Also known as: Itula · Panduleni · Pandulenti Itula · IPC leader · Dr Panduleni Itula · Shapwa Panduleni
Panduleni Itula — Independent Patriots for Change president, critiques government on tertiary education, budget spending, oil sector governance, and proposed petroleum legislation.
The Independent Patriots for Change appointed Rodrick Likando as its new parliamentary chief whip on Thursday, replacing Rodney Cloete. Likando described the change as "standard procedure" and a "normal change of guard."
21 February 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change appointed Rodrick Likando as its new parliamentary chief whip on Thursday, replacing Rodney Cloete. Likando described the change as "standard procedure" and a "normal change of guard."
21 February 2026 · The Namibian →
PDM leader McHenry Venaani asked Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi why Imms Nashinge, leader of the official opposition, has not yet been assigned a government car as part of his benefits. Nekundi said Nashinge was previously offered vehicles which he refused, but assured that a new fleet arriving soon will include a vehicle for the opposition leader.
19 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Shapwa Panduleni launched Lenis Cakes in June 2022 after struggling with unemployment, teaching herself baking through online tutorials and now successfully serving Windhoek and northern Namibia. She balances the growing business with her nursing studies, crediting family inspiration and faith for helping her persevere through challenges like limited equipment and rising ingredient costs.
18 February 2026 · New Era →
Multiple opposition parties have objected to a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer oil and gas regulatory authority from the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Energy to the Presidency, warning it could enable political interference, corruption, and undermine parliamentary oversight. The bill requires support from all 51 Swapo parliamentarians to pass in the 96-seat National Assembly.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC president Panduleni Itula says the proposed petroleum amendment bill, which would shift oil and gas regulatory powers from parliament to the Presidency, undermines constitutional oversight and must be rejected entirely. Itula argues the bill introduces authoritarianism and corruption risks, calling on all parliamentarians to unite against it regardless of political affiliation.
12 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian opposition leaders have divided over a proposed amendment to transfer upstream petroleum powers from the mines and energy minister to the Office of the President. While the government argues the change will strengthen governance of the emerging oil and gas sector, opposition figures including IPC leader Panduleni Itula, APP's Imms Nashinge, and PDM's McHenry Venaani warn that the shift risks undermining parliamentary oversight, constitutional separation of powers, and regulatory accountability.
11 February 2026 · New Era →
International oil giants TotalEnergies and Petrobras announced the acquisition of a stake in oil block PEL104 without prior ministerial approval, prompting the Namibian government to declare the move unlawful. Both companies have since denied wrongdoing and said the transaction remains subject to regulatory approval from the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Independent Patriots for Change leader Panduleni Itula has called for the withdrawal of the petroleum bill, arguing it transfers oil and gas sector powers to the president's office and undermines parliamentary authority, while increasing the likelihood of corruption.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Multiple opposition figures have criticized President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's placement of upstream oil and gas activities under her office, citing concerns about conflict of interest and lack of ministerial accountability. The president has categorically denied reports that her children have interests in the sector, while opposition leaders argue the arrangement violates constitutional principles and creates transparency risks.
5 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has categorically denied allegations that her family has interests in the oil and gas sector, and has demanded a retraction and public apology from The Namibian newspaper or credible evidence to support the claims. She stated that like any Namibian citizens, her children have the right to participate in the economy within the confines of the law.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →