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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

TransNamib

Also known as: TransNamib Holdings Limited

State-owned Namibian rail operator managing national railway network; faces frequent derailments and infrastructure challenges amid locomotive fleet issues.

2021-02-122026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. April 2026

  2. The Namibian

    TransNamib has secured board approval to pilot a hydrogen-powered locomotive

    Source

    “TransNamib says it has secured board approval to pilot a hydrogen-powered locomotive as part of efforts to modernise its fleet and cut emissions.”

    TransNamib tests hydrogen-powered locomotive

  3. The Namibian

    TransNamib will conduct a six-month trial of a prototype dual-fuel locomotive powered by hydrogen and diesel

    Source

    “TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld said the state-owned rail operator will conduct a six-month trial of a prototype dual-fuel locomotive powered by hydrogen and diesel, in partnership with CMB.Tech, a local maritime hydrogen specialist.”

    TransNamib tests hydrogen-powered locomotive

  4. Informanté

    TransNamib was involved in a fatal pedestrian incident near Okahandja

    Source

    “A MALE pedestrian was fatally struck by one of the trains of the national rail liner, TransNamib, near Okahandja.”

    TransNamib train involved in fatal pedestrian incident near Okahandja

  5. The Namibian

    TransNamib confirmed a pedestrian fatality near Okahandja from train strike

    Source

    “TransNamib confirmed the incident in a media statement.”

    Pedestrian fatally struck by train near Okahandja

  6. The Namibian

    TransNamib reported train was travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, within regulated speed limit

    Source

    “Preliminary investigations show that the train was travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, which is within the regulated speed limit, TransNamib said in the statement.”

    Pedestrian fatally struck by train near Okahandja
  7. March 2026

  8. Informanté

    TransNamib was involved in a train accident in Oshivelo area on 24 March 2026

    Source

    “A TRAIN accident in the Oshivelo area in the evening hours of 24 March 2026 has led to the amputation of the leg of a one-year-old baby in the Oshivelo-Omuthiya area. This is the second TransNamib train incident, after a train also derailed on Monday in Swakopmund.”

    Train accident causes amputation of one-year-old in Omuthiya-Oshivelo train incident

  9. Informanté

    TransNamib is investigating the cause of a train derailment near Swakopmund

    Source

    “TransNamib is still investigating the cause of the train derailment that took place on Monday night near Swakopmund.”

    TransNamib investigates Swakopmund train derailment, suspects tampering

  10. The Namibian

    TransNamib refuted allegations, stating they adhere to all procurement processes

    Source

    “The TransNamib board of directors last week refuted the allegations, stating that they adhere to all procurement processes.”

    Nekundi to probe alleged ‘unlawful’ rail contract

  11. The Namibian

    TransNamib manages Namibia's rail system

    Source

    “The rail system, managed by TransNamib, has historically played a vital role in linking our ports, towns, mines, farms and communities.”

    Restoring Namibia’s Railways: A Shared Opportunity

  12. New Era

    TransNamib plans to dispatch a team to investigate and interview at least nine witnesses following a derailment that claimed two lives

    Source

    “Rail carrier TransNamib plans to dispatch a team to the south to investigate and interview at least nine witnesses following a derailment that claimed two lives.”

    TransNamib probes Rovos derailment
Mining & Energy

Namibia pursues green hydrogen projects despite legal framework gaps

The News

The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.

Why it matters

Namibia's pursuit of green hydrogen projects positions the country for 30,000 green jobs and industrial leadership in southern Africa.

3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. Namibia pursues green hydrogen projects despite legal framework gaps

    The National Planning Commission director general said Namibia is ready to move from planning to implementation of green hydrogen projects, despite the absence of dedicated legislation. The government aims to create 30,000 green jobs by 2030 and position Namibia as a low-carbon industry platform for southern Africa.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. TransNamib backs safety reforms following Rovos Rail derailment

    An independent investigation by South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on 1 March has reinforced the need for continued improvements in rail safety and operational systems. TransNamib says recommendations from the report will be reviewed and incorporated into ongoing safety enhancement programmes.

    3 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. TransNamib receives independent rail accident investigation report

    TransNamib has received an independent investigation report from South Africa's Railway Safety Regulator into a March 2026 Rovos Rail derailment south of Keetmanshoop that killed two people, caused when rains washed away sections of track. The report findings were presented to TransNamib leadership and union representatives, but the operator has not yet shared the conclusions publicly.

    3 June 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 30 May

  1. TransNamib northern railway faces infrastructure challenges despite N$1.17bn investment

    TransNamib's northern railway line, which runs from Tsumeb through Ondangwa to Oshikango and received N$1.17 billion in investment, faces severe infrastructure and capacity challenges including the need for rail upgrades, limited rolling stock capacity, and regulatory gaps. The government is demanding board accountability over frequent derailments on the line.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 29 May

  1. Only one of TransNamib's 17 modern locomotives operational

    A parliamentary oversight report has found that only one of TransNamib's 17 locomotives purchased in 2017 to modernise Namibia's rail network is currently operational.

    29 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. TransNamib executives suspended for misconduct return to work

    Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. TransNamib to relaunch N$1.7 billion locomotive procurement tender

    A year after cancellation over single-sourcing concerns, TransNamib will restart the process to buy 23 new locomotives for N$1.7 billion following an independent technical evaluation of manufacturers. The procurement will proceed through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia using secured development finance.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Nekundi directs newly appointed SOE boards to improve performance

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has instructed newly appointed boards of the Roads Contractor Company, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority and TransNamib Holdings Limited to urgently improve performance, accountability and service delivery. Nekundi ordered the RCC to submit outstanding annual reports and complete projects on time and within budget, directed the aviation authority to strengthen surveillance systems and address concerns raised by recent plane crashes, and demanded an end to delays in TransNamib's locomotive remanufacturing and frequent derailments.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. TransNamib freight train derails between Usakos and Kranzberg

    A TransNamib freight train derailed on Monday between Usakos and Kranzberg after wagons experienced uncontrolled movement, disrupting railway operations. No injuries were reported; the cause remains under investigation and recovery operations are underway.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Customs and excise offices relocate to Southern Industrial

    Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) has begun moving customs and excise offices to a newly established One-Stop centre on Reger Street in the Southern Industrial area. Currently, only limited services including motor vehicle clearance certificates and booking of physical inspections are available, while payments and other services remain at the Eros Airport office during the transition.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 28 April

  1. TransNamib reports 48 mainline derailments over five years

    The national rail operator TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments, 39 fatalities, and 45 level crossing incidents between 2020 and 2025, with an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 2021/22 to 2024/25. TransNamib attributes incidents to vandalism, theft, and flash floods, and says it uses patrols, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure investment to reduce them.

    28 April 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 2 April

  1. TransNamib pilots hydrogen-diesel locomotive in emissions trial

    State-owned rail operator TransNamib has secured board approval for a six-month trial of a dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel locomotive on the Walvis Bay-Windhoek corridor in partnership with local maritime hydrogen specialist CMB.Tech. The pilot will assess fuel consumption, reliability, operational efficiency, maintenance and cost-effectiveness, with potential fleet transition contingent on trial outcomes.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 1 April

  1. TransNamib train fatally strikes pedestrian near Okahandja

    A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a TransNamib train near Okahandja on 31 March 2026, the third train incident recorded in March. The train was travelling at 52 km/h within the speed limit when the pedestrian attempted to cross the railway line in a non-residential area.

    1 April 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Male pedestrian killed after being struck by train near Okahandja

    A male pedestrian died on Tuesday afternoon near Okahandja after attempting to cross railway tracks and being struck by a train travelling at 52 kilometres per hour, within regulated speed limits. TransNamib said it maintains strict safety measures and is expanding community outreach programmes to educate the public about railway safety.

    1 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. Train accident causes amputation of child in Oshivelo area

    A TransNamib train accident in the Oshivelo area on 24 March resulted in the amputation of a one-year-old's leg. An LPM parliamentarian attributed the incident to a contractor's failure to clear bushes in the area, prompting questions about compensation avenues for TransNamib-related injuries.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. TransNamib investigates suspected tampering in Swakopmund train derailment

    A TransNamib train derailed near Swakopmund on Monday night at 28 km/h, with preliminary indications suggesting possible tampering with rail equipment; no injuries were reported and damage was minimal, with re-railing expected to be completed shortly.

    25 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Minister to investigate alleged conflicts in N$175m rail contract

    Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has pledged to investigate allegations that TransNamib executive engineers who are board members of a joint venture improperly awarded a N$175 million railway maintenance contract without proper procurement processes. TransNamib denies the allegations, stating it adheres to all procurement procedures and holds 51% of the joint venture.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 18 March

  1. Namibia's railway network needs urgent maintenance and public-private collaboration

    A railway maintenance company argues that Namibia's ageing rail infrastructure, managed by TransNamib, requires proactive maintenance, clearer accountability, and closer partnership between government and private contractors to improve safety, reduce costs, and create skilled employment for young Namibians.

    18 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 13 March

  1. TransNamib launches inquiry into Rovos Rail derailment that killed two

    TransNamib is investigating a derailment of a luxury Rovos Rail train about 100km from Keetmanshoop that killed two people. A nine-member panel will conduct a departmental inquiry next week in Keetmanshoop, examining the circumstances of the incident, safety procedures, and potential maintenance lapses.

    13 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Namibia tests first green hydrogen-powered freight locomotive

    Namibia is preparing to launch its first heavy-duty freight locomotive powered by locally produced green hydrogen later this year, a partnership between CMB.Tech Namibia, TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The hydrogen-powered locomotive will operate between Walvis Bay and Windhoek for a trial period of 50 round trips, with hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.Tech's plant in Walvis Bay.

    13 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Namibia tests first green hydrogen-powered freight locomotive

    Namibia is launching its first heavy-duty freight locomotive powered by locally produced green hydrogen later this year, a partnership between CMB.Tech Namibia, TransNamib and Africa Global Logistics. The dual-fuel locomotive will conduct 50 round trips between Walvis Bay and Windhoek, with hydrogen produced off-grid at CMB.Tech's plant in Walvis Bay.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Rovos Rail train derails near Naute, killing two people

    A Rovos Rail train derailed near Naute, about 100 kilometres from Keetmanshoop, early Sunday morning, killing two people. TransNamib CEO Desmond Van Jaarsveld confirmed the incident and said emergency teams were dispatched immediately; an investigation into the cause is underway.

    3 March 2026 · New Era →

  2. Government cuts funding to state-owned enterprises in 2026/27

    The finance ministry plans to reduce subsidies and capital transfers to state-owned enterprises from N$1.3 billion in 2025/26 to N$615.7 million in 2026/27, citing fiscal consolidation and high public debt. Several SOEs including TransNamib and the Agricultural Bank of Namibia will receive no government transfers, while priority support goes to the National Housing Enterprise and Road Fund Administration.

    3 March 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

  2. IPC demands rail safety inquiry after Rovos train derailment

    The Independent Patriots for Change has raised concerns about Namibia's railway infrastructure following a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on Sunday that killed two people and injured four. The party's shadow minister called for a transparent investigation, full disclosure of inspection and safety certification records, and strengthened oversight of TransNamib and rail safety authorities.

    2 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Rovos Rail train derails at collapsed bridge, two killed

    A Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Naute, about 100km from Keetmanshoop, on Sunday morning when a bridge gave way following heavy rains in southern Namibia. Two people died in the accident, and emergency services and TransNamib teams assisted survivors.

    2 March 2026 · Informanté →

Sunday 1 March

  1. Two dead in Rovos Rail train derailment near Keetmanshoop

    A luxury Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop on Sunday morning, killing two people. TransNamib chief executive Desmond van Jaarsveld confirmed the deaths and said emergency response teams were dispatched immediately, with authorities now investigating the cause.

    1 March 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Rovos Rail train derailment kills two near Keetmanshoop

    A Rovos Rail passenger train derailed near Keetmanshoop after a bridge gave way following heavy rains, killing two people. Emergency services attended the scene, and survivors are receiving support at a facility near Fish River Canyon while authorities investigate the cause.

    1 March 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 16 February

  1. TransNamib suspends two executives over alleged misconduct

    TransNamib's Board has temporarily suspended two executives, Webster Gonzo (Executive – Human Capital) and Alynsia Platt (Executive – Properties), following a forensic investigation into property mismanagement, disposal irregularities, and statutory breaches. The suspensions are pending disciplinary proceedings.

    16 February 2026 · Informanté →

  2. TransNamib suspends executives pending disciplinary proceedings

    TransNamib has temporarily suspended two executives—Webster Gonzo (human capital) and Alynsia Platt (properties)—following a forensic investigation into property mismanagement, disposal irregularities, and statutory breaches. The suspensions will remain in place pending disciplinary proceedings.

    16 February 2026 · The Namibian →

TransNamib — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute