The Villager Newspaper

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

Katamelo Gets Standing Ovation as Speaker Loses Control

The National Assembly descended into chaos this afternoon as Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila lost control of the House.

The Members of Parliament created a raucous environment, with the Speaker's calls for order going unheeded.

The Speaker then invoked a standing rule and handed over the chair to Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo.

As Katamelo approached the Speaker's chair, MPs rose in a standing ovation. One MP remarked, “It is always a pleasure seeing him in that seat."

This follows an unprecedented motion of no confidence against Speaker Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the first of its kind in independent Namibia.

The motion, tabled by IPC MP Michael Mulunga, accuses Kuugongelwa-Amadhila of failing to apply the National Assembly's standing rules fairly and impartially.

SWAPO has vowed that the Speaker would be removed "over our dead bodies."

Report: John Lenga
Photo: Contributed

08/09/2026

APPROVED: Gerson Sindano has been approved and appointed as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) by the National Assembly this afternoon.

A quorum of 49 members was present, and all 49 members voted in favour of his appointment.

The vote took place after all opposition members walked out of the National Assembly, except the UDF.

Report: Annakleta Haikera
Photo: Contributed

08/09/2026

Lelo Energies Holds Student Conference at UNAM

More than 200 students attended the second Lelo Energies Student Conference at the University of Namibia (UNAM), focusing on career development and opportunities in Namibia’s energy sector.

The conference brought students together with professionals from NAMCOR, NIPDB, Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, Bank BIC, Petrofund, Offshore Consultants and Deloitte.

Discussions covered oil and gas, green hydrogen, investment, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, sustainability and workplace skills.

Lelo Energies CEO Pedro Matheus said young people should be included in discussions about Namibia’s economic future.

The conference aims to connect students with industry professionals and provide practical information on emerging career and business opportunities.

Report: Peneyambeko Jonas
Photo: Contributed

08/09/2026

US Imports Record 53,290 Tonnes of Copper From DRC

The United States imported a record 53,290 tonnes of copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in July, accounting for 23.9% of total US copper imports.

US imports of copper from the DRC have increased as Washington seeks to secure mineral supplies and reduce reliance on China.

The US and DRC signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement in December 2025 to support access to critical minerals and investment in mining and processing.

China remains the DRC’s largest copper customer, accounting for 39.4% of Congo’s copper exports in July, compared with 23.9% for the US.

The figures show an increase in US involvement in the DRC’s copper market, while China continues to hold the largest share.

Report: Abigail Nalisa
Photo: Contributed

08/09/2026

Ongwediva Mayor, Naemi Amuthenu, has called for greater inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

She made the call during the opening of the 3rd Annual Northern Region Disability Information Sharing Seminar, held in Ongwediva under the theme, “My Ability to Thrive is Through Opportunities Given to Me.”

The week-long seminar brings together persons with disabilities, government officials and stakeholders to share information and strengthen cooperation on disability inclusion and socio-economic empowerment.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Deputy Minister, Moses //Khumub, reaffirmed government’s commitment to an accessible and equitable society.

The seminar promotes the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

Report: Peneyambeko Jonas
Photos: MICT Oshana Regional Office