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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Independent Patriots for Change

Also known as: IPC

Opposition political party that appears frequently in coverage of parliamentary accountability, government oversight, and policy disputes across social, economic, and regulatory areas.

2021-08-192026-10-21

News reports

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Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. March 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete questioned appointment of Namport board chairperson Jerome Mouton

    Source

    “Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete on Tuesday questioned the appointment of Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) board chairperson Jerome Mouton, who is the managing director of the company Myrtle Growth Capital Namibia.”

    IPC MP questions appointment of Namport chairperson linked to GIPF's diverted N$7.3m
  3. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change is led by president Panduleni Itula

    Source

    “Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula says although the war between Iran, the United States and Israel is far away, Namibians will feel its impact at their dinner tables if not resolved soon.”

    You will feel Iran-US conflict at your dinner tables – Itula
  4. New Era

    Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has identified N$9.3 billion wastage in national budget

    Source

    “The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula has found there is a N$9.3 billion wastage in the national budget.”

    Itula pokes holes in budget
  5. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of international relations Rodney Cloete called for de-escalation and diplomacy in the Middle East

    Source

    “Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of international relations Rodney Cloete has called for de-escalation and diplomacy in the Middle East, following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.”

    IPC calls for de-escalation, diplomacy in Iran war
  6. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change opposes petroleum amendment bill in its entirety

    Source

    “The Independent Patriots for Change opposes the petroleum amendment bill in its entirety.”

    Panduleni Itula at Windhoek Media Briefing on Petroleum Amendment Bill
  7. The Namibian

    The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) raised alarm over the condition of Namibia's railway infrastructure after Rovos Rail derailment

    Source

    “The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has raised alarm over the condition of Namibia's railway infrastructure after a luxury Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop on Sunday.”

    IPC raises concerns about railway infrastructure after Rovos train derailment
  8. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change member of parliament Michael Mwashindage describes the N$100 old-age grant increase as unacceptable

    Source

    “Independent Patriots for Change member of parliament Michael Mwashindage describes the increase as unacceptable and a drop in the ocean.”

    Namibia tables N$104 billion budget with focus on operations over development
  9. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) named Tradeport Namibia as company used by first family to control oil sector

    Source

    “It entered the spotlight this week when Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader Panduleni Itula named it as one of the companies used by the first family to control the oil sector.”

    Nekundi tells Namport not to take business from company belonging to president’s son
  10. February 2026
  11. The Namibian

    IPC leader Panduleni Itula publicly linked Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons to the oil sector

    Source

    “Itula yesterday publicly linked Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons to the oil sector through their private business interests.”

    Nandi-Ndaitwah’s sons reject IPC claims of oil industry involvement
  12. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula alleged that the president's sons are involved in the oil and gas sector

    Source

    “This is contained in a statement released on Tuesday evening by the Presidency in response to allegations made by Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula at a press briefing in Windhoek.”

    President challenges Itula to prove her oil involvement

Today

  1. Petroleum Amendment Bill passes second reading with 50 votes

    The National Assembly passed the second reading of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill on Tuesday with 50 lawmakers voting in favour, despite a walkout by most opposition parties. The bill, which proposes shifting certain responsibilities to the President and a new Upstream Petroleum Unit, now proceeds to the committee stage.

    7 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

  2. IPC shadow minister questions N$70m cost of two pedestrian bridges

    Opposition politician Nelson Kalangula has challenged the government's N$70 million estimate for two pedestrian bridges along Windhoek's Western Bypass, demanding a detailed cost breakdown. The works and transport minister has said designs have been approved and construction is expected to begin between 19 November and 1 December 2026.

    8 hours ago · Windhoek Observer →

Yesterday

  1. High Court blocks Walvis Bay council's RedForce contract termination

    The High Court has temporarily blocked the municipality of Walvis Bay from terminating its debt-collection contract with RedForce Debt Management CC, preventing the municipality from withdrawing RedForce's mandate or cutting off its access to municipal debtor information. The interdict follows a council resolution adopted on 7 October 2026 to terminate the contract, and escalates a dispute between the town's political leadership and its chief executive officer, Victoria Kapenda.

    20 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 19 October

  1. Roads Authority rejects Hong Kong imports with unverifiable documents

    The Roads Authority is rejecting vehicle registration applications for imports from Hong Kong involving fraudulent or unverifiable documentation, citing a significant increase in such cases. The authority says all applications must undergo verification with Hong Kong authorities before registration approval, and fraudulent or altered documents may result in police investigation and prosecution.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Opposition divided over National Assembly speaker removal

    Opposition parties disagree on whether to remove National Assembly speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila following September calls from an IPC lawmaker for a no-confidence vote. Popular Democratic Movement president McHenry Venaani warned against using impeachment for political disputes, citing parliamentary tensions and the need for better discipline and respect for procedures.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 17 October

  1. IPC questions N$220m Gross Barmen investment after pool closure

    The Independent Patriots for Change has questioned the maintenance and accountability of Namibia Wildlife Resorts following the closure of indoor swimming facilities at Gross Barmen Resort, citing N$220 million in government funding allocated for redevelopment of the resort in 2010. The IPC's shadow minister for tourism and environment called for public explanation of what caused the closure, when the problem was identified, and what would be required to restore the facilities.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 16 October

  1. Works ministry defends N$35.5m vehicle audit finding

    The Ministry of Works and Transport defended its vehicle records after an audit found 53 government vehicles valued at N$35.5 million absent from the pool register, saying they were permanently allocated to various offices and agencies and therefore recorded in a different register instead.

    16 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC demands action over N$14m stock discrepancies in ministry

    The Independent Patriots for Change has called for disciplinary action against officials responsible for financial irregularities at the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, following an Auditor-General's report that flagged N$14.11 million in stock discrepancies across the ministry (N$10.09 million) and Namibian Police Force (N$4.02 million).

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. IPC demands discipline over ministry financial irregularities

    The Independent Patriots for Change has called for disciplinary action against officials responsible for N$14.11 million in stock discrepancies at the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, according to an Auditor-General's report covering the financial year ended 31 March 2025.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Ministry disputes audit finding on missing government vehicles

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has challenged an audit finding that 53 government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were missing from the pool vehicle register, arguing they had been recorded in a Permanent Allocated Vehicle Register instead. The Windhoek Observer editorial calls for complete records and independently verifiable evidence to resolve the discrepancy.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. Ministry disputes audit finding on 53 unrecorded government vehicles

    The ministry of works and transport has rejected an Auditor-General's finding that 53 newly acquired government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were "missing" or not recorded in the pool vehicle register, saying the vehicles were permanently allocated to specific government offices and recorded in a separate register.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 15 October

  1. Parliamentarian warns against overlooking men in employment equity

    NUDO's Vetaruhe Kandorozu told the National Assembly that employment equity efforts should balance opportunities for both men and women, citing examples of institutions with female-dominated senior management. IPC member Lucia Mbuti countered that the Employment Equity Commission must address historical workplace injustices and promote fairer working environments including for employees with disabilities.

    15 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Opposition walkout blocks petroleum bill vote in Parliament

    Opposition parties walked out during voting on the petroleum bill in the National Assembly, leaving only 39 of 49 required members and preventing a vote to proceed. The walkout was a protest against provisions in the bill that would place the upstream petroleum sector under the Office of the President and establish an upstream petroleum unit.

    15 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. IPC questioned on social development impact from public funding

    A Swapo parliamentarian challenged the Independent Patriots for Change to account for how it uses public funding to address socioeconomic challenges. The IPC's leader responded that parliamentary funding is intended to support democratic participation, not development projects, and is governed by Electoral Commission guidelines.

    15 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. IPC demands defence ministry explain N$860,000 travel spending

    Opposition shadow minister Aloisius Kangulu has called on the defence ministry to explain N$860,000 spent on subsistence and travel allowances, citing concerns about transparency and accountability. The demand follows reports that the defence department exceeded its 2024/25 budget by N$252.9 million despite receiving an unqualified audit opinion.

    15 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. Meatco proposes two-thirds pay over three months

    The Meat Corporation of Namibia has proposed paying employees two-thirds of their salaries from November 2026 to January 2027 due to foot-and-mouth disease strains on the state-owned processor's finances. The proposal is part of an emergency cost containment package aimed at reducing expenses while protecting jobs and retaining critical skills.

    14 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. Mbumba office construction contradicts earlier government position

    Former president Nangolo Mbumba claims he is unaware of reported construction of a new office for him in Windhoek, contradicting an earlier government statement that it had no plans to build one. An Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker questions whether Mbumba, who served in an acting capacity and was not directly elected, should receive the same post-presidential benefits as elected former presidents.

    13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Veterinary directorate left N$13.13m unspent in 2024/25

    The agriculture ministry's Directorate of Veterinary Services failed to spend more than N$13 million of its N$431.4 million budget during the 2024/25 financial year, spending only N$418.3 million. The underspend was attributed to delays in advertising vacancies, appointing new recruits, procurement delays, late tender awards, and incomplete capital projects — coming as Namibia faces foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks across two regions.

    13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 12 October

  1. Government's Namibia Air feasibility study kept secret from public

    The government is preparing to launch Namibia Air in December following a N$20 million feasibility study, but the study's findings have not been made public or available to parliamentarians, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers about lack of transparency.

    12 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 10 October

  1. Lüderitz informal settlement residents forced to use mountain as toilet

    Residents of Sande informal settlement in Lüderitz say communal toilets have become unusable, forcing them to use a nearby mountain instead. Local leaders have called on the town council to intervene, citing health and dignity concerns.

    10 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 8 October

  1. IPC alleges TransNamib delaying disciplinary hearings for executives

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused TransNamib of shielding senior executives from disciplinary action, noting that hearings for two officials suspended in February 2026 on property mismanagement allegations have not commenced despite promises they would occur in July and August.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Ministry launches probe into NWR financial and labour practices

    The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has launched an investigation into state-owned Namibia Wildlife Resorts over alleged financial mismanagement, poor governance and unfair labour practices, including examining why workers remain displaced 11 months after a fire destroyed their houses at Sesriem in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

    8 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. IPC demands accountability for unlawful cement merger decision

    Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Ferdinand Hengombe is demanding to know whether industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse will be held liable for costs arising from his decision to overturn the Namibian Competition Commission's rejection of the proposed Cheetah Cement and Ohorongo Cement merger, following a High Court judgment that found Amutse's decision unlawful and invalid.

    8 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. MPs scrutinise oil bill's royalty safeguards and presidential powers

    Parliament has questioned whether the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill adequately protects state revenue as it proposes transferring powers from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the President, including establishment of an Upstream Petroleum Unit in the President's office and changes to oversight of royalties, licences, local content and environmental obligations. PDM Chief Whip Winnie Moongo raised concerns that the bill weakens existing safeguards requiring finance ministry concurrence for royalty decisions.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  5. IPC threatens legal action over NUST student deregistration

    The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has threatened legal action over the possible deregistration of 20 medical laboratory sciences students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

    8 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. IPC criticises delays in TransNamib executives' disciplinary hearings

    The Independent Patriots for Change has expressed concern over delays in disciplinary proceedings against two senior TransNamib executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches. The party says no hearings have commenced as of October, despite expectations they would proceed in July and August, and questions whether junior employees face swifter consequences than senior executives.

    7 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 5 October

  1. Opposition, unions support security plates but warn on costs

    Parliamentary opposition and transport-sector stakeholders back the government's plan to introduce high-security vehicle number plates with QR codes to combat fraud, but warn that the cost of transition must not fall on already-struggling public transport operators like taxi and bus services.

    5 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC shadow minister demands parliament briefing on De Beers sale

    IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete is demanding that the government explain Namibia's position on the proposed sale of De Beers, citing Botswana's parliament being informed while Namibia's has not been. Cloete questions whether Namibia was approached to join the Global Diamond Consortium bidding for Anglo American's 85% stake, and seeks clarity on the diamond sales agreement with De Beers that expired in May.

    5 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 4 October

  1. Agricultural workers must receive minimum wage during FMD outbreak

    Despite the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting the livestock sector, farmers remain required to pay agricultural workers the national minimum wage—N$14 per hour from 1 January, rising to N$18 next year—with no government exemption announced. The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations says all employers must comply unless officially notified otherwise, though regional authorities are discussing the wage issue as part of developing an outbreak response plan.

    4 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 1 October

  1. Over 1,760 teachers recruited in past four years

    At least 1,760 teachers were recruited over the past four years while classrooms increased from 1,550 to 1,836. An Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian raised concerns that new Jolly Phonics and PE4Life programmes in Junior Primary are adding pressure to teachers in overcrowded classes, but the Education Minister said the programmes were incorporated into the curriculum rather than added on top.

    1 October 2026 · New Era →

Independent Patriots for Change — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute