Also known as: member of parliament Rodney Cloete
Rodney Cloete — IPC shadow minister who scrutinizes government spending, investment claims, and trade agreements.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Rodney Cloete
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New Era
Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Rodney Cloete gave notice to ask questions on the nation's trade regulatory framework concerning grey listing status.
“Trade Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Rodney Cloete gave notice to ask, on Tuesday, the 19th of February 2026, questions in regard to the nation's trade regulatory framework concerning the grey listing status of the country.”
Parliament BriefsNew Era
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete noted that Namibia can leverage partnerships through strong diplomacy and ambassadors
“In addition, Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete noted that by bolstering diplomacy and strengthening the quality of its ambassadors, Namibia stands a good chance to leverage these partnerships.”
US appetite in Nam’s oil spikes …Namibia rejects raw exports, pushes beneficiationThe Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete says Namibia should focus on negotiating from strength
“He argues that Namibia should focus on negotiating from strength, citing Venezuela's institutional failure as a lesson in preparation rather than fear.”
Namibia urged to negotiate from strength as US seeks strategic energy, mineral partnershipsThe Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Rodney Cloete slammed the Presidency's response as disappointing for not condemning minister's remarks
“Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of international relations Rodney Cloete yesterday slammed the Presidency's response as disappointing as it does not condemn the minister's remarks.”
Politicians slam Presidency for dodging accountability over minister James Sankwasa’s xenophobic attacks on journalistNew Era
Rodney Cloete, member of parliament and shadow minister for IPC questioned whether DBN profit growth translates into inclusive development
“However, the bank's performance has drawn criticism from the official political opposition, with questions raised about whether strong financial results are translating into inclusive development.”
DBN posts 42% profit jump, secures major funding … official opposition questions development impactNew Era
Rodney Cloete questioned why public pressure was needed to force ministry transparency
“After the ministry's statement, official opposition party Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Rodney Cloete questioned why it took public pressure to force the ministry to be transparent and why no warning was issued when the first victims were rescued last year.”
24 Namibians fall prey to Asian ‘traffickers’The Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change chief whip Rodney Cloete describes the initial failure to grant the streamer's private jet a landing permit as a failure of vision
“Independent Patriots for Change chief whip Rodney Cloete describes the initial failure to grant the streamer's private jet a landing permit as a failure of vision.”
IShowSpeed says Namibia still part of African tourThe Namibian
Independent Patriots for Change chief whip Rodney Cloete describes the initial failure to grant the streamer's private jet a landing permit as a failure of vision
“Independent Patriots for Change chief whip Rodney Cloete describes the initial failure to grant the streamer's private jet a landing permit as a failure of vision.”
IShowSpeed says Namibia still part of African tourThe Ministry of Works and Transport has challenged an audit finding that 53 government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were missing from the pool vehicle register, arguing they had been recorded in a Permanent Allocated Vehicle Register instead. The Windhoek Observer editorial calls for complete records and independently verifiable evidence to resolve the discrepancy.
16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has challenged an audit finding that 53 government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were missing from the pool vehicle register, arguing they had been recorded in a Permanent Allocated Vehicle Register instead. The Windhoek Observer editorial calls for complete records and independently verifiable evidence to resolve the discrepancy.
16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The ministry of works and transport has rejected an Auditor-General's finding that 53 newly acquired government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were "missing" or not recorded in the pool vehicle register, saying the vehicles were permanently allocated to specific government offices and recorded in a separate register.
16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government's 24% stake in the delayed Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project faces scrutiny as the company's final investment decision has been pushed to the end of 2027. Government officials defend the investment as funded through blended finance, while opposition politicians warn that state costs will mount during further delays.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete is demanding that the government explain Namibia's position on the proposed sale of De Beers, citing Botswana's parliament being informed while Namibia's has not been. Cloete questions whether Namibia was approached to join the Global Diamond Consortium bidding for Anglo American's 85% stake, and seeks clarity on the diamond sales agreement with De Beers that expired in May.
5 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Columbia University adjunct professor Jenik Radon has warned that Namibia could benefit from delaying TotalEnergies' final investment decision on its Venus oilfield to prepare its legal framework, cautioning that international oil companies can take advantage if a country's legal system is not prepared.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Jenik Radon, a Columbia University adjunct professor, told the Bank of Namibia symposium that delaying TotalEnergies' final investment decision on its Venus oilfield would give Namibia time to prepare its legal framework and avoid disadvantageous terms like stabilisation clauses.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of international relations and trade claims investment projects linked to its initiatives created 9,343 permanent jobs across 28 projects attracting N$66.85 billion, but opposition shadow minister Rodney Cloete argues only 951 permanent jobs were actually recorded.
29 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade reported facilitating 28 portfolio projects that attracted N$66.85 billion in investment and created 9 343 permanent jobs, but the figures faced parliamentary opposition questioning over data accuracy and timeline verifiability. Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said the ministry's role is to facilitate job creation through trade and investment, with projects spanning agriculture, mining, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, chemicals and digital services.
28 September 2026 · The Namibian →
International oil trader Vitol, awarded sole rights to supply Namibia's fuel for three months, has demanded additional government compensation after supplying only 70% of expected volumes. The government has extended Vitol's supply rights for October as a "once-off final arrangement" that will not be renewed, though Pakote stressed this extension does not commit the government to pay for unsold fuel.
14 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change have flagged the government's decision to extend its emergency fuel supply agreement with Vitol Bahrain EC into October as raising procurement and transparency concerns. The opposition party calls on the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy to publicly disclose the cost of the extension, table the extension instrument in Parliament, and open a competitive tender for fuel suppliers from 1 November.
11 September 2026 · The Namibian →
International fuel trader Vitol will be the sole supplier of fuel to Namibia for October 2026, extending an interim arrangement that began in July intended to secure 100% of fuel requirements during international oil market volatility. The extension has drawn criticism from opposition figures for lack of transparency and open tender, with concerns that the emergency arrangement is becoming a procurement method.
11 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Minister Inge Zaamwani has withdrawn Rachel Nathaniel-Koch's nomination as chairperson of the Land Tribunal to protect the integrity of the appointment process, and will instead appoint Ngakumbirue Katjivena, a legal expert admitted to the High Court, to the position.
9 September 2026 · The Namibian →
An editorial argues that Memoranda of Understanding do not constitute binding agreements and typically bypass parliamentary scrutiny, and that Namibia should focus on measurable economic outcomes rather than ceremonial "signing" events with other countries.
30 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has questioned how the government will deliver on its promise to create 500,000 jobs, arguing that jobs require business expansion, factory processing, market access for farmers, and operating investments — not speeches and ceremonies alone. The party highlighted concerns including only nine certificates of origin issued under the African Continental Free Trade Area and rail infrastructure failures, citing TransNamib's last recorded train movement in July 2024.
27 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change has challenged the government to explain how its economic diplomacy, trade agreements and infrastructure investments will deliver 500,000 jobs promised by President Nandi-Ndaitwah, arguing that jobs require increased business activity and production rather than speeches and memoranda of understanding.
26 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A consignment of Jet A-1 aviation fuel that arrived at Walvis Bay failed routine testing, creating shortages at Windhoek airport. Passenger flights to Europe, including Discover Airlines services to Frankfurt and Munich, now require refueling stops in Luanda, Angola, under an emergency fuel supply arrangement with Vitol.
23 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Political parties have called on deputy chief justice and judge president Petrus Damaseb to reject his nomination to serve on Tanzania's post-election violence commission of inquiry. Job Amupanda and the Independent Patriots for Change cite concerns over the process, Namibia's silence on alleged human rights abuses, and international criticism of previous Tanzanian inquiries, arguing that Damaseb's participation could lend credibility to a commission of uncertain independence.
8 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Opposition parties AR and IPC have accused the Namibian government of compromising judicial independence by nominating deputy chief justice Petrus Damaseb to serve on a Tanzanian Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating post-election violence. AR contends the nomination was a political act facilitated through government channels rather than proper judicial cooperation.
6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The National Planning Commission said government will only factor oil income into fiscal planning once oil and gas projects reach a final investment decision, and that borrowing decisions are based on broader economic projections rather than a single sector. The clarification followed criticism from the Independent Patriots for Change, which had accused the NPC director general of proposing that Namibia borrow against future oil revenues despite sector uncertainty.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC shadow minister Rodney Cloete raised concerns that Namibia's N$245 million smart-city grant from China could create long-term technological dependence and data control risks, arguing that hidden agreements and lack of auditability make it a potential liability rather than genuine assistance.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change has called on the government and state-owned Namcor to provide full transparency on Namibia's offshore petroleum developments, particularly regarding Galp's transaction with TotalEnergies, which received regulatory approval in July. The IPC emphasised that Namcor's financial obligations, development exposure, and revenue expectations must be clarified.
31 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Pan-African Parliament has called for an immediate end to the conflict in Sudan and recommended an extraordinary session to develop a roadmap for peaceful resolution, with Namibia's Head of Delegation to the parliament presenting a report that examined the security crisis and humanitarian impact of the conflict.
29 July 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia has tabled a roadmap at the Pan-African Parliament calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, a parliamentary fact-finding mission, and action against foreign interference fuelling the conflict. The recommendations include convening a special PAP session on Sudan, rejecting the parallel government established by the Rapid Support Forces, and condemning external actors prolonging the crisis.
29 July 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Pan-African Parliament delegation, led by Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo, has commenced Permanent Committee sittings ahead of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament, scheduled to begin on 27 July 2026 in Midrand, South Africa. The committee meetings, running until 25 July, form part of preparations to review matters under the various PAP committees' mandates.
22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Seventy-two Namibians repatriated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks say they hope to return once anti-immigrant violence subsides, as the government indicated it will assess future assistance requests on a case-by-case basis and that repatriated citizens remain free to decide where they live and work.
16 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Former mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo has called on the government to publish a clear implementation plan for Namibia's nine cooperation agreements with China signed during a presidential state visit in July, saying the country must move from diplomatic agreements to concrete industrial planning with measurable economic benefits and identify priority minerals, processing stages, infrastructure gaps, and annual targets for investment and exports.
14 July 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah led a delegation of six ministers and more than 200 businesspeople to China to pursue partnerships in mining, agriculture, and logistics. China was Namibia's second-largest trading partner last year, with trade reaching N$40 billion.
7 July 2026 · The Namibian →
More than 100 Namibians living in South Africa are voluntarily seeking repatriation to Namibia amid rising xenophobic tensions; Namibian authorities are arranging repatriation and verification processes following reports of attacks on foreign nationals.
1 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian transport companies are withdrawing drivers from South Africa ahead of a planned anti-immigrant protest and a 30 June deadline set by protesters for illegal immigrants to leave. The withdrawals are disrupting cross-border trade, with companies citing driver safety concerns and insurer warnings of security risks.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The Institute of Public Policy Research has released its procurement tracker and called for an in-depth investigation into healthcare sector procurement, describing it as a persistent governance challenge. Research shows corruption in the sector has been ongoing for a decade, and the IPPR notes that key laws including the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 and the Access to Information Act of 2022 have been passed but not implemented.
22 June 2026 · The Namibian →