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Friday, 28 August 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 28 August 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

Nelson Kalangula — IPC shadow minister of works and transport and MP, raising governance concerns on Namibia Air, Pama, and road safety issues.

2026-02-132026-08-28

What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Nelson Kalangula called for construction of pedestrian bridges

    Source

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of transport Nelson Kalangula has called for the construction of pedestrian bridges, saying speed humps on highways slow the flow of traffic.

    Road experts slam Windhoek speed humps
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Nelson Kalangula criticised installation of speed humps on B1 Western Bypass as reactive and short-sighted

    Source

    Nelson Kalangula has criticised the installation of speed humps along the B1 Western Bypass, calling the move reactive and short-sighted after vehicle collisions were reported on the new structures this past weekend.

    Kalangula slams speed humps on B1 as ‘reactive and short-sighted’
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Nelson Kalangula claimed minister Veikko Nekundi enforced speed humps idea against engineers' advice

    Source

    He claimed it appears that works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi enforced the idea against engineers' advice regarding the implications of speed humps on the highway.

    Kalangula slams speed humps on B1 as ‘reactive and short-sighted’
  5. Informanté

    Nelson Kalangula asked questions in Parliament about possible revitalisation of a national airline

    Source

    In response to questions in Parliament by Nelson Kalangula on the possible revitalisation of a national airline, Nekundi said that as leaders of this country, just as in other countries around the world, we must know what to publish and when to publish.

    20 million feasibility study underway to revive national airline – Nekundi
  6. Windhoek Observer

    Independent Patriots for Change member Nelson Kalangula raised concerns about potential impact of EV electricity demand on national grid

    Source

    Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Nelson Kalangula raised concerns about the potential impact that increased electricity demand from electric vehicles could have on the national grid, particularly at a time when electricity costs continue to rise.

    Govt eyes national EV charging network
  7. May 2026
  8. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Nelson Kalangula has raised questions in parliament regarding pace of road upgrades, design processes and construction timelines

    Source

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says he has raised questions in parliament regarding the pace of road upgrades, design processes and construction timelines on major highways.

    Govt plans dual carriageways for high-risk roads
  9. April 2026
  10. The Namibian

    Nelson Kalangula valued Uerikua's leadership and engagement

    Source

    "Go well, honourable chairperson of IRDS committee, I valued your leadership and engagement.

    He shared sweets and told me to travel safely – deputy sport minister Ballotti on MP Uerikua
  11. March 2026
  12. The Namibian

    Nelson Kalangula says the mantra of 'business unusual' is not reflected in the budget, with an indication of a rise in debt and backward steps

    Source

    Meanwhile, IPC member Nelson Kalangula says the mantra of 'business unusual' is not reflected in the budget, with an indication of a rise in debt and backward steps.

    Youth unemployment not adequately addressed – MPs
  13. New Era

    MP Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula told members that SADC commits to protocol ratification as key to transforming economies

    Source

    MP Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula, who was part of the delegation to the forum, told members that the SADC commits to protocol ratification, as it is the key to transforming economies and guarding against exploitation.

    Namibia records gender equality strides
  14. The Namibian

    Nelson Kalangula said the accident exposes urgent and serious questions about rail safety and accountability

    Source

    In a statement issued by the IPC's shadow minister of works and transport, Nelson Kalangula, on Sunday, the party said the accident exposes "urgent and serious questions" about rail safety, infrastructure maintenance and executive accountability.

    IPC raises concerns about railway infrastructure after Rovos train derailment

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

Saturday 28 March

  1. National Assembly budget cuts risk crippling parliamentary work

    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

Thursday 12 March

  1. MPs criticise 2026/27 budget for failing to address youth unemployment

    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

Tuesday 10 March

  1. Namibia's top three government posts now held by women

    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

Thursday 5 March

  1. Government hand-picks RCC for N$140m regional sport facilities project

    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

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Opposition walkout halts parliament vote on commissioners

    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

Monday 2 March

  1. IPC demands rail safety inquiry after Rovos train derailment

    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

Tuesday 24 February

  1. Government plans to revive Roads Contractor Company in three to five years

    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

Friday 13 February

  1. Swapo MPs defend oil and gas bill's local content focus

    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

Nelson Kalangula — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute