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Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

TransNamib

Also known as: TransNamib Holdings Limited

TransNamib — Namibia's state railway enterprise operating freight corridors including Walvis Bay-Karibib, recovering from infrastructure challenges and fraud allegations.

2021-02-122026-09-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026

  2. The Namibian

    TransNamib reported the accident occurred at around 05h00 about 100km from Keetmanshoop

    Source

    “The accident occurred at around 05h00 about 100km from Keetmanshoop, according to TransNamib.”

    Two dead in Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop

  3. Informanté

    TransNamib activated its emergency response plan without delay following the derailment

    Source

    “Emergency services from Keetmanshoop were dispatched to the scene, while TransNamib activated its emergency response plan without delay.”

    Fatal train accident claims two lives near Keetmanshoop
  4. February 2026

  5. Informanté

    TransNamib Board resolved to temporarily suspend Webster Gonzo and Alynsia Platt for alleged irregularities

    Source

    “THE TransNamib Board has confirmed that it has resolved to temporarily suspend two executives, namely Webster Gonzo (Executive – Human Capital) and Alynsia Platt (Executive – Properties), for alleged irregularities.”

    TransNamib announces the temporary suspension of two executives over alleged misconduct

  6. The Namibian

    TransNamib suspended two executives over property mismanagement and statutory breaches

    Source

    “TransNamib has temporarily suspended two of its executives over property mismanagement and statutory breaches.”

    TransNamib suspends two executives over property mismanagement probe

  7. The Namibian

    TransNamib was the location of a fatal stabbing murder

    Source

    “A man who fled the scene after reportedly murdering his brother at Gobabis' TransNamib railway area on Thursday was arrested at the town's dumping site on Sunday.”

    Gobabis man arrested over brother's railway murder
  8. January 2026

  9. The Namibian

    Talpark netball club was later renamed TransNamib

    Source

    “I started playing for the Talpark netball club, which was later renamed TransNamib, while still at high school.”

    Theresa van der Westhuizen: TransNamib to Stellenbosch netball star
  10. May 2025

  11. The Namibian

    TransNamib is exploring new locomotive options after tender cancellation

    Source

    “TransNamib is exploring new locomotive options after a N$2.5-billion tender was cancelled due to geopolitical concerns and procurement irregularities.”

    TransNamib seeks new locomotives after N$2.5-billion tender cancelled over geopolitics
  12. May 2024

  13. The Namibian

    TransNamib had employees arrested for stealing fuel from a company train

    Source

    “Erongo police spokesperson chief inspector Ileni Shapumba has confirmed the investigation of a case against two TransNamib employees arrested two weeks ago for stealing fuel from a company train.”

    TransNamib workers arrested for fuel theft
  14. March 2024

  15. The Namibian

    TransNamib will spearhead the Hyrail green hydrogen project with Hyphen Technical and CMB Tech

    Source

    “He said the Hyrail project, which is the country's third green hydrogen project, will be spearheaded by TransNamib, Hyphen Technical and CMB Tech, with the University of Namibia as an academic partner.”

    Namibia to produce first green hydrogen, ammonia in July
  16. October 2023

  17. The Namibian

    TransNamib is receiving four engineers from China to assemble locomotives and train staff

    Source

    “FOUR engineers from China arrived on Thursday to take charge of assembling locomotives and training staff at national railway operator TransNamib.”

    China sends railway experts as part of TransNamib project
Politics

IPC questions government's 500,000 jobs creation plan

The News

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 →

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 →

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 →

TransNamib — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute