AGP Executive Report

Map Debate: Namibia’s “Correct the Map” momentum is growing after a UN vote backed equal-area projections over the Mercator, with Africa pushing back on misperceptions of size and identity. Inflation Watch: Economists say Namibia’s CPI basket update is overdue, arguing that changing spending weights will make inflation reporting more accurate. Climate Alert: Namibia is bracing for a potentially harsher 2026/27 rainy season as El Niño forecasts point to below-normal rainfall and hotter conditions—urging early preparation for drought risk. Heritage & Culture: Zambezi Region wrapped up Heritage Week with Shiyeyi cultural showcases and calls for learners to preserve heritage through education. Church & Youth Values: PM Elijah Ngurare urged the church to support national development, focusing on values, youth formation, and tackling social ills. Arts Spotlight: Windhoek’s The Project Room hosts Ndako Nghipandulwa’s “Signs Of The Times,” turning discarded road signs into mixed-media commentary on work, childhood, and the road ahead. Sports Economy: Namibia’s sport sector is still underfunded—less than 1% of public spending goes to sport—while government targets 3.5% employment contribution. Women’s Football: Monica Shapwa resigns as FNB Women Super League and FC Ongos Ladies chairperson, citing the need for leadership that sustains momentum. Cyber Safety: NAMPOL warns of a phishing scam circulating via SMS/WhatsApp for traffic fine amnesty payments. ICT Growth: CRAN reports strong telecom data revenue driven by TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp and more, alongside rising cyber threats. Namibia-Cuba Solidarity: A Cuba Solidarity Gala Dinner raised over N$2.6m, with leaders calling for continued support. Cricket Update: Lungi Ngidi is ruled out of South Africa’s Australia ODIs with a hamstring injury; Nqobani Mokoena is called up.

Church & Youth Values: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare urged the church to be a moral compass and strategic partner in national development, spotlighting gender-based violence, youth values, and the pressures of AI and digital life during Inner City Lutheran’s 35-year celebration. Luxury Travel Spotlight: A new roundup highlights 10 top-tier luxury safari lodges worldwide, from treetop stays to shipwreck-style cabins—comfort meets wildlife in style. Namibia Arts & Culture: Windhoek’s The Project Room hosts Ndako Nghipandulwa’s mixed-media “Signs Of The Times,” built from discarded road signs and construction stories. Film Premiere: “Echoes of Omusati,” a Namibian documentary about identity and a 37-year reunion, premieres in Lusaka this Friday at Ster-Kinekor. Music Scene: Rising oviritje star Mutjanga “Mutjanga Bena” Ben Muundjua is profiled as a culturally rooted, authenticity-driven new voice. Tourism Milestone: Gondwana Collection Namibia wins Tourism Service Partner of the Year at the 2026 CST Awards. Sports Policy & Funding: Namibia’s sport profile launch says less than 1% of public expenditure goes to sport, with 71% of people inactive—calling for evidence-based reform. Community & Governance: Activists Michael Amushelelo and Shaun Gariseb demand City of Windhoek accountability on serviced land, potholes, rubbish, sewerage, and transparent spending. Bank Windhoek CSI: The bank reports over N$21m in community development and social value initiatives, including youth work experience support. Cricket Update: Lungi Ngidi is ruled out of South Africa’s Australia ODI series with a hamstring injury; Nqobani Mokoena is called up.

Women in Policing: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Director Cebisile Ximba joined a Namibia visit by African women law-enforcement officers, marking the 1956 Women’s March and spotlighting empowerment and leadership in policing. Youth & National Service: Namibia’s National Youth Service is being urged to measure impact beyond training, tracking what happens after young people leave—especially as compulsory national service is being considered. Sport Economy: Namibia targets sport to contribute 3.5% to employment under NDP6, alongside calls to fast-track Sport Act reform and strengthen the sport ecosystem with real data. City Accountability: Activists Michael Amushelelo and Shaun Gariseb demand Windhoek deliver serviced land, fix infrastructure, and publish measurable results—pushing for a demonstration on 26 September. Namibian Arts & Culture: Documentary “Echoes of Omusati” premieres in Lusaka this Friday, while local musician David Bebro shares perseverance behind his EP “FIYO.” ICT & Safety: Cyber threat incidents rose 57% in Q2 even as ICT investment hit N$243m and data demand kept climbing. Football/Film Spotlights: Namibia kicked off CAF U20 qualifiers with a win over Mauritius, and Warsaw unveiled its full film festival programme.

Telecom Boom: Namibia’s telecoms raked in N$6.7bn from data sales over 27 months, with TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp driving demand, while Q2 alone brought in N$944m. Cyber Safety: That growth comes with a warning sign—cyber threat events jumped 57% in Q2 as vulnerabilities rose 40%, even as ICT revenue climbed 12%. Sport Economy Push: Namibia spends less than 1% of public expenditure on sport, with 71% of people inactive; government now targets sport to contribute 3.5% to employment under NDP6 and calls for a faster Sport Act overhaul. Youth Service Accountability: NYS is urged to measure outcomes beyond training—tracking education, jobs and livelihoods after programmes. Heritage & Worship: Heritage Week spotlights museums and preservation, while a praise-and-worship conference is set for 10 October to unite worship leaders. Namibia-Cuba Solidarity: A Cuba Solidarity Gala Dinner raised over N$2.6m, with leaders urging Namibians to keep supporting Cuba. Film Spotlight: “Echoes of Omusati” premieres in Lusaka this Friday, bringing a Namibian story of exile and reunion to Zambian audiences. Local Arts & Music: Swakopmund festival anthem news and EP “FIYO” by David Bebro both underline perseverance and community storytelling. City of Windhoek Pressure: Activists demand Windhoek deliver serviced land, fix infrastructure and prove results—no more presentations.

Clean-Up Day in Windhoek: Namibia’s celebrity-led Clean Up Namibia campaign lands at Okapale, Goreangab on 19 September, with entertainers including Gazza, Lize Ehlers, Adriano Visagie, Page Ethnix, Scrypt and others joining La-Toya “Lioness” Mwoombola-Hamutenya for a big public streets-and-community push. Cricket Leadership: Zimbabwe’s Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed ICC Deputy Chairperson until November 2027, a first for Zimbabwe, as African cricket gears up for the 2027 World Cup co-hosted by South Africa and Namibia. Local Sport on Home Soil: Namibia will host a five-match women’s indoor hockey test series against South Africa at the Windhoek Showgrounds from 9–11 October. Namibia in the Global Spotlight: Coca-Cola Namibia’s “Under the Cap” promotion runs until 31 December with N$1m up for grabs, including a N$50,000 grand prize and weekly cash giveaways. Migration & Media: SAMIN launched a Namibian chapter to strengthen migration dialogue and research, while a WhatsApp rumour about same-sex marriage was denied by Namibia’s judiciary and justice ministry. Health & Safety: World Patient Safety Day was marked at Windhoek Central Hospital, focusing on safer care for non-communicable diseases.

LGBTQ Rights Clarification: A WhatsApp message claiming Namibia’s High Court legalised same-sex marriage has been rejected by the judiciary and justice ministry, with officials confirming same-sex marriage remains illegal. Tobacco Policy Debate: Proposed amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act could bring fines up to N$500,000 (and even 10-year jail terms for sellers), plus tighter smoking and e-cigarette rules—while concerns grow about enforcement and impacts on small businesses. Police Training Upgrade: The Namibian Police Force received NQF Level 5 accreditation for its basic policing qualification, aiming to professionalise recruits and improve service delivery. Youth & Education Spotlight: Reverend Juuso Shikongo SS won the Bank of Namibia National High School Competition, with 206 schools and 824 learners taking part. Sports on the Move: Namibia will host South Africa in a women’s indoor hockey test series in October, and the Brave Warriors stadium revamp is pushed for progress by end-2026. Entertainment & Community: Clean Up Namibia’s celebrity clean-up hits Windhoek on 19 September, while Windhoek City distances itself from an unpermitted music festival after noise complaints. Cricket Leadership: Zimbabwe’s Tavengwa Mukuhlani was appointed ICC Deputy Chairman until November 2027, as African cricket gears up for the 2027 World Cup.

Grassroots Sport: The Tses Spring Sports Festival returns for its 14th edition on 2–4 October, with founder Thomas Tsuseb pitching it as more than fun—aimed at keeping youth away from alcohol and drugs while spotlighting rural soccer and netball talent, plus N$60,000 in prizes. Desert Jewels Focus: Namibia’s netball Desert Jewels depart for the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi with a shot at the 2027 World Cup, while Malawi’s Kumwenda says her young Malawi Queens are ready for the qualifier pressure. Local Sports Infrastructure: Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare says government wants traction on stadium rehabilitation by end of 2026 so the Brave Warriors can host CAF matches at home. Media & Culture: The City of Windhoek distances itself from an unpermitted Soulection music festival after noise complaints, while NGOMA awards are set to return on 3 October after a seven-year break. Beauty & Community: Windhoek makeup artist “Aya pon de beat” is seeing a surge in demand during graduation season. Policy & Health: Proposed Tobacco Products Control Act amendments could raise fines up to N$500,000 and tighten smoking and e-cig rules. International Arts/Style: De Beers London debuts cabochon-cut diamonds in its “Vibrations” high jewelry collection, leaning into a soft-focus glow. Global Equality: A WEF gender parity report says progress is fragile, with full parity still 120 years away.

Stadium Push for Brave Warriors: Prime Minister Ngurare says Namibia wants real traction on stadium rehabilitation by end-2026 so the Brave Warriors can host CAF matches at home, with the City of Windhoek and government working together. Police Conduct Under Scrutiny: A viral arrest video has sparked questions over force used by two Keetmanshoop officers; the suspect can open a case, and all parties reportedly suffered bruises and scratches. Windhoek Festival Rules: The City says a “Soulection” music festival went ahead without the required permit and sound broadcasting approval, after Pionierspark residents complained about noise. National Youth Service Debate: Swapo youth leaders back compulsory national service, arguing it builds discipline and practical skills, while noting funding must improve first. NGOMA Returns: Namibia Gospel Music Awards are back on 3 October after a seven-year break, with categories for top male and female gospel artists. Beauty & Culture Spotlight: “Aya pon de beat” is building a name in Windhoek’s makeup scene, while Heritage Week warns Namibia could lose cultural identity and indigenous knowledge if not passed on. Coca-Cola Under the Cap: The N$1m cash promotion is live, with weekly prizes and a grand prize for code-submission from participating bottles. Equestrian Highlights: Reitclub Okahandja crowns van der Merwe and Künzle as top dressage and showjumping winners. Sport Expo Momentum: Namibia Sport Expo 2026 launches for 1–4 October in Swakopmund, aiming to showcase high-performance pathways.

Netball Spotlight: Namibia’s Desert Jewels flew to Nairobi for the Africa Netball Cup, chasing a World Cup return after 35 years, with South Africa and Uganda already qualified and two more spots up for grabs via pool play and finals. Cricket Buzz: England’s white-ball camp is already feeling Kevin Pietersen’s mentor impact, highlighted by Harry Brook’s unbeaten 114 and a 119-run win over Sri Lanka, while Jos Buttler climbed T20I run charts. Local Sports & Talent: Windhoek Golf Club crowned Likius Nande and Sesilia Nkoshi as Gold Cup winners, and Namibia’s netball stars She Cranes and Rock also headed out for the Africa Netball Championships. Public Health Alert: Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo was recalled after bacteria detection, with cross-border vigilance extending to Namibia. Justice Update: Police arrested Dickson Karomuine, sought over the death of 11-year-old Gerhardt Doëseb in Rehoboth, as investigations continue. Arts & Culture: The San Cultural Festival returns to Tsumkwe from 21–26 September, aiming to unite communities and protect indigenous heritage.

Sports Finance Focus: Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator Fred Simataa Mwiya says Africa’s real problem isn’t talent, it’s sport financing—calling for sport to be treated as an economic asset that creates jobs, drives tourism and builds enterprises. Golf Glory: Likius Nande and Sesilia Nkosi won the Windhoek Golf Club Championships 2026, with Nande taking the men’s overall best gross and Nkosi the women’s overall best gross. Netball Travel: Uganda’s She Cranes and Rock teams set off for Nairobi for the Africa Netball Championships, aiming to reclaim the trophy and push up the rankings. WorldSkills Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah sent 17 Namibian competitors to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, urging them to compete with pride and integrity as TVET supports emerging sectors. Animal Welfare: SPCA launches a sterilisation campaign after complaints of feral cats pestering patients at Oshakati State Hospital, using a Trap-Neuter-Return approach. Local Culture & Heritage: The San Cultural Festival returns to Tsumkwe from 21–26 September, spotlighting San traditions and cross-border unity. Fashion Spotlight: Durban Fashion Fair 2026 marks its 15th anniversary with 84 designers, 20 mentorship-backed talents and 25 new runway models. Health & Media: Namibia’s NHP clarifies that FIMA won’t bring immediate changes for medical aid members, while journalists are trained to report the new rules clearly. Community Safety: Police identify a Rehoboth boy found dead near Oanob Bridge as Gerhardt Doëseb and seek his stepfather as a person of interest.

Namibia Heritage Week: Celebrations kicked off under the theme “Preserving Heritage for Future Generations,” with events in Otjozondjupa spotlighting culture and nature at the Museum of Namibian Fashion in Otjiwarongo. WorldSkills Shanghai: Namibia will send 17 competitors to the “Skills Olympics” in China (22–27 September), with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urging them to compete with pride as TVET drives economic transformation. Doek Literary Festival: Windhoek’s Doek! returns 30 September–3 October at Goethe-Institut Namibia under “History is Handmade,” promising analogue storytelling, workshops, exhibitions and poetry. Restoration Concert: Gospel fans get a date—31 October at Hage Geingob Stadium—aiming for 20,000 attendees and a shoes-for-children mission, backed by the Namibia Tourism Board. Rundu comedy revival: The Legend Comedy Club is pushing stand-up comedy back into the spotlight in Rundu, building a consistent stage for local talent. Football ties: Namibia’s Brave Warriors will play Russia in Yekaterinburg on 3 October, framed as a chance to deepen football cooperation beyond the pitch. CAF football: Orlando Pirates and Durban City meet again after continental runs, with Pirates set to face Namibia’s African Stars next.

Heritage Week: Namibia kicked off Heritage Week under the theme “Preserving Heritage for Future Generations,” with celebrations at the Museum of Namibian Fashion in Otjiwarongo and a focus on protecting cultural and natural heritage. Literary Arts: The Doek Literary Festival returns to Windhoek (30 Sept–3 Oct) under “History is handmade,” promising analogue storytelling, workshops, poetry, vinyl selections and an art exhibition. Music & Community: The Restoration Concert is set for 31 October at Hage Geingob Stadium, aiming for 20,000 attendees and partnering with the Namibia Tourism Board (N$250,000) to support underprivileged children. Comedy Spotlight: Rundu’s Legend Comedy Club is working to revive a consistent stand-up scene beyond music, building local platforms for comedians. Health & Tech: Windhoek Central Hospital opened Namibia’s first state MRI facility (N$49.8m), boosting public access to advanced diagnostics. Sports (Namibia-Russia): The Brave Warriors will host a friendly against Russia on 3 October in Yekaterinburg, framed as a chance to deepen football ties. Netball & Officiating: Netball Africa’s Africa Netball Cup heads to Nairobi (19–26 Sept), while Namibia’s MTC Premier League umpire Ambrosius Eichab reflects on earning Umpire of the Season.

Namibia–South Africa Cricket: South Africa wrapped up a 3-0 ODI sweep in Windhoek, cruising to a nine-wicket win in the third match as Bjorn Fortuin took 4/33 and openers Jordan Hermann (77) and Connor Esterhuizen (68*) powered the chase. Windhoek Governance: Three City of Windhoek councillors apologised and withdrew claims about CEO Moses Matyayi’s travel after admitting they relied on unverified information. Public Health & City Services: A new local report warns that overflowing drains and sewer blockages across Windhoek are becoming a serious public health hazard, especially where residents live close to the problem. Music & Youth: Youth Orchestras of Namibia (Yona) marks ten years with an anniversary concert in Windhoek, celebrating a decade of music education and youth empowerment. Gospel & Community: The Restoration Concert 4.0 is set for 31 October at Hage Geingob Stadium, raising funds to provide shoes for less fortunate children. Sports Discipline: In South Africa, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hit back at complacency and showboating after progressing in the CAF Champions League. Mental Health: Police reported 486 suicide cases in 2025/26, with awareness efforts urging people to speak up and reduce stigma.

Cricket Spotlight: South Africa wrapped up a dominant 3-0 ODI sweep over Namibia in Windhoek, cruising to a nine-wicket win in the third match as Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen powered a 150-run opening stand, while Bjorn Fortuin’s 4/33 dismantled Namibia. Local Sports & Discipline: The Namibian Defence Force’s 11th Sports Games in Grootfontein celebrated unity and fitness across nine codes, with Minister Frans Kapofi urging athletes to carry teamwork and integrity into service. Football (CAF Champions League): Orlando Pirates advanced after beating La Cure Waves 3-1 on aggregate, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou slammed complacency and showboating ahead of the next round. Arts & Community: Youth Orchestras of Namibia marked a decade of music education with a special anniversary concert in Windhoek, while the Restoration Concert 31 October at Hage Geingob Stadium aims to raise funds for shoes for children. City Life Watch: Residents are again raising alarms over overflowing drains and sewage in Windhoek, warning it’s becoming a public health hazard.

Governance & Youth: A new opinion piece argues Namibia’s “political recycling” is breaking down as liberation-era moral credit runs dry, leaving Windhoek’s daily life marked by patchy infrastructure and administrative failure. Love & Lifestyle: Another column warns social media is pushing young Namibians to confuse romance with financial “lifestyle” expectations, risking debt and transactional relationships. Ocean Economy: “Our Fish, Our Future” calls out the gap between Namibia’s big marine export earnings and the small direct revenue collected, urging a fairer system for regular people. Cricket (NAM vs SA): Namibia hosts South Africa in the 3rd ODI at Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek on 13 Sept (1:00 PM IST); FanCode is flagged for live streaming in India. Gospel Music Fundraiser: The Restoration Concert lands 31 Oct at Hage Geingob Stadium, with N$250,000 pledged by the Namibia Tourism Board to help provide shoes for less fortunate children. Music Education: Youth Orchestras of Namibia marks 10 years with an anniversary concert in Windhoek featuring classical, jazz and pop selections. Entertainment Spotlight: A feature profiles “Brazho” Gomusab, Namibia’s left-handed guitar legend, and how he built his sound through cover bands. Mental Health: Police report 486 suicide cases in 2025/26, with a national prevention push urging people to speak up and avoid bullying. Local Culture Fair: The Chinese embassy’s China-Namibia Cultural Temple Fair brings games, opera performances and martial arts to Windhoek.

CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates advanced after beating La Cure Waves 3-1 in the second leg, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was blunt about “showboating” and demanded seriousness as they shift focus back to the league. Gospel & community music: The Restoration Concert lands 31 October at Hage Geingob Stadium, with Namibia Tourism Board support and funds aimed at restoring dignity for children through shoes. Music education milestone: Youth Orchestras of Namibia (Yona) marks 10 years with an anniversary concert in Windhoek, celebrating a decade of training and youth empowerment. Cricket (Namibia vs South Africa): South Africa took a 2-0 series lead after Connor Esterhuizen’s maiden ODI century (119) and Duan Jansen’s four wickets helped secure a 157-run win; Namibia now turns to the next ODI on 13 September. Local governance & trust: Windhoek councillors apologised and withdrew travel claims against CEO Moses Matyayi after admitting the information wasn’t properly verified. Government comms: ICT Minister Emma Theofelus urged ministries to communicate “with one voice” to build public trust. Film & culture: A feature highlights five Namibian short films worth watching, spotlighting emerging voices and local storytelling.