Also known as: member of parliament Rodney Cloete
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian who questions government accountability on transparency, fuel supply deals, board appointments, and official conduct.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Rodney Cloete questioned what stripping consular services from US mission in Namibia means for future bilateral relations
“Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) shadow minister of international relations Rodney Cloete questions what this decision means for future relations between Namibia and the US.”
Namibians may face new US visa processThe Namibian
Shadow minister Rodney Cloete demanded that Amutse explain the full terms and conditions of the Vitol supply agreement, including pricing methodology
“Cloete demanded that Amutse explain the full terms and conditions of the Vitol supply agreement, including the pricing methodology.”
Opposition demands answers on Vitol oil dealThe Namibian
Rodney Cloete says board work has evolved from part-time civic contribution to full-time income stream for politically connected class
“"It means board work has evolved from a part-time civic contribution into a full-time income stream for a politically connected class without any of the accountability mechanisms that attend professional employment performance reviews, outcome measurement, or termination for cause," he says.”
The side hustle of sitting on boardsThe Namibian
Rodney Cloete says appointments largely driven by personal connections and favouritism rather than merit
“He says appointments are largely driven by personal connections and favouritism, rather than merit or performance.”
The side hustle of sitting on boardsThe Namibian
Member of parliament Rodney Cloete has rejected the Icelandic minister's statement on Fishrot corruption
“In response to the Icelandic minister's remarks, member of parliament Rodney Cloete has rejected the statement and says it does not reflect the wider nature of the Fishrot case.”
Iceland finance minister faces backlash after blaming Namibia for Fishrot corruptionThe Namibian
Rodney Cloete claimed Nathaniel-Koch was part of tourism board during alleged N$3.4 million in excessive spending
“Cloete claimed Nathaniel-Koch was part of the tourism board when about N$3.4 million in public funds was spent on excessive travelling across 21 foreign trips, first-class flights in violation of board policy, and legal fees to dismiss a finance manager who questioned those payments.”
IPC flags Nathaniel-Koch for Lands TribunalThe Namibian
Rodney Cloete questioned Mouton's appointment to Namport board
“Cloete posed a question on the appointment of Mouton to works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi during a National Assembly session on Tuesday.”
IPC MP questions appointment of Namport chairperson linked to GIPF's diverted N$7.3mThe Namibian
Cloete called for urgent, credible mediation through multilateral channels, including the United Nations and the African Union
“"We call for urgent, credible mediation through multilateral channels, including the United Nations and the African Union, because dialogue remains the only exit that does not bury more civilians," he says.”
IPC calls for de-escalation, diplomacy in Iran warThe Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Rodney Cloete says state-funded residences should remain state property
“Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of international relations Rodney Cloete says state-funded residences should remain state property.”
Mansions for presidents on chopping blockThe Namibian
Rodney Cloete was replaced by Likando as chief whip after holding position since last year
“He replaces Rodney Cloete, who has held the position since last year.”
IPC chief whip replacement normal – LikandoThe US State Department is reportedly cutting visa-issuing consulates and embassies on the African continent, including Namibia's, according to the Associated Press. The closest remaining visa-processing hubs would be South Africa's consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or Angola's Luanda consulate.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The US State Department is reportedly cutting visa-issuing consulates and embassies on the African continent, including Namibia's, according to the Associated Press. The closest remaining visa-processing hubs would be South Africa's consulates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or Angola's Luanda consulate.
3 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has called on the energy ministry to explain why it awarded international oil trader Vitol a three-month exclusive fuel supply contract without competitive tender. Shadow minister Rodney Cloete questioned the lack of transparency, the full terms of the agreement including pricing, and cited Vitol's 2020 admission of bribery in three countries.
2 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Deputy Speaker Philippus Katamelo has been appointed chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament's Permanent Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, a position that involves guiding the committee's work on foreign policy, diplomacy, and peace issues. Katamelo is heading Namibia's parliamentary delegation at the Extraordinary Session of the 7th Pan-African Parliament in South Africa.
5 May 2026 · New Era →
Board earnings for chairs and senior members at Namibian banks, listed companies and state-owned enterprises range from N$400,000 to N$1.6 million annually. Opposition chief whip Rodney Cloete argues board work has shifted from part-time public service to a full-time income stream for a politically connected group, often appointed through personal connections rather than merit.
4 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Pan-African Parliament in South Africa this week is electing a new bureau after resolving a 15-year argument about leadership representation. In May 2017, the PAP passed a resolution to introduce regional rotation of the presidency, addressing a pattern in which only east, west, and central African leaders held the top position during the institution's first 18 years.
28 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Iceland's finance minister Daði Már Kristófersson has said corruption in the Fishrot case reflects Namibia and not Iceland, following media coverage of Icelandic fishing company Samherji's operations. Namibian MP Rodney Cloete rejected the statement, arguing it ignores the role of foreign companies involved in the scandal.
27 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has dismissed allegations published by Forbidden Stories, based on leaked documents linked to Russian intelligence, that he solicited millions of dollars to support Swapo's 2024 election campaign. He said he will not pursue legal action and denied ever requesting external funding for the party.
25 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Rodney Cloete has challenged Namibia Tourism Board vice chairperson Rachel Nathaniel-Koch's nomination as Lands Tribunal board chairperson, citing alleged financial misconduct including N$3.4 million in excessive travel expenses and her previous removal from the Transportation Commission. Cloete raised questions with the agriculture minister about whether she is fit for the position and demanded a full vetting report; Nathaniel-Koch responded that she was unaware of the nomination and is willing to respond once the matter is clarified with her.
14 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete questioned the appointment of Namibian Ports Authority chairperson Jerome Mouton, whose company Myrtle Growth Capital Namibia was deregistered by financial regulators after N$7.3 million of Government Institutions Pension Fund money intended for a school was diverted. Cloete asked Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi whether due diligence was conducted before Mouton's appointment and called for disclosure of all Namport board members' business interests.
4 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Rodney Cloete has called for urgent multilateral mediation and restraint following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, warning that regional escalation threatens Namibia's cost of living through disrupted shipping lanes and rising fuel and food prices.
3 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Nandi-Ndaitwah is reportedly pushing to end the practice of allocating state-funded mansions to former presidents, preferring instead to accept a portion of benefits for her own retirement home. The review of the Former Presidents' Pension and Other Benefits Act will also examine extending benefits to vice presidents, amid criticism that such perks are excessive given widespread hardship among ordinary Namibians.
27 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 →
Several Namibian lawmakers have given notice of parliamentary questions on pressing national issues: judicial understaffing and magistrate workload; the country's grey listing status and oil sector regulatory violations; support needed for dairy and poultry sectors amid production gains; drug use and rehabilitation services in schools; and electricity tariff methodology and consumer protection measures.
18 February 2026 · New Era →
With heightened US interest in Namibia's uranium, lithium, and oil resources, Namibian trade officials say they will promote mineral beneficiation, downstream processing, and manufacturing partnerships rather than exporting raw materials alone. The government aims to position Namibia as a stable investment partner and regional logistics hub, with US ambassador visiting the Erongo region to assess energy opportunities including the Orange Basin and Port of Walvis Bay.
17 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 →
Lawmakers have urged the government to negotiate stronger, value-driven deals as the US seeks to position Namibia as a strategic partner for uranium and offshore oil and gas resources. Parliamentarians stress that Namibia must prioritize national interests and negotiate from strength, with some citing Venezuela's institutional collapse as a cautionary lesson.
10 February 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah faces mounting calls to disclose her family's alleged business interests in Namibia's oil and gas sector, after a journalist was removed from State House for pressing her on the matter. Political analysts, parliamentarians, and civil society groups are demanding transparency and parliamentary scrutiny, citing concerns about accountability and conflict of interest given the president's direct control over the industry.
4 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Politicians have criticised the Office of the President for failing to hold Minister James Sankwasa accountable after he made xenophobic comments about a Zimbabwean journalist, with opposition figures and analysts arguing the Presidency should have condemned his remarks rather than deflecting responsibility to the relevant line ministry.
30 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Development Bank of Namibia reported a 42% increase in operating profit to N$88.3 million for 2024/25 and secured significant international funding, but opposition lawmakers questioned whether strong financial results are translating into inclusive development, particularly in historically marginalised regions.
21 January 2026 · New Era →
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to recall parliament early to address youth unemployment and other national issues, but lawmakers are divided on the proposal, with some opposing it as a breach of agreed standing rules while others support early resumption to hold government accountable.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade is investigating the alleged trafficking of 24 Namibians in Myanmar and Thailand, with four already facilitated to return. The government is prioritizing humanitarian aid and repatriation while investigations continue to verify whether individuals are trafficking victims or involved in other criminal circumstances.
15 January 2026 · New Era →
American content creator Darren Watkins Jr (IShowSpeed), with over 47 million YouTube subscribers, has confirmed he will visit Namibia despite a recent permit issue involving his private jet operator. The NCAA had denied landing approval due to insufficient notice and incomplete documentation, but Speed says he will visit every country on his tour itinerary, now using commercial flights after rescheduling.
8 January 2026 · The Namibian →
American YouTuber Darren Watkins Jr (IShowSpeed), with over 47 million subscribers, says he will still visit Namibia after a private jet operator failed to secure landing permits in time. The Civil Aviation Authority received the permit application less than 11 hours before the intended landing, and various officials and legislators have debated whether the bureaucratic process could have been expedited given the potential tourism benefit.
7 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Trade, alongside political parties, condemned the United States' military strike against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, citing violations of international law and national sovereignty. The government reaffirmed solidarity with Venezuela based on shared anti-colonial history, though some opposition figures questioned the framing while still opposing unilateral military intervention.
6 January 2026 · New Era →