Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
June 2026
The Namibian
TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveldsays the appointment of the RSR demonstratesthe company's commitment to transparency, independent oversight and strengthening safety
Source
“TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld in a statement issued on Tuesday says the appointment of the RSR demonstrates the company's commitment to transparency, independent oversight and strengthening safety across its operations.”
TransNamib CEO Desmond van Jaarsveldsaidappointment reflects commitment to transparency and independent oversight
Source
“"The appointment of the Railway Safety Regulator reflects TransNamib's commitment to transparency, independent oversight and strengthening safety across our operations," said TransNamib CEO, Desmond van Jaarsveld.”
Desmond van Jaarsveldsaidpreliminary information indicates wagons unexpectedly moved before travelling uncontrolled
Source
“TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld said preliminary information indicates the wagons unexpectedly moved before travelling uncontrolled along the railway line.”
Desmond van Jaarsveldsaidthoughts are with the family and loved ones affected
Source
“"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected during this difficult time," said Desmond van Jaarsveld, TransNamib Chief Executive Officer.”
Desmond van Jaarsveldrevealed that preliminary indications suggestthe incident may have involved tampering with rail equipment
Source
“This was confirmed by Desmond van Jaarsveld, Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib, who revealed that a TransNamib train derailed on Monday, with preliminary indications suggesting the incident may have involved tampering.”
An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.
Why it matters
TransNamib commits to safety reforms following an independent investigation into the March derailment that killed two passengers.
An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.
TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.
Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.
A TransNamib freight train derailed on Monday between Usakos and Kranzberg after wagons experienced uncontrolled movement, disrupting railway operations. No injuries were reported; the cause remains under investigation and recovery operations are underway.
State-owned rail operator TransNamib has secured board approval for a six-month trial of a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel locomotive on the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor in partnership with local maritime hydrogen specialist CMB.Tech. The pilot will assess fuel consumption, reliability, operational efficiency, maintenance and cost-effectiveness, with potential fleet transition contingent on trial outcomes.
A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a TransNamib train near Okahandja on 31 March 2026, the third train incident recorded in March. The train was travelling at 52 km/h within the speed limit when the pedestrian attempted to cross the railway line in a non-residential area.
A male pedestrian died on Tuesday afternoon near Okahandja after attempting to cross railway tracks and being struck by a train travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, within regulated speed limits. TransNamib said it maintains strict safety measures and is expanding community outreach programmes to educate the public about railway safety.
A TransNamib train derailed near Swakopmund on Monday night at 28 km/h, with preliminary indications suggesting possible tampering with rail equipment; no injuries were reported and damage was minimal, with re-railing expected to be completed shortly.
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has pledged to investigate allegations that TransNamib executive engineers who are board members of a joint venture improperly awarded a N$175 million railway maintenance contract without proper procurement processes. TransNamib denies the allegations, stating it adheres to all procurement procedures and holds 51% of the joint venture.
A Rovos Rail train derailed near Naute, about 100 kilometres from Keetmanshoop, early Sunday morning, killing two people. TransNamib CEO Desmond Van Jaarsveld confirmed the incident and said emergency teams were dispatched immediately; an investigation into the cause is underway.
A luxury Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop on Sunday morning, killing two people. TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld confirmed the deaths and said emergency response teams were dispatched immediately, with authorities now investigating the cause.
A Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop after a bridge gave way following heavy rains, killing two people. Emergency services attended the scene, and survivors are receiving support at a facility near Fish River Canyon while authorities investigate the cause.
TransNamib has suspended executives Webster Gonzo (human capital) and Alynsia Platt (properties) following an internal investigation into property contracts allegedly concluded without proper procurement procedures while Gonzo was acting CEO. The suspensions stem from findings in a 2022 Ernst and Young forensic audit that identified numerous irregularities in TransNamib's property management, including inadequate oversight, manipulated lease agreements, and N$700 000 in performance bonuses paid to executives while the company recorded monthly losses.