Ministry of Urban and Rural Development

Her Excellency Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah pays tribute to former San Chief

OUTJO- Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday paid tribute to the former Chief of the Hai//om San community David //Khamuxab, who died on 26 May 2026 at the age of 75.

In her remarks delivered at the funeral service by the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah described Chief //Khamuxab as a leader who dedicated his life to preserve the
identity, traditions, and dignity of his people, while contributing to the broader project of nation-building in the country.

“As a traditional leader, //Khamuxab understood the profound responsibility to lead in the best interest of his community entrusted to him. He carried this responsibility with humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment,” she said.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah says Chief //Khamuxab served as a bridge between generations and as a guardian of ancestral wisdom who encouraged younger generations to embrace education, development, and active participation in the social and economic advancement of Namibia.

He was buried at Serinkop, in Outjo Constituency, on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
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Okahandja- Today, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Sankwasa James Sankwasa has stressed the importance of unity and adherence to tradition in matters of chieftaincy succession, warning that neglecting these values can lead to disarray within traditional communities.
Speaking during the commemoration of Ombara Kahimuemua Nguvauva in Okahandja, Hon. Sankwasa said that under his leadership, succession to traditional leadership positions would be determined strictly by traditions.
“As Africans, we have had our traditional norms and cultural practices that have held our people together, and through them we managed to conquer our colonisers,” he said.

The commemoration honoured Ombara Kahimuemua Nguvauva, the Mbanderu traditional leader who was assassinated by German colonial forces on 18 June 1896 for resisting their divide-and-rule system.
The event was officiated by the President of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Sankwasa James Sankwasa will be delivering remarks at the commemoration of Ombara Kahimuemua Nguvavauva today in Okahandja. The event will be officiated by Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia.

Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele engage UN Habitat officials

WINDHOEK – Today, a delegation from the United Nations (UN) Habitat paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to discuss the UN-Habitat programme in Namibia and strengthen collaboration towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda.
The delegation led by Mr. Oumar Sylla from the UN Habitat Regional Office for Africa held discussions with the Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Evelyn-Nawases-Taeyele.

During the meeting, Mr. Sylla highlighted UN-Habitat's support in policy-making, particularly in the areas of housing, land management, basic services, informal settlements, urbanisation and the development of smart cities.
He noted that housing and land issues remain major challenges for many African countries. The meeting also discussed the establishment of a UN-Habitat office in Namibia to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation's programmes.
The engagement was attended by the Advisor to the Minister, Dr. Boniface Mutumba; Executive Director of Urban and Rural Development Dr. Wilhelmine Shivute, Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Christela Mwenyo; and managers responsible for the Habitat and Housing Development Directorate.
UN-HABITAT

Regional Councils Annual Wellness Sports Week 13-18 September 2026.
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Namibian Rent-To-Own Model- GIPF
WINDHOEK| The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has proposed a Namibian Rent-to-Own Housing Model aimed at helping government employees, low-income earners, and middle-income earners in Namibia to become homeowners.
The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martin Inkumbi, presented the proposal to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Sankwasa James Sankwasa, on Tuesday.
Accompanied by the GIPF executive team, Inkumbi explained that the initiative seeks to make housing accessible to all Namibians without requiring payslips or imposing many of the restrictions typically associated with conventional housing finance.
He noted that the Rent-to-Own framework offers a practical solution for low- and middle-income earners, as well as informal traders, who are often excluded by banks and other lending institutions. Under the model, rental properties would gradually be converted into ownership properties through rent-to-own agreements, enabling tenants to eventually become homeowners.
Meanwhile, Hon. Sankwasa acknowledged that the current housing system has largely excluded low- and middle-income earners and informal traders. He emphasized the need for reforms that not only improve housing affordability but also accelerate the delivery of completed housing units through the adoption of Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) and innovative construction materials.
The Minister welcomed the proposal and invited GIPF to present the model to local authorities and the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) for further engagement and consideration.

In addition, the Minister urged GIPF to explore ways of assisting local authorities with the upgrading and reconstruction of sewage infrastructure. He noted that many local authorities are experiencing challenges resulting from the rapid influx of people into urban areas, placing increasing pressure on existing sewage systems that may soon be unable to accommodate growing populations.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Hon. Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele, Executive Director Dr. Wilhelmine Shivute, Deputy Executive Director for Settlement and Human Development Ms. Christella Mwenyo, and other officials from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.

Windhoek – Today, 5 June 2026, a delegation from the Karibib Town Council paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to discuss development opportunities, planned activities and challenges facing the town.
The delegation, led by the Mayor of Karibib, His Worship Cllr Dewey van Wyk, held engagements with the Ministry's Executive Director, Dr. Wilhelmine Shivute, and the management team.
During the meeting, the Mayor highlighted several challenges facing the town, including insufficient budget allocations to address critical service delivery needs. These include the upgrading of the sewage system, the implementation of prepaid water meters, and the construction of an SME park to support local economic development.
Also in attendance were Ms. Christella Mwenyo, Deputy Executive Director of Human Settlement Development; Ms. Frieda Andreas, Director of the Regional and Local Government and Traditional Authorities Coordination; and Mr. Godwin Sikabongo, Acting Deputy Executive Director for the Subnational Government and Traditional Authorities Affairs and other senior officials in the Ministry.
The Mayor was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Management Committee, Councillor Tienus Bamm; the Chief Executive Officer of Karibib Town Council, Tangeni Enkono; and members of the Karibib Town Council management team. fans Karibib Town

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