Politics & Governance
Policy moves, parliamentary debate and leadership decisions shaping Namibia.
Africa open for business at Swakopmund
THE Africa Economic Leadership Council will hold a three-day Invest in Africa Trade Expo and business summit at Swakopmund from 28 to 30 May. Co-founder and president Heinrich Hafeni, whose company Hafeni Tourism Group is organising the event, says the purpose of the expo and summit is to connect and nurture partnerships among African entrepreneurs […] The post Africa open for business at Swakopmund appeared first on The Namibian .
Hengari trial dates set for November
UPDATE: The trial of McAlbert Hengari, the former Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform, is set to commence, with his main trial dates scheduled from 23 to 27 November 2026 and thereafter from 8 to 12 February 2027. This follows the hearing of the Prosecutor General’s Decision (PGD), which directed that Hengari and ... The post Hengari trial dates set for November appeared first on Informanté .
‘Art Splash’ Explores Identity and Heritage
Navigation between modernity and cultural preservation, issues of identity and the work of archiving ancestral knowledge persist in this year’s edition of ‘Art Splash’. The annual exhibition presents the output of Windhoek’s College of the Arts students and is on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia. Featuring a selection of textiles, ceramics, linocut […] The post ‘Art Splash’ Explores Identity and Heritage appeared first on The Namibian .
Mouers to Release Debut Afrikaans EP
Local singer-songwriter Salvador Mouers will release his debut Afrikaans EP, ‘Binne’, on Saturday, following his selection as the first Namibian artist for the ATKV-Crescendo mentorship programme. The initiative is run by the Afrikaanse Taal- en Kultuurvereniging (ATKV) in South Africa, and identifies and supports emerging Afrikaans musicians. The EP’s release follows a live pre-launch performance […] The post Mouers to Release Debut Afrikaans EP appeared first on The Namibian .
President assesses maritime monitoring efforts
Staff Reporter PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to protecting marine resources and strengthening maritime security following a strategic visit to the fisheries monitoring centre in Walvis Bay, where she was briefed on the country’s vessel tracking system, its successes and ongoing challenges. The President, accompanied by Vice President Lucia Witbooi, Fisheries Minister Inge ... The post President assesses maritime monitoring efforts appeared first on Informan
Iipumbu details drug busts and anti-narcotics strategy in National Assembly
Staff Reporter MINISTER of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has told Parliament that no formal drug cartels or structured trafficking syndicates have been identified operating in Namibia, while detailing the country’s ongoing anti-narcotics operations, arrests and drug seizures. She said the fight against illicit drugs remains focused on dismantling criminal networks and ... The post Iipumbu details drug busts and anti-narcotics strategy in National Assembly appeare
Horse mackerel trawling rules eased for 12 months
Staff Reporter TRAWLING for wet-landed horse mackerel will be permitted in slightly shallower waters for a limited period from May this year to April next year. “Cabinet authorised the temporary relaxation of trawling within the 200-metre isobath to a specified zone of 150 metres (and not shallower) for wet-landed horse mackerel fishing vessels for a ... The post Horse mackerel trawling rules eased for 12 months appeared first on Informanté .
US naval delegation visits Namibia
A delegation from the United States Naval Forces Africa visited Windhoek and Walvis Bay this week to meet with Namibian government and defence officials. The visit took place alongside US ambassador to Namibia John Giordano and focused on shared maritime interests between Namibia and the US. US Naval Forces Africa commander George Wikoff said the […] The post US naval delegation visits Namibia appeared first on The Namibian .
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlights crisis, charts path for fishing industry
Staff Reporter PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned that Namibia’s fishing sector is facing instability and entering a period of transition, calling for urgent reforms, stronger governance and collective action to address structural weaknesses and declining fish stocks. She further announced that the current redress programme will conclude in April 2027 and raised concerns about the ... The post Nandi-Ndaitwah highlights crisis, charts path for fishing industry appeared first on Informant
Cabinet relaxes 200m isobath fishing rule for horse mackerel sector
The Cabinet has approved the temporary relaxation of trawling restrictions within the 200m isobath for the wet-landed horse mackerel subsector. The decision is contained in a Cabinet directive issued by information minister Emma Theofelus on Friday. “The Cabinet authorised the temporary relaxation of trawling within the 200m isobath to a specified zone of 150m (and […] The post Cabinet relaxes 200m isobath fishing rule for horse mackerel sector appeared first on The Namibian .
WATCH | Former Minister of Sport, Agnes Tjongarero addresses challenges in sports administration.
Govt to build 3 000 low-income houses at N$137 million
The government has committed N$137 million to building low-income Namibians 3 106 houses. The project, funded through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, is being implemented by the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia in an effort to tackle the country’s housing backlog and improve Namibians’ living conditions. Special adviser to the minister Boniface Mutumba […] The post Govt to build 3 000 low-income houses at N$137 million appeared first on The Namibian .
Dr Peya Mushelenga sworn into 8th National Assembly following tragic loss of Uerukua
The 8th National Assembly officially welcomed Dr. Peya Mushelenga back to its benches today as he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament during a solemn ceremony on Friday. The oath of office was administered by Deputy Judge-President Justice Shafimana Ueitele, marking Mushelenga’s formal entry into the current legislative session. Mushelenga moves into the […]
Esau growing old, says lawyer as he cautions against “oppressive” pre-trial incarceration
Staff Reporter LAWYER Florian Beukes has asserted his client’s rights in the fisheries and corruption trial involving the former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernard Esau, warning against what he termed oppressive pre-trial incarceration, stating that his client Esau is 69 and has passed the life expectancy rate of the country. Beukes made these ... The post Esau growing old, says lawyer as he cautions against “oppressive” pre-trial incarceration appeared first on Informanté .
Mushelenga returns to National Assembly
Swapo politician Peya Mushelenga has returned to the National Assembly after being sworn in as a member of parliament, replacing James Uerikua who died on 3 April. Speaking after taking oath in Windhoek on Friday, Mushelenga said lawmakers must serve the country beyond party interests. He said he would prioritise advancing the Swapo Party manifesto […] The post Mushelenga returns to National Assembly appeared first on The Namibian .
Oshikondo sheeshi oshi yadi omikundu
Presidente Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah okwa pula kuningwe eenghundafana da manguluka moshikondo sheeshi shaashi omahangano otaa londwela kutya oshikondo oshi li moupyakadi wakula. Ovanailonga kave shii oilonga yavo kutya otai i fiyo onaini, eenghalo doilonga itadi nuwa omeva nomauwa a ngabekwa. Oshinima eshi presidente okwe shi popya pefimbo lepatululo leenghundafana domafiku atatu nomahangano okukwata eeshi kOmbaye Etitatu. […] The post Oshikondo sheeshi oshi yadi omikundu appeared first on The Nami
Airlines issued ultimatum to lower domestic airfare … put on notice to change pricing or risk intervention
Airlines operating in Namibia have been handed a blunt ultimatum to slash domestic airfares within six months or face direct government regulation. Delivering a sharply worded warning at the opening of Aviation Week Africa 2026 in Windhoek on Wednesday, Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi made it clear that government patience has run out over...
Hengari gets November trial date
Iuze Mukube Following the transfer to the Katutura Regional Court, the trial of former agriculture minister Mac-Albert Hengari has been set down for commencement. He stands accused of attempting to bribe a complainant to induce her to withdraw a case against him. Magistrate Victor Nyazo yesterday allocated a date for the matter of Hengari and...
PDM readies for the post-Venaani era
Rudolf Gaiseb Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says the party is in a sound financial state despite claiming bankruptcy in late 2024 and after spending between N$6 and N$8 million on election campaigns. Ngaringombe revealed these during an interview with this reporter earlier this week, noting the party’s survival is not tied...
Look beyond fishing, Kapako youth told
RUNDU – Deputy environment minister Anselm Marungu has challenged youth in Kapako constituency to look beyond traditional river use and embrace innovative tourism ventures to combat local unemployment. Speaking at the official opening of a youth workshop on tourism livelihood opportunities on Tuesday, Marungu emphasised that relying solely on the Kavango River for fishing and...
Nyambe hails Windhoek inclusion run
Namibia Special Olympics president Charles Nyambe says the recent marathon held in Windhoek was aimed at breaking barriers and fostering understanding. On his Facebook page, Nyambe writes: “This marathon wasn’t just about crossing the finish line, it was about breaking barriers and fostering understanding. The event aimed to shine a light on the abilities and […] The post Nyambe hails Windhoek inclusion run appeared first on The Namibian .
Mwiya backs medal hunt in Egypt
Namibia is confident its wrestlers will win medals at the African Continental Championships in Egypt following full funding, preparation and strong squad selection. Eight of the country’s wrestlers will be competing at the continental wrestling showdown in Alexandria from 27 April to 4 May. Speaking to The Namibian Sport, Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator Freddy […] The post Mwiya backs medal hunt in Egypt appeared first on The Namibian .
Govt to end fishing jobs programme
Justicia Shipena The government’s redress programme in the fishing sector will come to an end in April 2027. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced this at the close of a fishing industry engagement in Walvis Bay, where she said the sector is undergoing a transition. “Come April 2027, the redress programme will have to come to an […]
Mushelenga’s return may shift Swapo dynamics — Analyst
Patience Makwele Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says Peya Mushelenga’s return to the National Assembly could carry political implications within Swapo. Mushelenga is set to return to the National Assembly, where he will take the seat left vacant by the late Swapo member of parliament James Uerikua. He will be sworn in today with his oath […]
Price controls or market reality? The FlyNamibia dilemma
The latest standoff between government and the private aviation sector has placed Namibia at a familiar crossroads: the tension between market forces and public interest. This week, Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi issued a firm ultimatum to FlyNamibia: reduce ticket prices on the Windhoek–Ondangwa route within six months or face the possibility of government intervention.
President pushes reforms in fishing sector talks
Staff Reporter PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed the need to protect and sustainably utilise Namibia’s marine resources, calling for collective action and practical solutions as she opened the second day of consultations with the fishing industry in Walvis Bay. Addressing stakeholders, the President stressed that the engagement process is aimed at resolving systemic challenges within ... The post President pushes reforms in fishing sector talks appeared first on Informanté .
Swapo@66: Governing without ideology or a drift and the limits of liberation politics?
A crisis not of power, but of thought. After the thought-provoking editorial penned down by the Windhoek Observer on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of Swapo, one could not help but admire the accuracy of the analysis, especially when it refers to a drift and a loss of intellectual compass, ideological clarity, and, perhaps most dangerously, its sense of purpose, said the editorial.
Landless People’s Movement demands an end to bailouts for state-owned enterprises
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) is calling for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become financially independent and end their reliance on government bailouts. The party says since 1999, most SOEs have depended heavily on public funds, with only a few demonstrating strong performance – such as the Namibia Ports Authority, while the majority continue to underperform. […] The post Landless People’s Movement demands an end to bailouts for state-owned enterprises appeared first on The Namibian .
Governance bill to boost accountability in state entities — Shifeta
Staff Reporter PARLIAMENTARY Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs Chairperson, Pohamba Shifeta, has thrown his support behind the Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Bill, saying it will address structural inefficiencies, strengthen coordination, and improve accountability in Namibia’s public enterprises. Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Shifeta said the bill seeks to resolve longstanding governance ... The post Governance bill to boost accountability in state
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila clarifies MP leave rules confusion
National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has clarified that members of parliament (MPs) are not automatically entitled to leave of absence, stressing that such requests can be declined under the assembly’s standing rules. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila made the clarification on Tuesday in response to a growing number of leave notices submitted by MPs from various political parties. During […] The post Kuugongelwa-Amadhila clarifies MP leave rules confusion appeared first on The Namibian .
President calls for dialogue amid fishing crisis
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for open dialogue in Namibia’s fishing industry as unions warn the sector is in crisis, with workers facing job insecurity, poor conditions and limited benefits. The president said this during the opening of a three-day consultation with fishing companies at Walvis Bay on Tuesday. “We are here to listen, to […] The post President calls for dialogue amid fishing crisis appeared first on The Namibian .
Swapo stalls replacing late MP James Uerikua
Swapo has yet to nominate a replacement for James Uerikua’s National Assembly seat, despite the party list indicating Peya Mushelenga is next. This comes weeks after Uerikua and his son, Venturo, died in a car accident over the Easter long weekend. They were laid to rest at Otjiserandu in the Otjozondjupa region on Sunday. According […] The post Swapo stalls replacing late MP James Uerikua appeared first on The Namibian .
Thailand set to scrap maritime dispute MOU with Cambodia
BANGKOK, April 23– Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed on Thursday that the National Security…
Computational Thinking – What is the Bebras Challenge?
Late March early April, a local IT company hosted the second Bebras Challenge for learners to introduce them to the concept of Computational Thinking. Susanna Berchtold of Berchtold Software Development and Training explained that computational thinking is an acquired skill to instill the ability to break complex problems down to their foundational building blocks and […]
Oshikondo sheeshi neyambulepo loshilongo otayi endele pamwe – NNN
Omupresidente Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah okwa ti oshikondo sheeshi osha etela Ovanamibia eemhito doilonga osho yo okuyambula po eliko loshilongo. Edi Omupresidente okwe di popya onghela komutumba u li kodoolopa Walvis Bay, tau kundafana kombinga yoipambele yeeshi. Omutumba ou wa tameka onghela notau xulu mongula. Komutumba ou oku na ovanambelewa va yooloka va dja komahangano eeshi tava...
All hands on deck: Nandi-Ndaitwah, Witbooi, Ngurare and Zamwaani chart a new course for Namibia’s fishing industry
In a political climate often defined by distance between policymakers and the sectors they regulate, the Namibian government’s decision to dispatch its most senior leadership to the coast for direct consultations with the fishing industry stands out as both rare and commendable. It’s unprecedented. The presence of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Lucia Witbooi, Elijah Ngurare and Inge […]
Disability conference flops after Ngurare’s no show directive
Justicia Shipena The government withdrew its participation from the Disability Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Conference shortly before it was due to begin in Windhoek. A conference on disability and inclusion failed to take place after the government withdrew its participation. The conference was cancelled shortly before it was due to begin in Windhoek. The Disability […]
Namdia heist investigation remains classified
Patience Makwele The minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Lucia Iipumbu, says the investigation into the diamond that took place at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) in January last year will remain classified. The armed robbery at Namdia’s headquarters in Windhoek resulted in the theft of diamonds estimated at N$315 million. She said details […]
OBSERVER COASTAL | Fishing industry urges Govt not to limit freezer vessels
Renthia Kaimbi Fishing industry stakeholders have urged the government not to restrict freezer vessel operations, warning that such a move could affect exports, jobs and competitiveness. The concerns were raised during an engagement with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, where industry players met with the government to discuss the future of the sector […]
SWAPO Party anniversary and headquarters inauguration
Staff Reporter SWAPO Party President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced the postponement of the party’s 66th anniversary celebrations and the official inauguration of its national headquarters in Windhoek to 26 April 2026. Speaking to supporters and sympathisers, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the party had originally planned to combine the anniversary celebrations with the inauguration of the new headquarters ... The post SWAPO Party anniversary and headquarters inauguration appeared first on Informanté