Namibia Minute.
Friday, 23 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hourWork with us
Friday, 23 October 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Person

Panduleni Itula

Also known as: Pandulenti Itula · Dr Panduleni Itula · Pandulani Itula

Panduleni Itula — Opposition leader and IPC president, recently challenged phosphate project approvals and questioned government transparency on major contracts.

2018-12-212026-10-23
Share on WhatsApp

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Panduleni Itula

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

Order a news report

Tell us where to reach you and we’ll be in touch to agree the period and format.

What’s been said

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

  1. June 2026

  2. Windhoek Observer

    Panduleni Itula questioned ownership structure and governance arrangements of proposed solar power plant

    Source

    “The response follows claims by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula, who last week questioned the ownership structure and governance arrangements surrounding the proposed 20-megawatt solar power plant, alleging that companies associated with the President's sons are involved in the venture.”

    Presidency denies NNN’s role in N$612 million solar project

  3. The Namibian

    IPC president Panduleni Itula said the deal is based on using Farm Massaus for solar power, owned by the president

    Source

    “Itula said in a press conference yesterday that the deal is based on using Farm Massaus for solar power – a farm that is owned by the president.”

    President’s son dismisses IPC claims of dirty business

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Panduleni Itula alleged that companies associated with President Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons are involved in the solar project development.

    Source

    “Itula alleged that companies associated with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons are involved in the development.”

    Itula questions N$612 million solar deal linked to President’s sons
  5. May 2026

  6. Windhoek Observer

    Panduleni Itula accused the first family of positioning itself within Namibia's oil industry

    Source

    “Earlier this year, opposition leader Panduleni Itula accused the first family of positioning itself within Namibia's oil industry.”

    Nasan appeals fuel sourcing ban through Ndaitwah’s law firm

  7. Windhoek Observer

    IPC leader Panduleni Itula said the matter must follow Constitutional and Security Commission Act procedures

    Source

    “IPC leader Panduleni Itula said the matter must follow procedures outlined in the Constitution of Namibia and the Security Commission Act 18 of 2001.”

    IPC demands answers on Shikongo’s suspension process
  8. April 2026

  9. New Era

    Panduleni Itula said Namibia's laws and inconducive environment hinder private sector investment and job creation

    Source

    “Rudolf Gaiseb Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula said Namibia's laws and purported inconducive environment hinder private sector investment that would aid in job creation.”

    Itula’s Sona diagnosis

  10. New Era

    Panduleni Itula stated corruption score fell faster under Nandi-Ndaitwah than any previous government

    Source

    “Itula stated that, despite Nandi-Ndaitwah equating corruption to treason, "the corruption score has fallen faster under her administration than under any previous government.”

    Itula’s Sona diagnosis

  11. The Namibian

    Panduleni Itula called on president to explain the dismissal of former deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete

    Source

    “Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula made these remarks on Friday during a press conference in Windhoek, responding to the president's state of the nation address (Sona).”

    Itula demands reasons for Ithete’s dismissal

  12. The Namibian

    Panduleni Itula criticised a gap between government rhetoric and action on corruption

    Source

    “Itula also criticised what he described as a "gap between government rhetoric and action on corruption".”

    Itula demands reasons for Ithete’s dismissal

  13. The Namibian

    Independent Patriots for Change leader Panduleni Itula says the decision violates the law on equality and non-discrimination of social services

    Source

    “Independent Patriots for Change leader Panduleni Itula says the law clearly demands equality and non-discrimination of social services, irrespective of social status. He says the decision to separate senior officials from the public violates the law.”

    Windhoek Central Hospital VIP unit sparks backlash over Nandi-Ndaitwah healthcare reform
Politics

Itula urges government to disclose FMD recovery plan and funding

The News

Opposition leader Panduleni Itula has called on the government to publish a fully costed recovery plan for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak, including funding details, fencing milestones, and emergency contracts. The call follows a procurement dispute over a veterinary cordon fence along the South African border, with the estimated containment requirement at N$190.2 million.

7 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Itula urges government to disclose FMD recovery plan and funding

    Opposition leader Panduleni Itula has called on the government to publish a fully costed recovery plan for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak, including funding details, fencing milestones, and emergency contracts. The call follows a procurement dispute over a veterinary cordon fence along the South African border, with the estimated containment requirement at N$190.2 million.

    7 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. IPC calls for transparency in Zambian election results

    Namibia's Independent Patriots for Change has congratulated Zambia's re-elected president Hakainde Hichilema while urging full transparency in election management and raising concerns over ballot secrecy and incomplete reconciliation at polling stations.

    19 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. IPC politician apologises to judge over defamatory Facebook posts

    Petrina Nghipudilo Ya Shiindi, an IPC member and National Assembly staff member, issued a public apology to High Court acting judge Gladice Pickering for defamatory and unverified statements about Pickering's conduct as executive director at the Ministry of Justice. Ya Shiindi retracted her allegations that Pickering had used her position for personal gain and selected her husband's company for ministry works.

    12 August 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Itula challenges phosphate project's environmental clearance

    Independent Patriots for Change leader Dr Panduleni Itula has filed an appeal and legal objection against the Environmental Clearance Certificate granted to Namibia Marine Phosphate (Pty) Ltd for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate Project, arguing the decision violates Namibia's environmental law and the precautionary principle, particularly given that marine seabed bulk dredging is unprecedented globally.

    12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 27 July

  1. Itula invokes Constitution to justify parliament dissolution call

    IPC president Panduleni Itula says Article 57 of the Constitution obliges the president to ensure effective governance and backs his call for president Nandi-Ndaitwah to dissolve parliament, form a national unity government, or support a vote of no confidence in the speaker. He argues that parliament's 16-month failure to pass ordinary government bills constitutes a governance crisis that undermines law-making, investor confidence, and democratic institutions.

    27 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 26 July

  1. MPs reject Itula's call to dissolve parliament

    Opposition leader Panduleni Itula called on the president to dissolve the National Assembly, arguing parliament has been ineffective and slow in lawmaking since 2025; lawmakers rejected the proposal, saying parliament's shortcomings do not justify fresh elections.

    26 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 July

  1. IPC dismisses resignation claims as fake news

    The Independent Patriots for Change has rejected allegations from former Erongo regional mobiliser Rudolf Kahingunga that the party suffers from centralised decision-making and that some branches may boycott upcoming regional elections, with IPC spokesperson Immanuel Nashinge dismissing his claims as "fake news." Kahingunga resigned from the IPC on 7 July and subsequently joined Swapo Party alongside former Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb and 15 members of the IPC's Otjimbingwe branch.

    14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 10 July

  1. Itula threatens court action over ECN commissioner appointments

    Independent Patriots for Change leader Panduleni Itula has threatened legal action against the president's appointment of Electoral Commission of Namibia commissioners, arguing the process is unconstitutional because the president nominated rather than appointed candidates as required under Article 94B of the Constitution. Itula also raised concerns about incomplete documentation, including missing sworn declarations on political affiliations and unclear term duration for ECN chairperson Gerson Sindano.

    10 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Amupanda seeks court order to halt ECN appointment vote

    Parliamentary leader Job Amupanda has filed an urgent High Court application to stop the National Assembly from approving Electoral Commission of Namibia nominees, arguing that lawmakers lack access to key selection documents needed for informed decision-making. He is demanding disclosure of interview minutes, scoresheets, the selection committee's recommendation, and the President's nomination, claiming the lack of records prevents lawmakers from exercising constitutional oversight.

    10 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 9 July

  1. IPC warns of court challenge to ECN nomination process

    The Independence Patriots for Change has challenged the Electoral Commission of Namibia nomination process as constitutionally flawed, saying the President's letters use "nominate for approval" rather than "appointed," and threatened to approach the High Court if Parliament proceeds with approving nominees Gerson Sindano, Emmerentia Leonard, and Julieta Diva Ferreira.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 8 June

  1. Presidency denies president involvement in N$612m solar project

    The Namibian Presidency has rejected allegations that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her family were involved in a proposed N$612 million solar power project linked to the Tsumeb smelter, stating the head of state played no role in negotiation, financing, approval or implementation. The denial comes after opposition leader Panduleni Itula questioned the ownership structure and alleged companies associated with the President's sons were involved.

    8 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 7 June

  1. President's son disputes IPC claims over N$612m solar project

    The president's son, Nande Ndaitwah, is rejecting accusations by IPC president Panduleni Itula that a N$612-million solar power plant deal with Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter benefited from family connections. Itula alleged the deal involved Farm Massaus, owned by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, but Ndaitwah told The Namibian that the solar plant is not going on the farm and that the location is clear from environmental clearance documentation.

    7 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 5 June

  1. Itula questions transparency of N$612m solar project

    IPC president Panduleni Itula has raised questions about a proposed N$612 million solar power project linked to the Tsumeb smelter, alleging involvement of companies associated with President Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons and calling for full public disclosure of the project's documentation. Itula stated the issue is not whether the President's family may legally participate in business ventures, but whether sufficient transparency exists when politically connected individuals are linked to projects involving public institutions.

    5 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Nasan Energies appeals NaCC fuel sourcing ban through legal review

    Renthia Kaimbi Nasan Energies has appealed the Namibian Competition Commission's decision blocking the company from sourcing fuel from Vitol and related companies following its acquisition of 52 fuel stations. The company, represented by Ndaitwah Legal Practitioners, argues the conditions are too restrictive and has requested a five-year transitional period to build independent supply arrangements.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 8 May

  1. IPC demands transparency on Shikongo suspension procedures

    The Independent Patriots for Change says it will not take a position on whether inspector general of Police Joseph Shikongo should remain in office, but insists that due process must be followed and calls on the Executive to release all documents demonstrating compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements for suspension.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Opposition, experts voice concern over political hiring bias in Namibia

    Opposition leaders and labour experts have raised concerns about "jobs for comrades"—the practice of hiring based on political party membership and regional affiliation rather than merit. The Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says the practice undermines fair employment and compromises nationalism, tracing the issue back to post-independence hiring patterns within state-owned enterprises.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Itula criticises government's investment and employment claims

    Independent Patriots for Change president Panduleni Itula responded to the President's State of the Nation Address, arguing that Namibia's laws deter private sector investment and that the 250,000 jobs cited lack clarity on employment conditions. He also disputed the government's corruption record, noting the Transparency International score has declined despite the President's rhetoric on treating corruption as treason.

    14 April 2026 · New Era →

  2. Opposition demands transparency over dismissed minister

    IPC president Panduleni Itula called on President Nandi-Ndaitwah to publicly explain why former deputy prime minister and industries minister Natangwe Ithete was dismissed last year, citing concerns about government transparency and corruption despite the president's constitutional authority to dismiss officials without explanation.

    14 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 April

  1. VIP hospital unit contradicts healthcare reform drive, critics argue

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah ordered government officials to use public hospitals from April, but Windhoek Central Hospital's new VIP unit exclusively for senior officials has drawn opposition criticism as discriminatory and contrary to equitable healthcare goals. Opposition leaders and analysts argue the separate facility undermines the reform and mirrors apartheid-era segregation.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 11 April

  1. Itula condemns government retreat from free tertiary education pledge

    IPC president Panduleni Itula has accused the government of backtracking on its "fees must fall" promise, saying the revised approach only covers tuition and registration for eligible undergraduate students and excludes many families through reduced income thresholds and the replacement of grants with loans. Itula also raised concerns about continued suspension of postgraduate funding and infrastructure challenges at tertiary institutions.

    11 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Nasan Energies appeals five-year fuel sourcing ban from Vitol

    The Namibian Competition Commission approved Nasan Energies' acquisition of 52 service stations but barred the company from sourcing fuel from Vitol for five years to prevent monopoly concentration. Nasan has appealed the restriction and notified the energy minister of its intention to seek a review of the commission's conditions.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 22 March

  1. Opposition criticises president's midnight Independence Day TV address

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will deliver her Independence Day address live on NBC at midnight on 21 March instead of at a public event, prompting the IPC and analysts to question the decision's justification and appropriateness.

    22 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 March

  1. Swapo deputy denies allegations of Russian election campaign support

    Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has rejected allegations reported by Forbidden Stories that the ruling party requested Russian support for its 2024 election campaign. The non-profit news organization reported leaked documents from Russian operatives allegedly showing requests for funding and involvement in disinformation operations, including a fabricated letter claiming UK financing of the opposition IPC.

    19 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 March

  1. Itula attacks 2026/27 budget as wasteful, copy-paste spending

    IPC president Panduleni Itula has criticised the national budget for maintaining high operational spending while cutting development allocation, specifically flagging N$244 million spent on 243 workshops and excessive travel allowances, which he says could instead fund promised pensioner allowances and infrastructure. Other political parties and analysts dispute whether all workshop and travel spending is wasteful, noting that some supports essential government functions.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Iran-US conflict could raise Namibian food and fuel prices

    IPC president Panduleni Itula warns that the Iran-US-Israel conflict, though distant, will affect Namibians through rising fuel, food, and import costs if tensions escalate, with inflation potentially climbing from 2.9% to 3.5% or higher. AR chief whip Vaino Hangula adds that Namibia may face international pressure to adopt a clearer diplomatic stance on the Middle East crisis.

    4 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. IPC identifies N$9.3 billion wastage in government budget

    Opposition party leader Panduleni Itula claims the 2026/2027 national budget contains N$9.3 billion in wasteful spending through travel allowances, workshops, and politician pay rises. He proposes redirecting these funds to pensioners, water infrastructure, youth employment, and schools under an IPC government.

    3 March 2026 · New Era →

Monday 2 March

  1. Opposition leader alleges presidential family controls petroleum value chain

    Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, presented evidence he says shows the president's family members hold interests across the oil and gas sector—including the president's son operating a diesel distribution business at Lüderitz port and the first gentleman serving as patron of a petroleum industry forum—and called on Parliament to reject a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer licensing authority to the Presidency.

    2 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 1 March

  1. Minister warned Namport against sidelining president's son's company

    Transport minister Veikko Nekundi reportedly warned Namport bosses at a January meeting not to take business from Tradeport Namibia, co-owned by President Nandi-Ndaitwah's son Nande Ndaitwah, which Namport said stood to lose about N$20 million in annual income if it brought in a competing South African operator. Nekundi denies favouring the president's son, saying his duty is to protect local companies over foreign ones.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 27 February

  1. Namport rejects IPC claims about First Family oil involvement

    Namibia Ports Authority CEO Andrew Kanime has dismissed allegations by IPC leader Panduleni Itula that President Nandi-Ndaitwah's sons are involved in the oil and gas sector. Kanime confirmed Namport's business relationship with Tradeport Namibia (operated by the President's son Nande) involves only manganese exports from South Africa, not oil and gas activities.

    27 February 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 February

  1. President's sons deny oil industry involvement, reject Itula claims

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah's two sons have rejected opposition leader Panduleni Itula's allegations that they are involved in Namibia's oil sector through their private businesses. The brothers, who operate a farming business and a logistics company respectively, issued a detailed rebuttal denying any interest in oil and characterizing Itula's claims as lies intended to discredit the first family.

    26 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Panduleni Itula — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute