End of an era:
Sam Nujoma’s death
2025 will be remembered as the year Namibia lost founding president Sam Nujoma. Nujoma, Namibia’s first president after independence, and the man who led the struggle against apartheid under Swapo during the South African apartheid regime, died on 8 February.
Here are other most notable deaths of prominent people this year:
A pioneering builder who was instrumental in the establishment of Katutura’s earliest residential infrastructure, Simon Mogane, died on 18 July at the age of 91.
The ‘Butcher of Lubango’ Jesus Hawala
Former Namibian Defence Force (NDF) chief Solomon ‘Jesus’ Hawala died on 11August at the age of 89.
Hawala served as head of the NDF from 2000 until his retirement in 2006. He played a central role in the alleged abuse of detainees in Swapo captivity in Angola before Namibia’s independence during apartheid.
John Savva
Born 25 January 1948, John Savva was a prominent businessman and philanthropist who owned Afrodite Beach and supported development at Langstrand between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. He died on 11 October, leaving a lasting business and community legacy.
Ras Sheehama
Local veteran reggae musician Ras Sheehama died on 5 September aged 59.
The legendary musician was known for blending reggae with African rhythms and social messages. He went into exile during Namibia’s struggle for independence, returning in 1990.
The award-winning artist will be remembered for hits like ‘Inotila’ and ‘Cassinga’.
Lucia Engombe
The former NBC Funkhaus manager died at Oshakati on 10 December after a brief illness at the age of 53. Her death was a major loss to Namibian media, as she shaped broadcasting programmes, mentored young journalists, and inspired colleagues through her dedication, professionalism, and lasting impact.
Moses Amweelo
Moses Amweelo, born 25 May 1952 at Okatana in the Oshana region, died in Windhoek on 24 June after a battle with cancer.
A veteran Swapo politician and former minister of works and transport, he served in the National Assembly and was widely respected for his leadership and work ethic.
His death prompted tributes from national leaders and expressions of deep sympathy from across Namibia.
Keetmanshoop accident claims 16 lives
A head-on collision on the B1 highway near Mariental in Namibia on 31?August?claimed the lives of multiple correctional officers and others.
A vehicle carrying Namibian Correctional Service staff collided with a police van, resulting in at least 14 deaths at the scene and a total of 16 after two officers later succumbed to their injuries.
Among the deceased correctional officers were David Musambani, Naemi Shipena, Silvanus Hofeni, Simon Sinyemba, Alina Simeon, Petrus Mbuale, Noa Hameho, Adreheid Taapopi, Tomas Shikongo, Johannes Mbeeli, Jason Amadhila, Katjitombua Muheue, Mercia Louw, and Gerson Hepute.
The crash also claimed the lives of civilians Diana Jagger and her sister Roseltha Higoam.
Most shocking crimes of 2025:
Namdia diamond heist
On Saturday, 18 January, a robbery at the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) head office in Windhoek left the nation in shock.
The robbery left two dead, two arrested and over N$300 million worth of diamonds disappearing into thin air, which could reportedly have been prevented.
The incident resulted in the deaths of a senior security officer, Francis Eiseb, who had confronted the robbers, as well as that of former Trustco Group Holdings executive Max Endjala.
Teenager (17) arrested over murder of six family members
A boy (17) was arrested for the murder of six of his family members and setting their house alight in April.
The teenager, whose name cannot be disclosed due to his age, faced six charges of murder and one of arson in connection with the deaths of his grandmother, twin sister, and four minors (his nieces and nephews).
Man rapes daughter he conceived from previous rape
A man who raped and impregnated a girl (14) in 2008 appeared in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court after he allegedly raped and impregnated his daughter (16), who was born as a result of the 2008 incident.
Omusati regional commander Ismael Basson at the time said the suspect was fined to N$3 000 or three years in jail in 2008.
He is 39 years old. The matter will return to court on 16 March next year.
In history:
On 21 March, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history by becoming Namibia’s first woman president.
Her inauguration took place on a cloudy day at State House, a breakaway from the usual mass ceremony at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium.
Thousands of Namibians followed the inauguration online.
William Minnie, at just 23 years old, made history this year by becoming one of the youngest councillors ever appointed in Namibia, following the 2025 local authority elections in November.
Representing the Landless People’s Movement at Mariental, Minnie has pledged to focus on youth empowerment, improved service delivery, and transparent governance.
First official Genocide Remembrance Day
Namibia commemorated its first national Genocide Remembrance Day in May this year, marking acknowledgement and reflection on the early 20th-century Herero and Nama genocide, a significant step in national healing and historical recognition. The day, which will be commemorated annually, remembers the lives lost during the German rule of South West Africa (now Namibia).
This year has seen an unprecedented list of senior government officials and entire regional councils unceremoniously being given marching orders.
Hengari fired, arrested one month into ministerial role
Newly appointed agriculture minister Mac Hengari was fired barely a month after being sworn in as minister over a case involving the rape of a girl (21) five years ago when she was 16.
Hengari was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe the victim to withdraw the case against him, the police say.
This was the first scandal the country’s first woman president had to deal with.
You’re fired, president tells Natangwe Ithete
On 27 November, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that she had fired her deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy, Natangwe Ithete, over allegations of violating a presidential moratorium on oil deals and renewing an expired oil block licence without prior approval.
Ithete was replaced by Modestus Amutse a month later.
Nekundi fires entire engineering council
Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi fired all the board members of the Engineering Council of Namibia on 26 June.
The ministry in a statement at the time said it was in the process of appointing new members for the board.
Sankwasa fires entire Katima Mulilo town council
In a move that sent shockwaves through regional councils around the country, minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa officially fired the whole Katima Mulilo Town Council during a meeting.
He thereafter announced he would take over their responsibilities himself.
There had been allegations of the council unfairly allocating land to politically connected individuals and foreign nationals while sidelining others.
Complaints were also raised about a deal in which the council swapped land for vehicles, quad bikes, laptops and a drone without approval from the ministry.
Sankwasa ordered the return of the vehicles after denouncing the transaction and threatening to hold officials personally liable for the costs.
Parliament wonders
The National Assembly is still investigating alleged offensive language used by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa against an Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) parliamentarian who was on the floor during a session in July. She allegedly told him: “F*ck you.”
Chaos erupts in parliament
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda and Vaino Hangula were manhandled out of the chamber by security officials on order of the speaker on 11 September while trying to shield Tuhafeni Kalola, who was ordered to leave on his own after disregarding orders.
The three were forcefully removed from the chamber after a tussle with the security cluster.
Simushi and Sankwasa lock horns over regional council powers
Former Zambezi Regional Council chairperson Matengu Simushi has warned minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa against a proposed bill seeking to significantly reduce the powers of regional councils.
Sankwasa tabled the regional council amendment bill in the National Assembly, proposing the reduction of councils’ powers when it comes to appointing chief executives and chief regional officers.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
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