AGP Executive Report

LGBTQ+ and the World Cup: A new look at how the 2026 tournament lands differently for LGBT+ fans in countries where same-sex relations can mean prison or even death. Justice & rights: Namibia’s next Prosecutor-General appointment is under the spotlight as calls grow for a transparent, timely process that protects institutional integrity. Gender & safety: Namibia’s rape survivors face long-term trauma beyond court cases, with experts warning society still pushes “move on” expectations. Disability & youth: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urges stronger support for young entrepreneurs with disabilities, backing capacity building and revived income projects. Roads & activism: Michael Amushelelo’s urgent court bid to remove B1 Western Bypass speed humps is set for a ruling at the end of June. Culture & comedy: The Franco Namibian Cultural Centre hosted a Savanna Comedy Hour clash of veteran “OGs” and rising “New Gs,” with disability stories and sharp social jokes. Education & community: Kavango East honours top teachers and learners, while Debmarine Namibia donates hostel furniture to Blouwes Primary. Economy watch: Inflation climbed to 4.1% in May, the highest rate this year.

Xenophobia & Football Backlash: South Africa’s World Cup opener vs Mexico sparked an online protest across African social media, with many backing Mexico as a jab at xenophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Financial Inclusion for Agri-SMEs: Agribank and Germany’s DSIK signed a partnership to boost financial access, training and gender-equitable jobs for small and medium agri-businesses in Namibia and beyond. Access to Information: A Windhoek panel on information as a human right pushed for stronger democratic participation in the digital age. Lifelong Learning Boost: Namibia ranked 4th on the continent for participation in education and training (formal and informal), according to an ILO World of Work report. Diplomacy & Culture: New diplomats pledged deeper cooperation with Namibia in energy, tourism and education, including Portugal Day remarks on growing trade and cultural ties. Health System Accountability: The health ministry launched a new complaints management system amid public frustration over negligence claims and patient-information mishandling. Civil Liberties in Focus: A court ordered the state to pay activists damages after unlawful arrests tied to a 2023 unemployment protest. Migration Bill Consultations: Public consultations on Namibia’s new Migration Bill have concluded, with written inputs still open. Disability Day Spotlight: Youth with disability groups warned that barriers still exclude people from work, education and services. Women Farmers & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to centre women smallholder farmers in food and climate policy. Community & Culture: //Kharas governor called for local input as green hydrogen plans move forward, stressing youth jobs, land use and safeguards. Sports & Lifestyle: A Windhoek-to-Okavango ultra-trail diary brought Namibia’s wildlife and adventure travel to life.

Migration Bill Consultations: Namibia’s Home Affairs says nationwide public consultations on the proposed New Migration Bill are now concluded, with written inputs still open until next Wednesday, aiming to modernise immigration with online visas, electronic payments and real-time case tracking. Namibia–Portugal Ties: Foreign affairs minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says the relationship with Portugal has strong cultural roots but still needs growth in trade and investment. Youth & Disability Focus: Namibia’s youth with disability group marks National Disability Day, calling out persistent barriers that keep disabled young people out of work, education and services. Teen Vaping Warning: WHO flags nicotine addiction among teenagers as industry-targeted, citing Namibia’s 2024 survey showing 23% of school-going adolescents use vaping products. Food & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urges governments to centre women smallholder farmers in food and climate plans. Local Community Loss: Walvis Bay pastor and biker community leader Pietie Fox Sr. dies at 70, remembered for faith and mentorship. Transport Reality Check: A Windhoek speed-hump debate turns into a wider complaint about unaffordable urban transport for commuters. Culture & Airplay: NASCAM urges NBC to boost local music airplay and ensure artists get royalties. Sports & Travel: Collette expands its African safari portfolio, adding new itineraries including Namibia-linked options.

Women Farmers & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly of Southern Africa urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, saying rural women already hold the answers to build resilient food systems. Boy Child Education Push: Namibia’s First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah launched a community engagement in Zambezi to tackle boys falling behind in school, citing gender gaps in graduations and rising dropout figures. Local Music on NBC: NASCAM called on NBC to boost local music airplay and protect artists’ royalties, warning that creators can’t sustain their work if broadcasters don’t pay fairly. Archives Under Pressure: Namibia’s archives and records management sector faces storage, training and systems problems that could endanger the country’s history and institutional memory. Parliament Oversight Coordination: National Council chair Lukas Muha urged standing committees to plan better and avoid duplication, with recommendations tracked through a proposed “dashboard system.” Mental Health in Everyday Life: Psychologist Ceaseria Mutau and activist Fillemon Amoolongo warned that stigma and unequal access are driving many people to suffer in silence. Student Funding Relief: Government advanced an extra N$247m to NSFAF to speed up student allowance payments under the Stef model. Sports & Youth Abroad: Athletic Club Football Academy sent teams to Spain for Mad Cup 2026, while Namibia U-17 goalkeeper Milco Solunga secured a US school placement in August. Culture & Lifestyle Events: Windhoek hosted a Bank Windhoek Coffee Extravaganza, and NamFitness Expo and Conference is set for 3–4 July. World Cup Referee Blocked: Somali referee Omar Artan was denied US entry, dashing hopes of becoming the first Somali to officiate at the FIFA World Cup.

World Cup & Immigration: Somali referee Omar Artan, Africa’s top referee, was denied entry to the US en route to the 2026 World Cup in Miami, dashing hopes of becoming the first Somali to officiate at the finals. Mental Health: Psychologist Ceaseria Mutau says stigma and unequal access are pushing many Namibians to suffer in silence, with emotional exhaustion increasingly normalised across workplaces and schools. Education & Youth: Namibia’s NSFAF got an extra N$247m to speed up student payments under the Stef model, but separate reports warn some medical applicants abroad were rejected because their fields weren’t on a priority list. Public Finance: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare admits spending restraint won’t fix fiscal problems without stronger growth and well-chosen public investment, as debt and interest costs keep climbing. Police & Women: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged new NamPol cadets to uphold integrity and human rights as 670 constables graduated, with women outnumbering men for the first time. Culture & Identity: Namibia marks Genocide Remembrance Day with calls to include Damara and San victims more clearly in public memory, apology and reparations debates. Lifestyle & Community: NamFitness Expo returns to Windhoek Country Club (3–4 July) with fitness, nutrition, mental health and youth-focused wellness activities. Local Business & Food: Bank Windhoek’s Coffee Extravaganza drew big crowds with live roasting, tastings and vendor stalls, spotlighting local culinary talent. Indigenous Voices: Hai//om San and SASDO highlight ongoing marginalisation, land loss and youth skills projects aimed at preserving culture and creating opportunities. Transport & Safety: Road experts question Windhoek speed humps on major highways, arguing they may worsen congestion and accidents instead of improving safety.

NSFAF Relief: Namibia’s government has injected an extra N$247 million into the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to speed up delayed student payments under the Stef model, with non-tuition allowances expected to be cleared for qualifying continuing students by mid-July. Education & Fairness: Private schools and tutorial centres are under scrutiny over whether teachers get proper labour protection, while directors are pushing for the N$10 school admission application fee to be optional to ease pressure on struggling parents. Public Health: The WHO/IAEA/ IARC imPACT mission has launched in Windhoek as health officials warn cancer cases could jump 84% by 2045 without earlier diagnosis and stronger rural screening. Culture & Pride: Drag Night Namibia’s “Pride Kiki Ball” kicked off Windhoek’s Pride Month celebrations at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre, spotlighting LGBTQI+ talent and community. Green Hydrogen Consultations: Kharas leaders say Namibia’s Climate Investment Fund plan for green hydrogen must be shaped with local communities, skills and environmental safeguards in mind. Governance & Costs: Bank of Namibia warns public debt could reach 70% of GDP if spending reforms stall, as Namibia moves toward outcome-based budgeting. Sports & Society: Namibia denies it has approved any AFCON 2028 co-hosting bid, while World Cup build-up is marred by reports of strict US entry denials affecting players and officials. Local Life: Rehoboth restored water to schools after a non-payment shutdown, and Windhoek road experts criticised speed humps as a possible cause of congestion and accidents.

Public Finance & Rights: Namibia’s push for better public financial management is tied to stronger parliamentary oversight, with a Sadc model law in the works to help lawmakers hold governments accountable for how state money delivers rights. Debt Watch: The Bank of Namibia warns public debt could climb to about 70% of GDP if spending reforms don’t land, as the country tightens its fiscal deficit targets. Health & Lifestyle: WHO and partners launch a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Windhoek, focusing on prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment—amid warnings that cancer cases could surge by 84% by 2045. Education & Family Life: NSFAF funding cuts leave over 200 medical-track students abroad facing rejection, while education directors want the N$10 school admission fee made optional to ease pressure on struggling parents. Culture & Community: Pride Kiki Ball kicks off LGBTQI+ Pride Month in Windhoek, and locs get a spotlight with tips and history rooted in Namibian traditions. Sports & Society: Namibia denies it has approved any AFCON 2028 co-hosting bid, as lawmakers debate land policy and urban housing pressures.

Sports & Policy: Namibia has denied it is part of any co-hosting bid for the 2028 AFCON, saying no bid was approved or authorised and no budget commitments were made. Health: WHO launched a Cancer Impact Review Mission in Namibia to assess prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and financing, with recommendations expected after a five-day review. Public Finance: The Ministry of Finance hosted an outcome-based budget workshop as government looks to improve results while fiscal space tightens and debt remains high. Food & Farming: A Kavango farmer says the region can become Namibia’s “food basket,” but needs irrigation support linked to the Okavango River to boost yields and farming year-round. City Life & Child Protection: Windhoek City Council moved to push urgent national action on children begging at traffic intersections, citing safety risks and possible exploitation. Culture & Community: Traditional leaders in the north urged mothers to use palaces for adoption instead of baby dumping, after recent cases shocked communities. Lifestyle & Entertainment: Love Island continues to spark fan chatter with new bombshell twists and “loyalty” debates among viewers.

Reconciliation & History: “Sorry for the Genocide” spotlights German colonial massacres in Namibia, with activists pushing for stronger recognition and repair. Maternal Care: One Economy Foundation donated maternal and infant supplies to former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba in Ohangwena, alongside sexual and reproductive health services. Court Update: Marlién Conradie, accused of about N$41m fraud, filed again in the High Court after bail was refused. Ocean Awareness: A global survey released for World Ocean Day shows big gaps in ocean knowledge, while Namibia’s hake fishery is cited as a recovery success story. Community & Culture: Nkurenkuru Expo’s seventh gala dinner raised N$600,500 to back jobs, youth entrepreneurship and heritage. Windhoek Street Child Crisis: City Council adopted a motion on urgent national action over Angolan children begging at intersections, citing safety risks and possible exploitation. Child Protection & Adoption: Traditional leaders in the north urged mothers to use palaces for adoption instead of baby dumping after recent cases. Police & Gender: Namibia marked a milestone as women outnumbered men in a police basic training graduation in Gobabis. TVET Expansion: Omuthiya’s state vocational training centre was approved, with Phase 1 starting this September. Lifestyle & Entertainment: MTC Wine Extravaganza wrapped in Windhoek after a Venice-themed run, and Sixer dropped the album “Kotse moKotse” for taxi-rank hustle and club life.

Windhoek Child Protection Push: Windhoek City Council adopted a motion calling for urgent national intervention after a sharp rise in young children begging at traffic intersections, with the mayor warning of likely exploitation and safety risks for road users. Korea–Africa Partnership: Namibia joined a Seoul meeting to strengthen Korea–Africa cooperation on trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, agriculture and sustainable development. Immigration & Visas Warning: Namibia’s Ministry of Home Affairs cautioned travellers against private e-visa platforms, saying only the official government site is authorised and that losses from third-party payments are on users. Media, Gender & Public Service: At NBC’s 35th anniversary, journalists were urged to shape Africa’s narrative, while Namibia’s Speaker called for fairer portrayal of women in media and highlighted the broadcaster’s role in informing, educating and uniting. Skills & Youth Inclusion: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive apprenticeships at a regional skills summit, focusing on gender and access for marginalised groups. TVET Expansion: Oshikoto’s Omuthiya vocational training centre was approved, with Phase 1 set to start in September and training across fields like smart agriculture, hospitality, mining and energy. Child Welfare Policy: Namibia reiterated its commitment to ending violence against children, including online exploitation, and highlighted children’s participation through platforms like the Children’s Parliament. Community Tensions in Oshana: The Iiheke Ya Nakele community protested a controversial development they say ignores earlier resolutions and threatens grazing, water sources and cultural sites. Police Cadets Graduation: 670 cadets graduated from Pius Kaundu Police Training Centre, with Vice President Lucia Witbooi urging integrity and service. Pension Disruptions: Over 15,000 pensioners had old-age grants suspended after missing verification, raising concerns about communication and hardship. Local Crime Update: Windhoek reported a 14% drop in murders in the first five months of 2026, alongside mixed trends in other crime categories.

Community Rights Clash: Oshana’s Iiheke Ya Nakele residents protested a controversial construction at the site, saying plots are being allocated in disputed areas and grazing, water sources and cultural sites are at risk—despite a 2019 Uukwambi Traditional Authority resolution to halt sand mining and construction pending a final dispute. Skills & Jobs Boost: Oshikoto’s Omuthiya vocational training centre was approved, with Phase 1 (13.2 hectares, over N$200m) set to start this September and train 1,700+ students across smart agriculture, automotive, hospitality, mining, energy and construction. Public Service Media: As NBC marks 35 years, former Sport Desk staff reflect on how sports broadcasting grew in Namibia—especially widening visibility for women in sport. Child Protection Push: Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to ending violence against children, highlighting online sexual exploitation and platforms like the Children’s Parliament for children’s participation in decisions. Women in Media: National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged fairer portrayals of women leaders, warning that negative coverage discourages women from public life. Aviation Outreach: Women in Aviation Namibia brought career inspiration to Oshana schools, pointing to low female representation in pilots and engineering. Cost-of-Living Pressure: UNAM students questioned whether fuel-price relief measures are easing daily expenses, calling it a wider social justice and governance issue. Waste & Health: Oshikoto’s disposable nappy disposal problem is worsening, with villagers resorting to burying nappies due to limited formal waste systems. Migration & Citizenship Clarity: MHAISS warned against misinformation on citizenship and national documents, stressing that birth in Namibia alone doesn’t automatically qualify. Pension Disruption: Over 15,000 pensioners reportedly had old-age grants suspended after missing verification, leaving some without money and raising humanitarian concerns. Local Safety: Windhoek reported a 14% drop in murders (Jan–May), while theft and armed robberies remain concerns linked to alcohol and domestic violence. Street Children Plan: Windhoek moved to address children begging at intersections, referring the matter for longer-term interventions to protect child welfare and road users. Solar Project Row: The Presidency rejected IPC allegations linking President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to a N$612m Sinomine-Massaus solar deal, saying it’s a private commercial matter and urging evidence-based claims.

Pension Pressure: Over 15,000 Namibian pensioners have had old-age grants suspended after missing a verification step, leaving many turned away at payout points and raising urgent calls for clearer communication and a smoother safety net. Citizenship Clarity: MHAISS warns against social-media misinformation on citizenship and national documents, stressing that birth in Namibia alone doesn’t qualify and that applications face strict legal checks. Solar Row: The Presidency rejects IPC claims linking President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to a N$612m Sinomine-Massaus solar deal, saying the matter concerns private arrangements and that allegations must be backed by facts. Waste Watch: Oshikoto’s growing disposable nappy problem is spilling into villages where families bury or improvise disposal, straining local waste systems. Windhoek Safety: City crime stats show declines in several categories (including house break-ins), but vehicle theft and armed robberies are still rising—fuelled by opportunism, alcohol abuse and violence. Media & Gender: Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urges fairer portrayal of women in news, warning that online harassment and deepfakes add to the harm. Youth & Learning: UNAM students question whether fuel-price relief measures are easing daily costs, while separate commentary highlights discipline challenges and the “boy child” struggle with motivation and wellbeing. Culture & Inclusion: Women in Aviation Namibia runs school outreach in Oshana to boost girls into aviation careers, and NBC marks 35 years with renewed focus on reaching all regions and going digital.

Windhoek Safety Update: Murders fell by 14% in the first five months of 2026, with attempted murders down 10%, robberies down 22%, theft down 7%, and house break-ins down 27%—though vehicle theft rose 4% and armed robberies climbed 10%, often linked to alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Gender & Media: National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged NBC to portray women leaders fairly, warning that controversy-focused coverage fuels distrust and discourages women from public life. Youth, Education & Money: UNAM students questioned whether fuel-price relief measures are easing daily costs, while the Education Ministry says NSFAF is clearing outstanding student payments and will process non-tuition support weekly from mid-June. Street Children at Intersections: Windhoek moved to tackle children begging and selling at traffic lights, referring the issue for longer-term, coordinated intervention. Inspiring Girls in Aviation: Women in Aviation Namibia ran outreach in Oshana schools to boost the girl child into aviation careers. Culture & School Discipline: Opinion pieces spotlight the need to strengthen cultural learning in schools and to restore discipline and respect in classrooms. Travel Lifestyle: Travellers are urged to consider trip cancellation insurance as illness, emergencies and severe weather can derail plans. Sports & Community: Brave Gladiators captain Lovisa “Tuya” Mulunga was recognised for youth outreach through sport and education programmes.

AI & Leadership: A fake AI-faked presidential speech about condemning foreign exploitation went viral, but the president later denied it—showing how strongly people crave moral, decolonial leadership. Education & Gender: Namibia’s University of Namibia enrolment has climbed from under 5,000 (2000) to nearly 30,000 (2024), with women consistently outnumbering men and health sciences becoming more female-dominated. Business & Youth: DJ Sbu will headline the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on 25 July, spotlighting entrepreneurship and the creative sector’s job potential. Media & Public Service: NBC marked 35 years, with its director general reaffirming the mandate to inform, educate and entertain while pushing deeper digital and regional coverage. Law & Family Life: Namibia’s operationalised Dissolution of Marriages Act now puts children’s best interests first, with courts requiring custody/maintenance arrangements before divorce. Health & Care: Namibia’s mpox situation is in focus after a confirmed Swakopmund case, while debate continues around safe baby abandonment—law helps, but readiness and public awareness are key. Sports & Community: Brave Gladiators captain Lovisa “Tuya” Mulunga is recognised for youth outreach through sport and education. Travel Safety: Travellers are urged to consider trip cancellation insurance as illness, emergencies and severe weather can derail plans.

Women in Sport: Brave Gladiators captain Lovisa “Tuya” Mulunga is being recognised for community outreach in Windhoek, using sport and education programmes like the Riverheights Sports and Education centre to inspire youth. Cycling & Youth Sport: Namibia’s Tour de Windhoek has been launched for 13–16 August, promising stages across the country and spotlighting sport as a youth-development tool. Family & Law: Namibia’s Dissolution of Marriages Act is now operational, shifting divorce to a single “irretrievable breakdown” ground with stronger child-protection safeguards and possible joint custody. Student Support: NSFAF says non-tuition allowances will start reaching students next week, with weekly processing from mid-June to ease delays. Health & Safety: Namibia has confirmed its first mpox outbreak case in Swakopmund, with surveillance and contact tracing activated. Gender & Society: Online trolling is increasingly silencing women in politics, with officials warning it drives self-censorship and anxiety. Community & Culture: Namibia marks Genocide Remembrance Day with renewed calls for truth and restorative justice. Travel Practicalities: Travellers are urged to consider trip cancellation insurance to protect prepaid, non-refundable costs when illness or emergencies strike.