Also known as: ministry of works and transport executive director Jonas Sheelongo
Executive director in the ministry of works and transport, removed from Namibia Air negotiations by IPC over Air Namibia record.
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Windhoek Observer
Jonas Sheelongo served as Air Namibia's technical and operations general manager in 2014
“In his statement Kalangula indicated that the Deloitte investigation referred to by IPC was conducted in relation to Air Namibia in 2014, when Sheelongo served as the airline's technical and operations general manager.”
IPC demands works ED’s recusal from Namibia Air talksThe Namibian
Jonas Sheelongo advised Windhoek City Police to strengthen enforcement of red-light violations
“Sheelongo advises the Windhoek City Police to strengthen the enforcement of red-light violations by using modern technology, such as red-light cameras.”
Windhoek’s crash hotspotsWindhoek Observer
Jonas Sheelongo distanced the ministry from a leaked document detailing engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines
“The ministry of works and transport executive director, Jonas Sheelongo, has strongly distanced the ministry from a document circulating in the public domain purportedly detailing engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines over the establishment of the proposed Namibia Air.”
Government distances itself from leaked Namibia Air documentWindhoek Observer
Jonas Sheelongo confirmed that discussions with Ethiopian Airlines were continuing alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other stakeholders
“Sheelongo confirmed that discussions with Ethiopian Airlines were continuing, alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other relevant stakeholders.”
Government distances itself from leaked Namibia Air documentWindhoek Observer
Executive director Jonas Sheelongo sent internal memorandum to minister Nekundi on engagements in Addis Ababa
“According to the internal memorandum sent to line minister Veikko Nekundi by executive director Jonas Sheelongo, Ethiopian Airlines reviewed Namibia's market study and presented a counter-proposal centred on ATR 72-600 aircraft, technical assistance, training and maintenance support.”
Namibia Air at risk of foreign takeoverThe Namibian
Jonas Sheelongo confirmed that the question bank is currently under review
“The ministry's executive director, Jonas Sheelongo, has confirmed that the question bank is currently under review.”
Learner’s licence pass rates trigger test reviewThe Namibian
Jonas Sheelongo rejected claims that the learner's licence test uses South Africa's K53 system
“Sheelongo rejected claims that the learner's licence test uses South Africa's K53 system.”
Learner’s licence pass rates trigger test reviewWindhoek Observer
Jonas Sheelongo attended consultation as ministry of works and transport executive director
“The consultation will be attended by Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses, Erongo Regional Council chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe, Swakopmund mayor Suama Kautondokwa, NAMPOL Erongo Regional Commander Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona and ministry of works and transport executive director Jonas Sheelongo, among other stakeholders.”
Nekundi moves to regulate driving schools and instructorsInformanté
Interim Board Chairperson Jonas Sheelongo hailed the achievement as the culmination of months of meticulous planning and collaborative effort
“Receiving the licences on behalf of Namibia Air, Interim Board Chairperson Jonas Sheelongo hailed the achievement as the culmination of months of meticulous planning and collaborative effort.”
Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd receives Air Service Licences, achieving key milestone toward launch of national carrierThe Namibian
Jonas Sheelongo said securing aircraft could take one to six months
“Speaking at the handover of the licences yesterday, the board chairperson of the new airline, Jonas Sheelongo, said securing aircraft could take anywhere between one and six months, depending on lease availability.”
Namibia Air eyes December lift-off, planelessThe Independent Patriots for Change have called for Jonas Sheelongo, executive director in the ministry of works and transport, to be removed from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, citing concerns about his record at Air Namibia.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change have called for Jonas Sheelongo, executive director in the ministry of works and transport, to be removed from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, citing concerns about his record at Air Namibia.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The John Meinert Street and Hosea Kutako Drive intersection in Windhoek West recorded 68 crashes between 2023 and 2026, making it the city's most accident-prone junction. The top three intersections collectively recorded 177 crashes during the period, with high traffic volume and driver non-compliance with traffic rules cited as contributing factors.
9 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines on strategic and technical cooperation to restart a national airline, while stressing that no binding commitments have been made and that Namibian expertise and national interests remain central. The ministry is consulting with local aviation operators to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's financial collapse.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of works and transport has distanced itself from a leaked document about proposed engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines over establishing a new national carrier, saying it does not recognise the document as an official or accurate reflection of its positions. The ministry confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines are continuing alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other stakeholders.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Ethiopian Airlines has indicated that management control would be a condition for any equity partnership with Namibia's planned national airline, Namibia Air. The revelation raises concerns over aviation sovereignty and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government aims to launch in December 2026.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport is reviewing the question bank for Namibia's computerised learner's licence testing system following a decline in pass rates since its May launch. The national pass rate fell from 45% in May to 43% in June and July, with lower rates recorded at the Okahandja pilot office and the mobile testing unit.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's ministry of works and transport is introducing a regulatory system for driving schools and driving instructors to improve the quality and consistency of driver training. The initiative aims to address inconsistencies in driver training and strengthen oversight of an industry considered critical to road safety.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Transportation Commission of Namibia has approved Namibia Air's applications for scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences, formally handing them over to the Ministry of Works and Transport. The approval clears a critical path toward establishing the country's new national carrier.
9 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia Air received its air service licence but has yet to secure funding or purchase aircraft, with the Cabinet still to decide on the proposed course of action. The airline's board chairperson said acquiring aircraft could take one to six months depending on lease availability.
8 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Air has been granted approval to operate scheduled and unscheduled air services by transport commissioner Joshua Kaumbi, with licences valid for five years from 6 August 2026. The airline still requires an Air Operator Certificate before commercial operations can begin, with the government targeting the first week of December for initial flights.
7 August 2026 · New Era →
Namibia Air has received its Air Operating Licenses, effective from 6 August and valid for five years. The airline's first flight is scheduled for the first week of December, with the next stage being acquisition of an Air Operator Certificate.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
A petition with more than 16,560 signatures is calling for pedestrian bridges to replace speed humps on the B1 highway, alleging the humps cause vehicle damage and highway collisions. Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo, who is leading the campaign, has announced plans to file a class-action lawsuit against the minister of works and transport seeking financial compensation for motorists claiming vehicle damage and injuries.
22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has dismissed social media claims that it is removing recently installed speed humps on Windhoek's Western Bypass, stating that what is visible is ongoing installation. An activist has challenged the humps in court, seeking an order to declare them unlawful and compel their removal, with the case pending until 30 June.
17 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Road safety expert Felix Tjozongoro has said public frustration with speed humps on the Western Bypass is misguided, asserting that the real crisis lies in Namibian driver behaviour. Tjozongoro dismissed claims that the speed humps are improperly placed or unlawful, and pointed out that the Western Bypass does not meet the legal definition of a freeway under Namibian law.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to cancel a lease agreement with businessman Erastus Shapumba for a building the government rents for N$1.1 million per month but does not occupy. Shapumba says he did not draft the lease agreement, which was signed in December 2023 for a three-year term, and argues his rental rate of N$99 per square metre is cheaper than other private buildings.
18 May 2026 · The Namibian →
A report launched during UN Global Road Safety Week found that more than 70% of daily travel among low-income households in Namibia depends on walking and cycling, but major gaps exist in infrastructure, funding and policies supporting pedestrians and cyclists. Namibia recorded more than 1,000 motor vehicle crashes during the first four months of 2026, resulting in 179 deaths and over 1,700 injuries.
18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Education has sought legal advice to cancel a lease agreement for an unoccupied Independence Avenue building that has cost the state N$1.1 million monthly since 2024. The building, leased from northern businessman Erastus 'Chicco' Shapumba since December 2023, was found unsuitable for office use and remains empty.
11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has bought 24,640 plastic cubes costing N$24 million that can be assembled into floating bridges to provide temporary access to communities isolated by annual floods in Oshana, Kavango East, and Zambezi regions. The modular bridges are designed to maintain access to critical services such as healthcare and education while avoiding the costs of permanent structures in areas with unpredictable flooding patterns.
5 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has directed the new National Road Safety Council board to install dashcams in 50 traffic police vehicles, 60 ambulances, and two council vehicles to support evidence-based reporting and deter non-compliance with traffic laws. The board was also tasked with finalizing livestream systems at road blind spots and hot spots, and assessing reflective tags for domestic animals.
10 February 2026 · The Namibian →