.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. High Court allows N$13m medical negligence lawsuit to proceed

    The High Court has rejected the state's attempt to dismiss a N$13 million lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges a surgical needle broke and became lodged in her uterus during a 2016 procedure at Katutura Intermediate Hospital. Judge Thomas Masuku ruled that the claim had not expired on prescription, allowing the negligence case to proceed.

    3 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Angolan woman arrested over baby concealed in pit latrine

    A 26-year-old Angolan national has been arrested in Omusati Region after allegedly giving birth, concealing the birth, and dumping the baby in a pit latrine in Iihanguti village. The body was retrieved after housemates became suspicious about her disappearance of pregnancy, and the suspect was admitted to Oshikuku Hospital under police guard.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté

  13. Ondonga Traditional Authority to investigate women's salt pan visit

    The Ondonga Traditional Authority will investigate a recent visit by female regional councillors to a salt pan in Oshikoto, citing traditional prohibitions on women's access to the site.

    3 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Okahao and nearby areas face scheduled water supply interruptions

    NamWater will conduct scheduled shutdowns of the Okahao Pump Station on 2, 4, 7, and 9 September 2026 between 00h00 and 19h00 to upgrade infrastructure and improve water supply capacity ahead of the high-demand summer season. Affected areas include Okahao, Tsandi South, Oshuukwa and other villages served by the pump station.

    2 September 2026 · Informanté

  2. Cabinet approves National Prayer Day on 12 September

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi has urged all Namibians, including alcohol outlets and gambling houses, to observe a National Prayer Day on 12 September across all 14 regions, focusing on behavioural change to address killings, gender-based violence, and road accidents.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Ondonga Traditional Council bans women from salt pan visit

    Ondonga Traditional Council chairperson John Walenga says it is taboo in Oshindonga culture for women to visit the Ondonga salt pan, after a woman councillor from Khomas region visited the site during an exchange programme. The council stated it would take action against Oshikoto regional councillors who took their Khomas counterparts to the salt pan.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Ohangwena village residents without running water since June

    Residents of Ohandjombali village in Ohangwena region have lacked access to running water since June, forcing them to buy expensive water supplies from Eenhana 20km away or rely on wells that dry up. A 20-litre container costs N$2–N$3, and households pay N$5 weekly for a truck delivery costing N$300 total, leaving families unable to afford adequate water for bathing, laundry, and meals.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian

  5. Woman's cervical cancer diagnosis after delayed screening

    Karen Nakawala discovered she had cervical cancer during a screening in 2019, despite feeling healthy, after resisting her gynaecologist friend's advice to get screened for nearly a decade. She began treatment a month after diagnosis and credits early detection with her survival.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Weak incomes and slow land delivery worsen housing affordability crisis

    A Simonis Storm Research analysis finds that home ownership in Namibia is becoming unattainable for most households due to weak incomes, inadequate serviced land supply, and high construction costs. The report estimates a gross monthly income of over N$43,000 is needed to afford the national average house price of N$1.46 million, while 54.1% of adults reported monthly incomes of N$2,000 or less.

    2 September 2026 · New Era

  7. Man arrested for alleged rape of five-year-old nephew

    A 34-year-old male suspect has been arrested in Omusati Region on allegations of raping his five-year-old nephew in Ohambalanganga village, Outapi Constituency. According to police regional commander Ismael Basson, the crime allegedly occurred when the suspect was alone with the child in his house.

    2 September 2026 · Informanté

  8. Nust and TUN agree on 5 percent academic staff pay rise

    Academic staff at the Namibia University of Science and Technology will receive a 5% salary increase effective from 1 January 2026, following negotiations between Nust and the Teachers' Union of Namibia for the 2026/27 financial year.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian

  9. /Khomanin community demands answers on chief removal petition

    /Khomanin Traditional Community members confronted Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa at his office, demanding an update on their petition calling for the removal of Chief Julien Gawanas and the status of a financial audit. The community says it gave consent for the audit on 22 April 2024 and has been waiting for answers on its submissions to the ministry for over two years.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  10. Remarks about "wambo child" spark tribalism and privilege debate

    Sean Naude, involved in the search for 15-year-old Erwin Bezuidenhaupt who reportedly drowned at Swakopmund marina in July, claimed on Facebook that authorities would have recovered the teenager's remains sooner had he been a "wambo child," a remark that has ignited debate over tribalism, privilege, and whether race belongs in the search effort.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. Geingos denies housing promise to 2020 assault victim family

    Former First Lady Monica Geingos has clarified that her documented response to the 2020 killing of Andy Kazekondjo and assault of his sister involved psychological and emotional support, not a commitment to build the family a house. An activist recently sought an update on what she described as a housing pledge made by Geingos' office, noting the family had reportedly returned to the original house where the assault occurred.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Windhoek raises electricity tariffs by 3.6% for 2026/27

    The City of Windhoek has adjusted electricity tariffs by an average of 3.6% for the 2026/27 financial year, effective 1 September.

    2 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Namibians need N$44,000 monthly salary to afford homes

    A housing affordability report shows the average house price reached N$1.46 million in the second quarter of 2026, requiring a monthly income of about N$43,765 to secure financing. Housing expert Namene Kalili attributes the shortage to insufficient housing construction—Namibia needs to service around 5,000 plots annually but falls far short—compounded by building supply industry constraints.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Johnathan Beukes steps down as editor of The Namibian

    Johnathan Beukes has stepped down as editor of The Namibian effective immediately. Beukes wished his colleagues and the institution well in a brief statement.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Bus crashes into Ondangwa vendors; one dead, four injured

    An Iveco bus ploughed into roadside vendors in Ondangwa on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring four others, one of whom is in critical condition. Two stationary vehicles were also damaged; the bus driver was taken for an alcohol test, and police investigations are ongoing.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  4. One dead, four injured in bus crash at Ondangwa

    An Iveco bus crashed into roadside vendors at Ondangwa on Tuesday afternoon, killing one person and injuring four others, one of whom was in critical condition. Two parked vehicles were also damaged; the bus driver was tested for alcohol and police are investigating the cause.

    1 September 2026 · Informanté

  5. Bank Windhoek donates N$4 million to cancer association

    Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project handed over N$4 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia following its 2026 fundraising drive to support children with cancer. The funds will support the association's Children Fighting Cancer in Namibia programme, which assists young patients and their families.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  6. Ministry of Home Affairs praised for efficient service delivery

    A reader describes positive experiences at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where a former MP received a passport in one day and the writer obtained a full birth certificate in 30 minutes, crediting the ministry's implementation of the Public Service Charter for its professional service and friendly officials.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  7. Mina Khomsa adapts to life after losing both legs in 2023 truck accident

    A 25-year-old woman is rebuilding her life after a truck accident in 2023 left her with both legs amputated. She now relies on family support and a disability grant, having lost her previous job at a lodge.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  8. Older Namibians incur debt to meet basic living expenses

    Research shows older Namibians are falling into debt traps when emergency costs like ambulance fees are added to municipal accounts, with roughly one in ten taking personal loans from NamPost against their old age grants. A N$13,000 loan from NamPost can cost nearly N$25,000 to repay over five years, locking recipients of subsistence grants into long-term debt.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  9. Human rights experts call for remand detainee protections

    Human rights experts have called for greater protection of the dignity and rights of people held in remand detention, particularly vulnerable detainees, during a panel discussion in Windhoek. The panel discussed whether alternatives to custodial detention could serve justice while protecting vulnerable detainees' dignity and well-being.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

  10. Veteran NBC camera operator Lamech Mwanyangapo dies at 61

    Lamech Mwanyangapo, a veteran camera operator at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023 and became a vocal cancer advocate through the Lamech Mwanyangapo Cancer Foundation, died on Saturday at age 61. NBC leadership paid tribute to him as a dedicated professional, compassionate colleague, and valued team member.

    1 September 2026 · New Era

  11. Onambutu women earn income selling outwishi sweetener

    Unemployed women in Onambutu village in Ohangwena region collect and sell outwishi, a natural sweetener from the mopane tree, to support their families. The product, traditionally a forest snack, has become an economic lifeline for rural women who harvest it during early morning hours to avoid the midday heat.

    1 September 2026 · New Era

  12. Open defecation affects 47% of Namibians, 71% in rural areas

    According to UNICEF, 47.2% of Namibians still practise open defecation, rising to 70.9% in rural communities, a sanitation gap linked to wider inequalities in access to basic services. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare said inadequate water and sanitation directly affects children's ability to live, learn and develop with dignity.

    1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  13. Livestock accounts for 51% of Kavango West crashes

    Livestock roaming on public roads has emerged as the biggest road-safety threat in Kavango West this year, accounting for nearly 51% of recorded crashes.

    1 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

  14. Keetmanshoop GBV centre faces funding and staffing challenges

    A gender-based violence facility in Keetmanshoop is struggling to remain operational due to delayed government payments, staff shortages, and a lack of dedicated drivers.

    1 September 2026 · Namibian Sun

Monday 31 August

  1. Bus driver arrested for dealing in cocaine at Katutura

    An Intercape bus driver, Nathaniel Tobias, was arrested at Maroela, Katutura, on 24 April while driving a bus from Cape Town to Windhoek in connection with dealing in cocaine. Acting police inspector general Anne-Marie Nainda said the matter is before the court and is being treated as an isolated case with no indication of involvement in an organised syndicate.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Three deaths reported in separate incidents across Namibia

    Police reported three separate deaths over the weekend: a 48-year-old man found at Walvis Bay with no visible injuries, a 25-year-old with multiple stab wounds at Grootfontein, and a 14-year-old boy discovered near Opuwo. Investigations into each incident are continuing.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  3. Witvlei Clinic nurses use phone torches due to power outages

    Witclei Clinic nurses resort to cellphone flashlights to treat patients during power outages that can last several days, as the facility has no backup generator. The lack of electricity also affects vaccine storage and puts additional pressure on healthcare workers, particularly during night-time emergencies.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  4. Veteran NBC cameraman Lamech Mwanyangapo dies at 61

    Lamech Mwanyangapo, a long-serving cameraman at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation and cancer awareness advocate, died on 29 August after a battle with multiple myeloma. While undergoing treatment, he established the Lamech Mwanyangapo Cancer Association and campaigned for cancer awareness and the establishment of an oncology centre in northern Namibia.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  5. High Court dismisses council disciplinary case against psychologist

    A High Court acting judge has dismissed a disciplinary hearing instituted by the Health Professions Council of Namibia against specialist psychologist Dr Pieter Van Der Westhuizen, who had been accused of raping a patient, finding that his constitutional rights to a fair and speedy trial were violated.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  6. Four killed in Okahandja-Otjiwarongo road crash

    A collision between a bakkie and a 16-seater bus on the Okahandja-Otjiwarongo road resulted in four deaths and several injuries.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  7. Otjozondjupa Region invests N$272.5m in infrastructure and services

    The Otjozondjupa Regional Council reported development investments of approximately N$272.55 million in the 2025/26 financial year, directed towards education, roads, water and sanitation, health, agriculture, electrification and rural development. Major education spending included N$55.8 million for 78 classrooms and related facilities, and a N$132.7 million hostel block at Otjiwanda Secondary School expected to complete in March 2028.

    31 August 2026 · New Era

  8. National Council blames system failures for Namibia's road deaths

    A National Council committee investigating Namibia's road-crash crisis found that shortages of traffic officers, weak enforcement, dangerous roads, and delayed emergency response are driving fatalities beyond reckless driving alone. Between January 19 and August 19, 1,905 crashes resulted in 3,592 casualties and 304 deaths across regions.

    31 August 2026 · The Namibian

  9. National research commission battles funding and staffing gaps

    The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology faces significant institutional and financial challenges, including heavy reliance on external funding, insufficient staffing, and limited specialist research capacity, according to a National Council Standing Committee report. The NCRST is considering a research and development levy and incentives for companies to establish R&D capacity as potential solutions.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  10. Former base cleaner arrested for alleged N$55 850 job scam

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a 46-year-old former cleaner at Oluno Military Base over allegations that she collected more than N$55 850 from job seekers by promising to secure cleaning jobs within the ministry of defence and veterans affairs between 2015–2017, with promised employment opportunities never materializing after payments were made.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  11. Namibia fails to preserve memory of liberation struggle figures

    Windhoek Observer laments that young Namibians increasingly do not know Helao Joseph Shityuwete, a former political prisoner and liberation struggle activist who died on 29 August at age 92, reflecting broader failure by the education system and national leadership to adequately preserve and transmit Namibia's independence history.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  12. Mental health advocate Hermien Elago discusses personal struggles openly

    On the podcast The Catalyst with Lazarus Jacobs, mental health advocate Hermien Elago discusses childhood, mental health, personal struggles and experiences that have shaped her, at a time when Namibia is grappling with concerns about mental health stigma and reluctance to seek help, particularly among men.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  13. President urges Olufuko initiates to continue education

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged young women in the Olufuko initiation programme to pursue their education alongside their cultural participation, saying Namibia must modernise without losing its cultural identity. According to the education minister, 121 young women participated this year, with 26 returning to holiday school and 95 remaining at the festival.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  14. Woman recovers from rare illness, regains independence

    Renthia Kaimbi Francis Platt, who was bedridden for about four years after being diagnosed with Autoimmune Encephalitis in January 2022 at age 21, has recovered her independence and is now engaged to be married. She told the Windhoek Observer her recovery and engagement represent a "second chance" at life after years of struggling with speech, mobility, and cognitive difficulties.

    31 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  15. Five arrested for livestock theft across three Namibian regions

    The Namibian Police arrested five suspects over the weekend on allegations of livestock theft in Nkurenkuru, Gochas and Otjiwarongo. Seven donkeys valued at N$8,400 and two sheep valued at N$3,200 were stolen in separate incidents; most of the animals were slaughtered and meat or remains recovered.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  16. Five arrested for attempted murder across four Namibian cities

    Police arrested five suspects — one female and four males — over the weekend in Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo and Walvis Bay on attempted murder charges. Three of four victims are in hospital in critical condition; incidents include a security guard's negligent rubber-bullet discharge in Walvis Bay, a knife stabbing in Windhoek, and a domestic violence attack in Keetmanshoop.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  17. Multiple fatal crashes and drunk-driving arrests reported nationwide

    Several people died in separate road accidents across Namibia, including six in a head-on collision between Onethindi and Oshigambo on Friday evening. Police recorded multiple arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless or negligent driving.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  18. Robbers steal goods and cash valued at over N$270,000

    Equipment valued at N$200,000, cash totalling over N$70,000 and other valuable goods were stolen in three separate robbery incidents over the weekend in Windhoek, Oshakati and Oshikango, during which at least one victim was tied up and a vehicle was badly damaged.

    31 August 2026 · Informanté

  19. Psychiatrist freed from rape case due to five-year delay

    A Swakopmund psychiatrist accused of rape and indecent assault has been permanently released from professional disciplinary proceedings after the High Court found a five-year delay.

    31 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

  20. Street vendors report losses after Dorado Valley relocation

    Street vendors relocated to the Dorado Valley U-Save shopping area say the new trading site is hurting their livelihoods.

    31 August 2026 · Namibian Sun

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