Sunday, 6 September 2026

Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Sunday, 6 September 2026

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Namibian press · Person

Veikko Nekundi

Also known as: Minister Veikko Nekundi · Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi · Minister Nekundi · works minister Veikko Nekundi · Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi · Nekudi · Transport minister Veikko Nekundi · works and transport Veikko Nekundi · deputy works minister Veikko Nekundi · Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi · Minister Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi

Works and Transport Minister proposing driving instructor testing standards and overseeing transport infrastructure projects and state enterprises.

2024-06-162026-09-06

What’s been said

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

August 2026
5 AugWindhoek Observer
Nekundi appointed an interim board consisting of Otniel Podewitz, Sophia Kasera, Phillip Iifo, Loide Ekandjo and Natacha Kasera-Kandombo
Source
“Following the removal of the five directors, Nekundi appointed an interim board consisting of Otniel Podewitz, Sophia Kasera, Phillip Iifo, Loide Ekandjo and Natacha Kasera-Kandombo.”
Nekundi shakes up NAC board
5 AugWindhoek Observer
Veikko Nekundi co-chaired the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting
Source
“The meeting was co-chaired by Botswana's minister of transport and infrastructure, Noah Salakae, and Namibia's minister of works and transport, Veikko Nekundi, who reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to accelerate the delivery of the project.”
Namibia, Botswana complete feasibility study for Trans Kalahari Railway project
4 AugThe Namibian
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced 15% fare increase in May
Source
“The Regional Road Public Passenger Fare Structure sets the approved fare between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund at N$58 after the 15% fare increase announced by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi in May.”
Taxi fares on Walvis – Swakop route exceed approved rates
4 AugWindhoek Observer
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi removed five members of the Namibia Airports Company Board of Directors
Source
“Sostenus Wilherm Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has removed five members of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) Board of Directors with immediate effect and appointed an interim board to steer the entity through a transition period.”
Nekundi removes five NAC board members, appoints interim board
4 AugWindhoek Observer
Nekundi appointed Otniel Podewitz as interim Deputy Chairperson and four temporary board members
Source
“Nekundi has since appointed Otniel Podewitz as interim Deputy Chairperson, while Sophia Kasera, Phillip Iifo, Loide Ekandjo and Natacha Kasera-Kandombo have been appointed as temporary board members.”
Nekundi removes five NAC board members, appoints interim board
4 AugThe Namibian
Minister Veikko Nekundi relieved of their duties five Namibia Airports Company board members
Source
“Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi announced the changes in a statement issued on Tuesday.”
Nekundi fires five Namibia Airports Company board members
2 AugThe Namibian
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi officially inaugurated the Traffic Law Enforcement Unit
Source
“The unit was officially inaugurated by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi.”
Oshana police chief calls on road users to adhere to traffic rules
2 AugThe Namibian
Veikko Nekundi has refused to comment on the matter
Source
“Nekundi has refused to comment on the matter.”
Lawyer to sue Nekundi over son’s crash
July 2026
28 JulThe Namibian
Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi says Namibia will soon have a digital road traffic system to record vehicle number plates skipping red lights
Source
“Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi says Namibia will soon have a road traffic system that can record the number plates of vehicles skipping red traffic lights.”
Oshakati to set up digital traffic system
28 JulThe Namibian
Nekundi said the establishment of the unit is not to punish drivers, but to promote road safety
Source
“Nekundi said the establishment of the unit is not to punish drivers, but to promote road safety.”
Oshakati to set up digital traffic system

Politics

Ministry confirms talks with Ethiopian Airlines on national airline

The News

The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines on strategic and technical cooperation to restart a national airline, while stressing that no binding commitments have been made and that Namibian expertise and national interests remain central. The ministry is consulting with local aviation operators to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's financial collapse.

2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 2 September

Ministry confirms talks with Ethiopian Airlines on national airline
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines on strategic and technical cooperation to restart a national airline, while stressing that no binding commitments have been made and that Namibian expertise and national interests remain central. The ministry is consulting with local aviation operators to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's financial collapse.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 1 September

Ethiopian Airlines seeks management control in Namibia Air deal
Ethiopian Airlines has indicated that management control would be a condition for any equity partnership with Namibia's planned national airline, Namibia Air. The revelation raises concerns over aviation sovereignty and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government aims to launch in December 2026.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 29 August

Nekundi plans testing mandate for all driving instructors
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has proposed that every driving instructor in Namibia be tested on driving competence, teaching ability, defensive driving knowledge, and psychometric assessment before being allowed to continue teaching, regardless of years of experience.
29 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 25 August

Air Namibia's debt spiral warns successor carrier of systemic risks
A 2001 analysis predicted Air Namibia would collapse without addressing underlying problems rather than applying temporary fixes; after the airline's liquidation and 25 years later, the author revisits the warning as Namibia Air takes shape. The piece applies systems-thinking theory to argue that repeated government bailouts masked structural failures rather than solving them.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 24 August

Ministry to regulate driving schools and instructors nationwide
The Ministry of Works and Transport is moving to regulate driving schools and instructors to improve driver training quality and road safety. The proposed framework will include registering driving schools, ensuring instructor qualifications, requiring safe training vehicles, and establishing consistent national standards.
24 August 2026 · The Namibian →
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

Government to tighten regulation of number plate manufacturers
The Ministry of Works and Transport is planning to strengthen regulations for number plate manufacturers to combat counterfeit and illegally produced plates. Minister Veikko Nekundi said the move aims to ensure every number plate is legitimate, identifiable and traceable, and requires stronger implementation, enforcement and cooperation between government agencies, police and licensing authorities.
20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 17 August

Cabinet approves PAMA to manage commercial public assets
Namibia's Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency of Namibia (PAMA), a state-owned company intended to strengthen transparent and efficient management of the country's commercial public assets. The government's immovable assets are valued at about N$47.4 billion, comprising approximately 9,640 properties including land, housing, clinics, prisons, hospitals, and schools.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 16 August

Windhoek state combines central planning with market fundamentalism
The Namibian argues that government simultaneously practices state capitalism (awarding contracts to state-owned enterprises without competitive bidding) and 1980s-style market fundamentalism, exemplified by the Public Assets Management Agency's plan to commercialise public housing and issue 30-day eviction notices to retired civil servants.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →
IPC critic challenges legitimacy of government assets agency
The IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula has raised governance and legal concerns over the government's establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency (Pama) as a profit-oriented entity before dedicated legislation governing public assets has been enacted. He argues that state properties should not be handed to a commercially driven entity without full parliamentary scrutiny and explicit legislative boundaries, and warns that interim board appointments could undermine corporate governance and be subject to political control.
16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 14 August

SPYL welcomes progress on national airline revival plan
SWAPO Party Youth League Secretary Ephraim Nekongo has welcomed progress toward reviving Namibia's national airline, citing the handover of licences, acquisition of aircraft, and a scheduled first flight in the first week of December as evidence that lessons from past failures have been drawn.
14 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 13 August

Botswana and Namibia complete Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study
Botswana and Namibia have completed the feasibility study for the proposed Trans-Kalahari Railway, a 1,850-kilometre project linking Botswana's mining areas with Namibia's Port of Walvis Bay through approximately 1,025 kilometres of new track and 825 kilometres of upgraded existing rail lines. The two governments will now review the findings to determine financing structures and procurement processes.
13 August 2026 · Informanté →
Minister hands over N$132 million Walvis Bay road rehabilitation
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi officially handed over a N$132 million road rehabilitation project covering six deteriorating roads and roughly eight kilometres across Walvis Bay, a collaboration between the Roads Authority, Road Fund Administration, and Walvis Bay Municipality with Unik Construction as contractor. Nekundi emphasised the need for accountability, on-time delivery within budget, quality standards, and fair treatment of workers.
13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 11 August

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 →

Sunday 9 August

Namibia Air receives air service licences for national carrier
The Transportation Commission of Namibia has approved Namibia Air's applications for scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences, formally handing them over to the Ministry of Works and Transport. The approval clears a critical path toward establishing the country's new national carrier.
9 August 2026 · Informanté →
Fired NAC board members appeal to president over minister dismissal
Five Namibia Airports Company board members, dismissed by the minister of works and transport over an N$5,000 vehicle buyout, plan to appeal to the president, claiming the minister's action was unauthorised interference. The board argues the buyout was justified as employees forfeited their vehicle scheme, saving the parastatal over N$40 million, and the company has since become profitable.
9 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 8 August

Namibia Air targets December launch without secured funding or aircraft
Namibia Air received its air service licence but has yet to secure funding or purchase aircraft, with the Cabinet still to decide on the proposed course of action. The airline's board chairperson said acquiring aircraft could take one to six months depending on lease availability.
8 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 7 August

IPC warns Namibia Air faces critical hurdles before commercial flights
The Independent Patriots for Change cautions that Namibia Air's air operating licence should not be mistaken for approval to fly commercially, warning that regulatory, operational and financial requirements remain outstanding. The opposition party questions the government's target of launching flights by December, noting the licensing process has already taken eight months instead of the usual two.
7 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Air receives operational licences from transport commissioner
Namibia Air has been granted approval to operate scheduled and unscheduled air services by transport commissioner Joshua Kaumbi, with licences valid for five years from 6 August 2026. The airline still requires an Air Operator Certificate before commercial operations can begin, with the government targeting the first week of December for initial flights.
7 August 2026 · New Era →
NAC board dismissal raises governance questions beyond one enterprise
An editorial examines the dismissal of the Namibia Airports Company board by Minister Veikko Nekundi, arguing the dispute highlights broader questions about whether political authority should override institutional governance in state-owned enterprises. The former board members defend their record, citing a return to profitability and unqualified audit opinions, while asserting the case tests government's adherence to the rule of law.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Former NAC board members challenge minister's power to remove them
Five members of the Namibia Airports Company Board of Directors, fired by Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, have disputed the legality of their removal and defended their tenure, citing inherited financial and operational pressures including losses of N$111.7 million in 2020/2021 and N$93.7 million in 2022.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

Namibia Air receives operating licenses for first flight
Namibia Air has received its Air Operating Licenses, effective from 6 August and valid for five years. The airline's first flight is scheduled for the first week of December, with the next stage being acquisition of an Air Operator Certificate.
6 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Air receives five-year operating licence
Namibia Air has received its Air Operating Licences valid for five years from 6 August 2026, enabling the national carrier to acquire aircraft and begin operations. The airline's first commercial flight is expected during the first week of December.
6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Minister Nekundi defends removal of five NAC board members
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has defended his decision to remove five Namibia Airports Company board members on Tuesday, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen governance, accountability and stability at the state-owned aviation company. Nekundi said he acted within his constitutional and legal mandate and appointed an interim board to oversee the company during a transitional period.
6 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 5 August

Trans-Kalahari Railway moves to implementation after feasibility study
Namibia and Botswana have completed a feasibility study for the N$264 billion Trans-Kalahari Railway and are now moving toward implementation. The 1,690-kilometre cross-border rail project linking Botswana's coal fields to Namibia's Walvis Bay port is projected to create 10,000 direct jobs in its first phase—6,000 for Batswana and 4,000 for Namibians.
5 August 2026 · New Era →
Nekundi removes five NAC board members, appoints interim board
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has removed five members of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) board with immediate effect and appointed an interim board comprising Otniel Podewitz (deputy chairperson), Sophia Kasera, Phillip Iifo, Loide Ekandjo and Natacha Kasera-Kandombo to ensure continuity and strengthen governance structures at the state-owned enterprise.
5 August 2026 · Informanté →
Works minister removes five NAC board members immediately
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi removed five members of the Namibia Airports Company board of directors and appointed interim directors to oversee the entity during a transition period. The ministry said the changes were aimed at ensuring continuity, stability, and strengthened governance structures at the state-owned airport operator.
5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia and Botswana complete Trans Kalahari Railway feasibility study
Botswana and Namibia have completed the feasibility study for the Trans Kalahari Railway project, a multi-billion-dollar regional rail corridor, moving toward the next phase of implementation. Both governments, represented by their transport ministers, reaffirmed commitment to the project and signaled that construction timelines are expected soon.
5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 4 August

Walvis Bay-Swakopmund taxi fares exceed government-approved rates
Commuters on the Walvis Bay to Swakopmund route are being charged N$70, exceeding the government-approved fare of N$58 set after a 15% increase announced in May. Taxi operators say the approved increase was too small given rising operating costs, while the Namibian Transport and Taxi Union states it wanted a larger fare adjustment.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Works minister removes five NAC board members
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has removed five members of the Namibia Airports Company Board of Directors with immediate effect and appointed an interim board, with the changes effective 4 August 2026 to ensure continuity and strengthen governance at the state-owned aviation company.
4 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →