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Monday, 12 October 2026
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Monday, 12 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Nelson Kalangula

Also known as: Kalungula · Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula · Shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula

Opposition shadow minister of works and transport questioning government decisions on PAMA, Namport concessions, and Namibia Air.

2026-02-132026-10-12

What’s been said

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

  1. August 2026
  2. Windhoek Observer

    Nelson Kalangula called for greater transparency and disclosure of investigation reports

    Source

    “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 purge
  3. The Namibian

    IPC shadow minister Nelson Kalangula says the road's physical geometry is a major contributing factor to accidents

    Source

    “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’
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Nelson Kalangula said the initiative provides much-needed relief for taxi drivers and public transport operators

    Source

    “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 crisis
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Nelson Kalangula cautioned that the measure does not address underlying causes of traffic offences in taxi industry

    Source

    “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 crisis
  6. The Namibian

    IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says amnesty offers much-needed relief to motorists, particularly taxi drivers

    Source

    “In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says the amnesty, which runs from 3 August to 30 September, offers much-needed relief to motorists, particularly taxi drivers burdened by outstanding admission of guilt fines.”

    IPC wants traffic fine amnesty backed by reforms
  7. The Namibian

    Kalangula urges Ministry of Works and Transport to fast-track public passenger road transport bill

    Source

    “He urges the Ministry of Works and Transport to fast-track the public passenger road transport bill, introduce structured payment plans and discounted fines during amnesty periods, and work with local authorities to construct more public transport bays.”

    IPC wants traffic fine amnesty backed by reforms
  8. The Namibian

    Nelson Kalangula said early deterioration stems from trucks driving to and from Windhoek Northern Industrial area

    Source

    “Shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula told The Namibian last week he conducted an inspection at the road and observed that the early deterioration stems from trucks driving to and from the Windhoek Northern Industrial area.”

    N$381m Windhoek road cracks before handover
  9. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change member Nelson Kalangula says tariffs should not be implemented before being gazetted

    Source

    “He says the tariffs should not be implemented before they are gazetted.”

    Road users fuming over new charges
  10. July 2026
  11. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Nelson Kalangula accused the government of rewarding public officials implicated in governance failures by reappointing them

    Source

    “The ministry's response follows on a statement on Thursday by Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Nelson Kalangula, who accused the government of rewarding public officials implicated in governance failures by reappointing them to senior positions instead of holding them accountable.”

    No appointments made for Namibia Air yet – ministry
  12. Windhoek Observer

    Nelson Kalangula said the trend undermines public confidence in government and allows governance failures to persist

    Source

    “Kalangula said the trend, which IPC describes as the "recycling of failure", undermines public confidence in government and allows governance failures to persist across state-owned enterprises and ministries.”

    IPC questions public sector appointments

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 →

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 →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. IPC questions legal authority and mandate of PAMA

    Opposition shadow minister Nelson Kalangula is demanding clarity on the legal basis, cost and mandate of the proposed Public Assets Management Agency (PAMA), questioning whether it duplicates functions already performed by government institutions under existing statutory frameworks and line ministry mandates.

    30 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. IPC demands works ministry ED recusal from Namibia Air talks

    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 →

Friday 18 September

  1. IPC demands details on Namport port concessions

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Nelson Kalangula is questioning the awarding of long-term concessions at Namibia's ports, raising concerns over Namport's future revenue, operations, and local jobs, and has demanded details from works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi on all active, awarded, and pending concessions at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports.

    18 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Walvis Bay airspace downgraded to uncontrolled Class G status

    Walvis Bay International Airport's airspace has been downgraded to Class G uncontrolled airspace, prompting the Independent Patriots for Change to raise concerns about air traffic control capacity, aviation safety, and delays in weather information provision. The downgrade means the airport will no longer have the same level of controlled-airspace services, potentially creating hazards during coastal fog and reduced visibility.

    17 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 12 September

  1. Officials implicated in forensic reports get new government posts

    An IPC member of parliament has asked the government to disclose millions spent on external forensic investigations and explain why officials implicated in financial and governance failures continue to secure positions within public institutions. The questions highlight a pattern in which executives implicated in forensic investigations resign without disciplinary action, then secure strategic appointments at other government entities or public boards.

    12 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Ethiopian Airlines seeks management control in Namibia Air deal

    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 →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Jet fuel shortage stems from commercial supply issues, not Vitol deal

    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 →

Sunday 16 August

  1. IPC critic challenges legitimacy of government assets agency

    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 →

Friday 7 August

  1. IPC warns Namibia Air faces critical hurdles before commercial flights

    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 →

  2. IPC warns against rushed Namibia Air commercial launch

    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 →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Minister Nekundi defends removal of five NAC board members

    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 →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Driver attitude may contribute to Western Bypass accidents, expert says

    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 →

  2. IPC warns traffic amnesty won't solve taxi sector problems

    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 →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. IPC backs traffic amnesty but demands public transport reforms

    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 →

Monday 3 August

  1. Windhoek's N$381m road shows cracks before handover

    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 →

Sunday 2 August

  1. Roads Authority raises vehicle licence and permit fees

    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 →

Saturday 25 July

  1. No leadership posts filled for Namibia Air yet

    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 →

Friday 24 July

  1. IPC calls for review of senior public sector appointments

    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 →

Sunday 5 July

  1. RFA says toll gates remain viable option for road funding

    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 →

Friday 3 July

  1. MP warns of economic risk from cross-border truck disruptions

    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 →

Friday 12 June

  1. Activist challenges B1 speed humps as unlawful public hazard

    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 →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Road experts criticise Windhoek speed humps on major highways

    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 →

  2. Kalangula criticises speed humps on B1 bypass as reactive

    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 →

Monday 8 June

  1. N$20 million feasibility study underway to revive Air Namibia

    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 →

  2. Government launches EV charging pilot as part of nationwide rollout strategy

    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 →

Monday 25 May

  1. Government plans dual carriageways on high-risk roads

    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 →

Saturday 4 April

  1. MP James Uerikua dies in road accident, tributes pour in

    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 →

Nelson Kalangula — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute