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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

TransNamib

Also known as: TransNamib Holdings Limited · TNHL

TransNamib — Namibian railway operator pursuing locomotive procurement and partnering with MSC on container freight expansion between Walvis Bay and Windhoek.

2021-02-122026-10-21
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News reports

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Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

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What’s been said

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  1. May 2026

  2. The Namibian

    TransNamib experienced freight train derailment between Usakos and Kranzberg on Monday

    Source

    “A TransNamib freight train derailment between Usakos and Kranzberg on Monday disrupted operations along the railway corridor.”

    Runaway wagons derail between Usakos and Kranzberg
  3. April 2026

  4. Informanté

    TransNamib recorded 48 mainline derailments from 2020 to 2025

    Source

    “THE national rail liner, TransNamib, has said that during the period from 2020 to 2025, a total of 48 mainline derailments were recorded.”

    TransNamib says rail incidents on the decrease, close to 50 derailments recorded over past five years

  5. Informanté

    TransNamib reported an 87.5% decrease in derailments from 16 incidents in 2021/22 to two incidents in 2024/25

    Source

    “The national rail liner said that there has been a significant and consistent reduction in derailments over recent years, with an 87.5% decrease from 16 incidents in 2021/22 to two incidents in 2024/25.”

    TransNamib says rail incidents on the decrease, close to 50 derailments recorded over past five years

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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
  11. March 2026

  12. 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

  13. 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
Business

TransNamib locomotive purchase awaits lender approval process

The News

TransNamib's N$2.6 billion plan to acquire 15 new locomotives and remanufacture 17 existing units depends on approval from its lenders, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Development Bank of Namibia. The procurement will be handled by the Central Procurement Board once lender approvals are secured, after a previous procurement process was cancelled by the Minister of Works and Transport in April 2025.

14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. TransNamib locomotive purchase awaits lender approval process

    TransNamib's N$2.6 billion plan to acquire 15 new locomotives and remanufacture 17 existing units depends on approval from its lenders, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Development Bank of Namibia. The procurement will be handled by the Central Procurement Board once lender approvals are secured, after a previous procurement process was cancelled by the Minister of Works and Transport in April 2025.

    14 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. TransNamib to refurbish seventeen locomotives locally

    TransNamib's revised locomotive procurement plan calls for the purchase of 15 new locomotives and the remanufacturing of 17 existing ones, a change the ministry of works and transport says supports Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, skills transfer, and job creation. The remanufacturing must take place in Namibia, and both new and remanufactured locomotives will be acquired through the Central Procurement Board.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 11 October

  1. Man struck and killed by train near Ondangwa

    A man of unknown age died after being struck by a TransNamib train on a railway track about 15km outside Ondangwa on Saturday night at approximately 22h30. TransNamib's chief executive expressed condolences and renewed calls for the public to stay away from railway tracks.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 8 October

  1. IPC alleges TransNamib delaying disciplinary hearings for executives

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused TransNamib of shielding senior executives from disciplinary action, noting that hearings for two officials suspended in February 2026 on property mismanagement allegations have not commenced despite promises they would occur in July and August.

    8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. IPC criticises delays in TransNamib executives' disciplinary hearings

    The Independent Patriots for Change has expressed concern over delays in disciplinary proceedings against two senior TransNamib executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches. The party says no hearings have commenced as of October, despite expectations they would proceed in July and August, and questions whether junior employees face swifter consequences than senior executives.

    7 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. TransNamib faces N$851,000 unpaid work invoice dispute

    TransNamib is accused by businessman Rodney Hanganda of failing to settle an invoice of N$851,000.02 for construction and fuel infrastructure work. A former TransNamib health and safety officer corroborated that the final invoice remained unpaid, noting it was rejected after inspection found some required work incomplete.

    15 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Namibia needs integrated rail revival strategy, World Bank says

    A World Bank transport specialist visiting Namibia said the country's railway and logistics systems require infrastructure investment, policy reform, regulation and commercial restructuring to unlock their potential. The sector is constrained by underinvestment, institutional challenges and competition from road transport, and rehabilitation alone will not be sufficient without a viable commercial strategy.

    8 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 27 August

  1. IPC questions government's 500,000 jobs creation plan

    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 →

Wednesday 26 August

  1. IPC demands government detail path to create 500,000 jobs

    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 →

Monday 24 August

  1. Government allocates N$952 million to upgrade Namibia's railways

    The government is targeting the upgrading of 1 000 kilometres of Namibia's railway infrastructure in the 2026/27 financial year, with N$952.1 million directed towards modernising the national rail network under the Ministry of Works and Transport. The railway programme has received the largest allocation among transport infrastructure programmes, with targets increasing to 1 360 kilometres by 2028/29 and annual maintenance of 1 600 kilometres of railway lines.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ondangwa-Oshikango rail idle for over two years, TransNamib says

    The 57km Ondangwa-Oshikango railway line, which cost N$329 million to construct, has not operated a TransNamib train since July 2012. TransNamib attributes the suspension to reduced trade activity since the Covid-19 pandemic but says the infrastructure remains in good condition and the service has not been discontinued.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 20 August

  1. TransNamib partnership with MSC to expand container rail volumes

    TransNamib expects a strategic partnership with global shipping line MSC to significantly increase containerised cargo transported by rail between Walvis Bay and Windhoek, with volumes initially estimated at about 10,000 tonnes a month and potentially rising to around 30,000 tonnes a month by 2028.

    20 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Namibia's procurement reform seeks speed without sacrificing accountability

    Namibia's revised public procurement regulations, which came into operation on 4 August 2026, give over 80 public entities greater scope to undertake procurement independently, aiming to reduce administrative delays and improve service delivery. The success of the reform will depend on implementation rather than the regulations themselves, balancing efficiency with transparency and accountability.

    19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia revises procurement thresholds, expands entity participation

    More than 80 public entities gain broader procurement authority under Namibia's revised regulations effective August 4, 2026, aimed at reducing administrative delays, decongesting central procurement, and expanding supplier opportunities. The changes raise procurement thresholds to reflect current economic conditions including inflation and currency depreciation.

    19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 17 August

  1. Roads Authority investigates theft of 30 laptops

    At least 30 brand new HP laptops were stolen from the Roads Authority head office last month from the ICT department. The theft follows another burglary in April in which eight laptops were stolen, and allegations that surveillance cameras were tampered with; the matter is under investigation by Namibian Police.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Government flats mismanaged as bars, salons and shacks

    Government flats have been mismanaged, with tenants using rooms as barbershops, bars, cash loan services, and converting balconies into informal shacks. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has ordered the interim board of the Public Assets Management Agency of Namibia to improve oversight and turn non-service-delivery assets into profitable properties, requiring retired tenants to vacate within 30 days and settle municipal bills.

    11 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry completes 210km railway network upgrade in 2025/26

    The Ministry of Works and Transport upgraded and completed 210 kilometres of railway infrastructure during the 2025/26 financial year as part of efforts to upgrade, construct, maintain and modernise the national railway network through TransNamib. Progress was also recorded on multiple rail projects including the Kranzberg–Otjiwarongo upgrade, where 16,300 tonnes of rails and 48 turnouts were delivered representing 40% completion of Lot 1.

    11 August 2026 · New Era →

  3. Namibia develops rail corridors to strengthen regional logistics hub status

    Namibia is advancing rail infrastructure development, including the operational Walvis Bay-Karibib freight corridor launched in July 2026 targeting 25,000 tonnes monthly, and the proposed Trans-Kalahari Railway linking Walvis Bay to Windhoek, Gaborone and Johannesburg, to compete for Southern African freight volumes and secure Port of Walvis Bay traffic amid regional competition.

    11 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 10 August

  1. President challenges state enterprises to reform within 24 months

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has challenged state-owned enterprises to stop producing plans and attending meetings, and instead identify one strategic investment project and one reform that can produce measurable results within 24 months, with the test of an SOE ultimately being what it delivers to citizens and the economy.

    10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. NAB chief proposes single authority for crop sector reform

    The Namibia Agronomic Board's chief executive has called for consolidating crop-related policies and regulatory functions, currently spread across different laws and institutions, under a single institutional authority to unlock investment and strengthen agricultural value chains.

    10 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 7 August

  1. President sets 24-month deadline for SOE investment projects

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed state-owned enterprises to identify strategic investment projects ready for implementation within 24 months and specific reforms to unlock growth, saying she will "disrupt" government systems where necessary to remove barriers to delivery.

    7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Aging infrastructure challenges Namibia's public enterprises

    Several public enterprises are grappling with aging infrastructure that is costly to maintain and requires urgent modernisation. Officials stressed that public enterprises must modernise facilities and embrace digitalisation to improve efficiency and remain competitive.

    6 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 17 July

  1. Retired netball player says she played for love of sport

    Valery Pack-Mwashekele, a retired all-rounder who played top-flight netball for TransNamib, Civics, and United in the Khomas First Division, says she played for the love of the sport and not to please others. She excelled playing in centre, goal-attack, and wing-attack positions and was the first black girl to play for Windhoek High School's netball team.

    17 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Retired netball player: 'I played for the love of sport'

    Valery Pack-Mwashekele, a retired all-rounder who played for TransNamib, Civics, and United in the Khomas First Division, says she played netball for the love of the sport rather than to please others. She excelled in centre, goal-attack, and wing-attack positions and was the first Black player on Windhoek High School's netball team.

    17 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 July

  1. MTC achieves perfect score in 2026 public enterprise governance rankings

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) scored 20 out of 20 in IJG Securities' 2026 Public Enterprise Governance Ranking, which assessed public enterprises over five years on annual report publication, profitability, fiscal transfer reliance, and CEO stability. NamPort, Agribank, and NamibRe placed second with 19 points each, while NamPower and NamWater tied for fifth with 18 points.

    14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 9 July

  1. IPC demands accountability for stalled TransNamib fraud referral

    The Independent Patriots for Change has accused the government of inaction on a March 2022 Ernst & Young investigation that found prima facie evidence of fraud and theft at TransNamib, after the report was referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission in March 2022 with no subsequent prosecution or recovery of funds. The party says TransNamib fell over N$23 million behind on employee contributions during the investigation period.

    9 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 26 June

  1. Train collides with light motor vehicle at Swakopmund level crossing

    A TransNamib train and a light motor vehicle were involved in an incident at a level crossing in Swakopmund on 26 June at approximately 00:45. All occupants were assessed and transported to the state hospital but later discharged with no visible injuries reported; an investigation is underway.

    26 June 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 8 June

  1. TransNamib CEO's office burgled; laptops allegedly stolen

    TransNamib opened a theft case following a weekend break-in at its chief executive's office in Windhoek and reported the incident to police. Sources claim several laptops were stolen, including devices allegedly containing information on investigations into irregularities involving some executives.

    8 June 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. TransNamib CEO office broken into over weekend

    TransNamib's CEO office and executive wing were broken into over the weekend. Insider sources suspect the break-in resulted in the loss of information linked to forensic investigations into alleged property management irregularities and statutory breaches at the rail operator.

    8 June 2026 · Informanté →

  3. President appoints retired relative as legal adviser

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed retired chief legal adviser Chris Nghaamwa, her relative, as an adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka effective 1 June. State House defended the appointment, stating Nghaamwa's qualifications and experience in government legal roles made him suitable, and that family relationships do not render individuals unsuitable for public service.

    8 June 2026 · The Namibian →

TransNamib — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute