Also known as: Kalungula · Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula · Shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula
Nelson Kalangula — IPC shadow minister of works and transport and MP, raising governance concerns on Namibia Air, Pama, and road safety issues.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change's shadow transport minister Nelson Kalangula stated the fuel disruption has exposed weaknesses of the fuel aviation sector
“The Independent Patriots for Change's shadow transport minister says the fuel disruption has exposed the weaknesses of the fuel aviation sector.”
Jet fuel shortage not related to Vitol fuel supply – AmutseThe Namibian
Kalangula called for Namibia Civil Aviation Authority to conduct audits on fuel levels and strategic fuel reserves establishment
“Kalangula calls for the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority to conduct audits on fuel levels and for the establishment of strategic fuel reserves.”
Jet fuel shortage not related to Vitol fuel supply – AmutseThe Namibian
Nelson Kalangula calls on the government to halt transfer of public properties to Pama until law debated and passed
“Kalangula calls on the government to halt the transfer of public properties to Pama until a proposed public assets management law has been debated and passed by parliament.”
Govt assets agency legitimacy challengedThe Namibian
IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula questions the government's target of launching commercial flights by December
“Kalangula questions the government's target of launching commercial flights by December, saying the licensing process has already taken eight months instead of the usual two, raising concerns over whether the remaining certification process can be completed in time.”
IPC warns Namibia Air faces hurdles before take-offWindhoek Observer
Nelson Kalangula said government must address regulatory, financial and operational questions before proceeding with airline launch
“In a statement issued on Thursday, IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula said the government must address regulatory, financial and operational questions before proceeding with plans to launch the national airline, cautioning against repeating the failures associated with the former national carrier, Air Namibia.”
IPC raises concerns over Namibia Air Licence, warns against rushed launchWindhoek Observer
Nelson Kalangula argued that Air Operating Licence only allows applying for routes, not aircraft operations
“Kalangula said there was a need for the public to understand the distinction between an Air Operating Licence and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), arguing that the AOL only allows an entity to apply for commercial routes and develop an airline structure, but does not permit aircraft operations.”
IPC raises concerns over Namibia Air Licence, warns against rushed launchWindhoek Observer
Nelson Kalangula called for greater transparency and disclosure of investigation reports
“He called on the government to disclose any investigation reports that informed the decision, arguing that the public deserves clarity on why the board members were removed.”
Nekundi defends NAC board purgeThe Namibian
IPC shadow minister Nelson Kalangula says the road's physical geometry is a major contributing factor to accidents
“Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says while police investigations have yet to determine the exact role played by driver error and mechanical conditions, there is no doubt that the physical geometry of the stretch of road is a major contributing factor.”
‘Driver attitude may be reason for accidents’Windhoek Observer
Nelson Kalangula said the initiative provides much-needed relief for taxi drivers and public transport operators
“IPC shadow minister of works and transport, Nelson Kalangula, said the initiative provides much-needed relief, particularly for taxi drivers and public transport operators who have been affected by accumulated traffic fines, arrest warrants and vehicle impoundment threats.”
IPC warns traffic fine amnesty must address taxi sector crisisWindhoek Observer
Nelson Kalangula cautioned that the measure does not address underlying causes of traffic offences in taxi industry
“He, however, cautioned that while the measure may reduce pressure on district courts and assist motorists in clearing outstanding fines, it does not address the underlying causes contributing to traffic offences, especially within the taxi industry.”
IPC warns traffic fine amnesty must address taxi sector crisisThe Ministry of Mines and Energy defended its three-month fuel supply deal with Vitol, stating the jet fuel shortage affecting the country since last week results from a failed quality inspection of a Puma-Vivo fuel shipment, not the government arrangement which covers only petrol and diesel.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Mines and Energy defended its three-month fuel supply deal with Vitol, stating the jet fuel shortage affecting the country since last week results from a failed quality inspection of a Puma-Vivo fuel shipment, not the government arrangement which covers only petrol and diesel.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula has raised governance and legal concerns over the government's establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency (Pama) as a profit-oriented entity before dedicated legislation governing public assets has been enacted. He argues that state properties should not be handed to a commercially driven entity without full parliamentary scrutiny and explicit legislative boundaries, and warns that interim board appointments could undermine corporate governance and be subject to political control.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change cautions that Namibia Air's air operating licence should not be mistaken for approval to fly commercially, warning that regulatory, operational and financial requirements remain outstanding. The opposition party questions the government's target of launching flights by December, noting the licensing process has already taken eight months instead of the usual two.
7 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has raised concerns over Namibia Air's five-year Air Operating Licence, warning that the approval does not guarantee the airline's readiness to commence commercial operations. IPC shadow minister Nelson Kalangula cautioned against repeating failures of the former national carrier Air Namibia, questioning the government's timeline to launch commercial flights in December and distinguishing between an Air Operating Licence and an Air Operator Certificate.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has defended his decision to remove five Namibia Airports Company board members on Tuesday, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen governance, accountability and stability at the state-owned aviation company. Nekundi said he acted within his constitutional and legal mandate and appointed an interim board to oversee the company during a transitional period.
6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Road expert Felix Tjozongoro says driver fatigue and attitude, rather than road conditions alone, may have caused two truck crashes on the Western Bypass on Monday that killed a truck driver and 46 head of cattle and left two people seriously injured. Tjozongoro argues drivers must exercise caution and drive responsibly until infrastructure upgrades are completed.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has welcomed a two-month traffic fine amnesty (3 August to 30 September 2026) that allows motorists to settle outstanding admission of guilt fines, but warns the relief is temporary unless deeper challenges facing the public transport sector are addressed.
5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change has welcomed the Office of the Judiciary's two-month traffic fine amnesty (3 August to 30 September) but says it must be followed by reforms to address challenges facing public transport operators, including fast-tracking a public passenger road transport bill and constructing more public transport bays.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The 6.1-kilometre Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road in Windhoek, which cost N$381 million, has begun to deteriorate before being handed over to the City of Windhoek. The City said responsibility for repairs remains with the developer and project engineer, who are investigating the defects.
3 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Roads Authority has increased vehicle licence fees by 10% and abnormal load and road carrier permit charges by 20%, drawing criticism from transport operators and road users who say the rises will worsen their financial burden amid rising living costs.
2 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Works and Transport says no executive or leadership appointments have been made for the planned national airline Namibia Air, dismissing reports linking individuals to top positions. The ministry said a technical committee was established in 2025 to prepare for the airline's creation, but no formal vacancies exist and candidates will go through normal government recruitment and vetting processes when the airline is ready to recruit.
25 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has called for an urgent review of senior appointments in the public sector, alleging that the government continues to appoint or retain officials previously implicated in forensic investigations and disciplinary proceedings. The party says this practice of "recycling of failure"—transferring or promoting officials accused of misconduct rather than holding them accountable—is eroding accountability and weakening state institutions.
24 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Road Fund Administration's chief executive says toll gates could still help fund road infrastructure, despite the works and transport minister's statement that the government rejected the proposal. The RFA proposed installing between 21 and 23 toll gates that could generate between N$500 million and N$750 million annually, according to a feasibility study.
5 July 2026 · The Namibian →
MP Nelson Kalangula has warned that escalating disruptions affecting Namibian cross-border truck drivers operating in South Africa could have far-reaching economic consequences for Namibia, particularly due to the country's heavy dependence on South African supply routes. Kalangula noted that some transport operators have withdrawn trucks from South African routes due to safety concerns, reflecting a growing economic risk that could disrupt supply chains and increase pressure on domestic markets.
3 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo filed an urgent High Court application to remove speed humps installed on the B1 Western Bypass near the Northern Industrial Area, arguing they are unlawful, violate the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999, and pose a public safety danger. He is seeking immediate removal and a prohibition on future physical speed humps on national highways and designated freeways in Namibia.
12 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Road transport experts have criticised the installation of speed humps on major highways around Windhoek by the Roads Authority and Ministry of Works and Transport, warning the measure could increase accidents and congestion rather than improve road safety. Experts and officials have called for pedestrian bridges instead, with the transport minister describing the speed humps as a temporary measure.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC Member of Parliament Nelson Kalangula has criticised the installation of speed humps along the B1 Western Bypass, calling the move reactive and short-sighted. He argues the Ministry of Works and Transport and Roads Authority are treating a national highway like a suburban residential street and that the humps create traffic bottlenecks and rear-end collision risks rather than improving driver alertness.
9 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian government has budgeted about N$20 million for a feasibility study to revive Air Namibia, which was placed into voluntary liquidation in February 2021 due to debts exceeding N$5 billion. Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi told Parliament that the study has been completed and is under review, conducted by an inter-ministerial team of experts with aviation, legal, and economic expertise.
8 June 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Works and Transport launched a pilot electric vehicle charging station at its headquarters in Windhoek, with Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi describing it as a strategic pilot project intended to inform the expansion of an EV charging network across the country. The ministry, which manages government-owned infrastructure, plans to eventually serve both government fleet vehicles and the public.
8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to construct dual-carriageway freeways across Namibia to reduce road accidents and improve transport efficiency. The government will start construction of the Usakos-Arandis dual-carriageway this year, prioritising key roads with heavy traffic volumes and accident records including Windhoek-Okahandja, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
25 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Member of parliament James Uerikua died in a road accident on Friday. Colleagues from across the political spectrum paid tribute to him, describing him as a unifier and noting that his son also died in the same accident and his wife is in critical condition.
4 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Members of parliament have raised concerns that the recently tabled 2026/27 budget, which allocates N$81.3 billion to operational expenditure and only N$6.5 billion to development spending, fails to adequately address youth unemployment and lacks a credible plan for job creation. IPC parliamentarian Michael Mwashindange argued that the fiscal framework prioritises recurring operational costs over strategic investments, while rising debt payments and interest costs continue to crowd out productive investments needed to stimulate employment.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the first woman to lead Namibia's parliament, says the country is advancing gender equality through policy advocacy and gender-sound laws. With President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Vice President Lucia Witbooi also in office, Namibia is among the few countries globally where women hold the president, vice president, and speaker positions simultaneously.
10 March 2026 · New Era →
The government has awarded Roads Contractor Company (RCC) a N$140-million project to build sport facilities across Namibia's 14 regions, bypassing standard public procurement rules under a presidential fast-track exemption. The decision has drawn criticism from industry groups and opposition politicians over transparency and accountability, though officials argue the project follows existing legal frameworks and incorporates oversight mechanisms.
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Thursday when the government sought urgent approval of four Public Service Commission commissioners, citing concerns about their age, qualifications, ethnic representation, and lack of adequate debate. The walkout left no quorum for the vote to proceed.
3 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has raised concerns about Namibia's railway infrastructure following a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on Sunday that killed two people and injured four. The party's shadow minister called for a transparent investigation, full disclosure of inspection and safety certification records, and strengthened oversight of TransNamib and rail safety authorities.
2 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The government aims to financially revive the struggling Roads Contractor Company through a recapitalisation strategy involving equipment procurement and project allocations. Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said the company, which lost capital assets through auctions between 2016 and 2024, will be supported via a lease-to-own equipment plan that has already delivered multiple vehicles and machinery.
24 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo members of parliament have defended the petroleum bill, arguing it ensures resource benefits contribute to inclusive economic growth and long-term national capacity through local content, skills development, and environmental protection. An IPC opposition MP questioned whether proposed penalties for conflict-of-interest violations are adequate for a billion-dollar industry.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →