Rodney Cloete

Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian who challenged government appointments and called for diplomacy on Iran; replaced as parliamentary chief whip in April 2026.

Politics

President's family oil interests spark transparency calls, journalist escorted out

The News

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 →

Wednesday 4 February

President's family oil interests spark transparency calls, journalist escorted out
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 →

Friday 30 January

Politicians criticise Presidency for not condemning minister's xenophobic remarks
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 →

Wednesday 21 January

DBN reports 42% profit rise but faces questions on development reach
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 →

Tuesday 20 January

Parliamentarians divided over Venaani's early recall proposal
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 →

Thursday 15 January

Ministry investigates trafficking of 24 Namibians in Myanmar, Thailand
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 →

Thursday 8 January

YouTuber IShowSpeed confirms Namibia still on African tour
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 →

Wednesday 7 January

YouTuber IShowSpeed confirms Namibia visit despite permit delay
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 →

Tuesday 6 January

Namibia condemns US military action against Venezuela, Maduro captured
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 →