Also known as: TransNamib Chief Executive Officer · Leone van Jaarsveld · Miss World Namibia 2022
TransNamib chief executive confirming rail incidents and emergency response coordination in 2026.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld identified ageing infrastructure and rolling stock as major constraints
“At TransNamib, chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld identified ageing infrastructure and rolling stock as major constraints, saying about 80% of the company's locomotive fleet is more than 50 years old.”
NAB calls for single authority to overhaul crop sectorWindhoek Observer
TransNamib chief executive officer Desmond van Jaarsveld highlighted ageing railway infrastructure and rolling stock as major constraints limiting freight capacity
“TransNamib chief executive officer Desmond van Jaarsveld highlighted ageing railway infrastructure and rolling stock as major constraints.”
‘I’ll be a disruptive president for the sake of Namibians’ — NNNThe Namibian
Desmond van Jaarsveld said partnerships and coordinated support key to improving efficiency
“He said partnerships and coordinated support will be key to improving operational efficiency and ensuring public enterprises are financially sustainable.”
Aging infrastructure hampers public enterprisesInformanté
Desmond van Jaarsveld, Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib urged all road users to exercise caution and strictly observe traffic regulations at railway level crossings
“"We strongly urge all road users to exercise caution and strictly observe traffic regulations at railway level crossings," said Desmond van Jaarsveld, Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib.”
Train collides with vehicles at SwakopmundThe Namibian
TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld says the appointment of the RSR demonstrates the company's commitment to transparency, independent oversight and strengthening safety
“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 rail safety review backs reforms after Rovos derailmentInformanté
TransNamib CEO Desmond van Jaarsveld said appointment reflects commitment to transparency and independent oversight
“"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.”
TransNamib receives independent investigation report on Rovos rail accidentThe Namibian
Desmond van Jaarsveld said preliminary information indicates wagons unexpectedly moved before travelling uncontrolled
“TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld said preliminary information indicates the wagons unexpectedly moved before travelling uncontrolled along the railway line.”
Runaway wagons derail between Usakos and KranzbergThe Namibian
Van Jaarsveld noted cause of incident has not yet been determined and formal technical assessment is underway
“"The cause of the incident has not yet been determined, and a formal technical assessment is currently underway," Van Jaarsveld noted.”
Runaway wagons derail between Usakos and KranzbergThe Namibian
Desmond van Jaarsveld said the trial is expected to cover about 50 return trips along the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor
“The trial is expected to cover about 50 return trips along the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor, he said.”
TransNamib tests hydrogen-powered locomotiveInformanté
Desmond van Jaarsveld said thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected
“"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected during this difficult time," said Desmond van Jaarsveld, TransNamib Chief Executive Officer.”
TransNamib train involved in fatal pedestrian incident near OkahandjaThe Namibia Agronomic Board's chief executive has called for consolidating crop-related policies and regulatory functions, currently spread across different laws and institutions, under a single institutional authority to unlock investment and strengthen agricultural value chains.
10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibia Agronomic Board's chief executive has called for consolidating crop-related policies and regulatory functions, currently spread across different laws and institutions, under a single institutional authority to unlock investment and strengthen agricultural value chains.
10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed state-owned enterprises to identify strategic investment projects ready for implementation within 24 months and specific reforms to unlock growth, saying she will "disrupt" government systems where necessary to remove barriers to delivery.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Several public enterprises are grappling with aging infrastructure that is costly to maintain and requires urgent modernisation. Officials stressed that public enterprises must modernise facilities and embrace digitalisation to improve efficiency and remain competitive.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A TransNamib train and a light motor vehicle were involved in an incident at a level crossing in Swakopmund on 26 June at approximately 00:45. All occupants were assessed and transported to the state hospital but later discharged with no visible injuries reported; an investigation is underway.
26 June 2026 · Informanté →
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.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
3 June 2026 · Informanté →
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.
27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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.
21 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
1 April 2026 · Informanté →
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.
1 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
3 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
1 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
1 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
16 February 2026 · New Era →