Office of the Prime Minister OPM_Namibia

WINDHOEK | OMBUDSMAN'S OFFICE GETS CLASS A STATUS: Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has congratulated Namibia's Office of the Ombudsman on its successful re-accreditation with Class A Status, a recognition that confirms the institution's full compliance with international human rights standards.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Government's commitment to safeguarding the Ombudsman's independence, including its financial autonomy, and called for the Ombudsman’s Bill to be expedited.

“Your independence is important, and we are committed to supporting you,” he said, noting that strong and independent human rights institutions play a critical role in protecting constitutional rights, promoting accountability and upholding human dignity in democratic societies.

Dr. Ngurare made the remarks during a courtesy call by Ombudsman Advocate Basilius Dyakugha and his delegation today in Windhoek.

WINDHOEK | PM COMMENDS OMBUDSMAN REPORT, VOWS IMPROVEMENTS: Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has welcomed the Ombudsman's report on the monitoring and evaluation of police holding cells across nine regions conducted from 11-23 May 2026, describing it as an important tool to improve detention conditions and strengthen the protection of human rights.

The monitoring visits aimed to assess conditions in police holding cells and evaluate compliance with constitutional, statutory and international human rights standards. The report was presented today during a courtesy call by Ombudsman Advocate Basilius Dyakugha, who briefed the Prime Minister on the findings and recommendations arising from the assessment.

Receiving the report, the Prime Minister commended the Office of the Ombudsman for its oversight role and commitment to strengthening the criminal justice system, noting that the findings would help guide targeted interventions to improve conditions in police holding facilities and enhance service delivery.

“The report provides us with an opportunity to address challenges and strengthen our institutions. We have to act quickly on its recommendations because the welfare, dignity and rights of all people must be protected,” said Dr. Ngurare.

The Prime Minister reiterated Government's commitment to implementing practical short-, medium- and long-term measures to address the identified gaps, while working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that detention facilities meet acceptable standards and uphold the rights of detainees.

ORDER WITH ME DAY ON THE CARDS: During a meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare and the Order With Me entrepreneurs held on 13 June 2026 in Windhoek, the Prime Minister assured the gathering that their request for an official Order With Me Entrepreneurship Day would be granted. He expressed his desire to see the event take place within this calendar year, emphasizing that there is no luxury of time when it comes to addressing the needs and aspirations of future leaders.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the group to elect a committee that will work closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Prime Minister to coordinate all logistical arrangements and ensure that the Order With Me Day becomes a reality.

GOVT TO REVISE CUSTOMS CHARGES FOLLOWING ENGAGEMENT WITH ORDER WITH ME ENTREPRENEURS: During a meeting between Order With Me entrepreneurs and the Prime Minister, Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare informed attendees that the government will review certain laws and policies to better accommodate local entrepreneurs.

Dr. Ngurare emphasized that young people are the kamanakandongo (driving force) of every nation and should be fully supported. He noted that creating a conducive and secure business environment would enable entrepreneurs to thrive and make meaningful contributions to national development.

Speaking at the same meeting, Minister of Finance Erica Shafudah acknowledged that some of the existing laws and regulations were enacted long before business models such as Order With Me came into existence. She stated that the time has come to begin consultations on revising these laws to ensure they benefit all business models operating in the country.

Similarly, Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner Sam Shivute informed the gathering that increased awareness campaigns on customs rules and regulations will be undertaken. He said this initiative aims to ensure that individuals and businesses clearly understand their obligations and requirements when engaging in customs-related activities.

PM URGES NAMIBIANS TO SUPPORT CUBA AS IT STRUGGLES TO SURVIVE US-LED SANCTIONS: Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called on all Namibians and corporate entities to contribute towards assisting Cuba through the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association, which, together with the Sam Nujoma Foundation, has launched a solidarity campaign to raise funds to support Cuba amid the ongoing United States economic blockade.

The Prime Minister made these remarks last week in Windhoek during a courtesy visit by Cuba's Ambassador to Namibia, Sergio de la Uz. Ngurare emphasized the historic ties between the two nations, noting that Cubans sacrificed their lives during Namibia's struggle for independence. He said it was therefore only fitting for Namibians to stand in solidarity with Cuba during its time of need.

“You came to die for us, and therefore it would be very selfish of us to forget about you. We stand with you during this difficult time,” said Ngurare.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Namibia and Cuba. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including local authority development, healthcare, youth empowerment through student exchange programmes, and other areas of mutual interest.

The discussions highlighted the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two countries, which dates back to Namibia’s liberation struggle.

Cuba has been under siege of the US-driven economic embargo now for more than 66 years. This siege represents an inhuman comprehensive web on all trade and financial transactions, all designed and aimed at choking Cuba's economy, and force it into submission.

"This is evil. Cuba is going through a humanitarian crisis that comes with unprecedented social and economic hardships. Towns and villages can go for 48 hours without power. Hospitals are without critical medicines. Surgeries are often suspended due to medical shortages," said Prime Minister Ngurare.

Early this year, the US government intensified these sanctions, putting "maximum pressure" on Cuba, thus further causing untold suffering and enormous economic and social hardships on the people of Cuba and its government. The new measures include fuel blockade, targeting fuel supplies to Cuba, causing fuel shortages and blackout.

Estimates indicate that the cumulative cost of the US-led embargo on Cuba since 1960 has surpassed US$170 billion in damages. Between March 2024 and February 2025, the embargo caused an estimated US$7 billion in losses to the Cuban economy. These sanctions have significantly fractured Cuba's ability to import food, medicine, and fuel -- hence the current crisis.

"Cuba is being choked to death. Given our history, we must stand in solidarity with the people of Cuba and its legitimate government, led by President Miguel Diaz-Canel. They stood with us in our struggle for independence. It's our turn to stand with Cuba. Cuba is not alone. It has never been. And never will it. Cubans died and shed their precious blood for our freedom. We must stand by Cuba, as a matter of principle," said the Prime Minister.

This month, the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association and the Sam Nujoma Foundation raised over N$700 000 to help Cuba buy medicines. The funds were raised following a national solidarity campaign launched early this year to mobilize support for Cuba. The Prime Minister donated N$5000 to the campaign.

PM encourages ‘order with me’ operators to apply for youth fund The government last year launched the N$500-million fund to help young people start and grow their own businesses.

PM TO ATTEND RED FLAG DAY COMMEMORATIONS: Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has accepted an invitation to attend the Okahandja Red Flag Regiment Commemorative Day, scheduled for 17–19 July 2026.

The invitation was extended during a courtesy call by the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA), led by Paramount Chief Dr. Hoze Riruako, yesterday afternoon.

During the engagement, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the 8th administration’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between Government and traditional authorities, emphasizing the need for unity of purpose in advancing national development.

“The President and l hold traditional authorities in the highest regard. We are your subject. My prayer is for unity to thrive among traditional authorities in all four corners of Namibia, so that together we can build stronger communities and a stronger nation,” he said.

Chief Riruako, in turn, expressed his commitment to fostering a constructive relationship with Government, stating: “I am prepared to work with the Government of the day.”

The delegation further engaged the Prime Minister on issues concerning the recognition of the Ovaherero Paramount Chief and efforts to foster a unified approach to matters relating to the Ovaherero and Nama genocide.

Come one, come all, wether registered or not Prime Minister want to talk to you, Tomorrow at 09h00 at David Bezuidenhout High School.