Namibia Minute.
Friday, 23 October 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hourWork with us
Friday, 23 October 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
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 · Honourable Veikko Nekundi

Veikko Nekundi — Works and Transport Minister overseeing road infrastructure, vehicle regulations, and transport projects including pedestrian bridges and the Southern Link road.

2024-06-162026-10-23

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Veikko Nekundi

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

Order a news report

Tell us where to reach you and we’ll be in touch to agree the period and format.

What’s been said

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

  1. July 2026
  2. The 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
  3. Windhoek Observer

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced plans to introduce digital vehicle number plates, expand intelligent traffic surveillance systems and strengthen traffic officer powers

    Source

    “Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has announced plans to introduce digital vehicle number plates, expand the use of intelligent traffic surveillance systems and strengthen the powers of traffic officers through legislative reforms, as the government moves to tighten road law enforcement and curb the country's rising road crash toll.”

    Nekundi plans digital number plates to curb traffic violations
  4. Windhoek Observer

    Nekundi announced that Road Fund Administration allocated N$3.1 million for 2025/26 for Oshakati traffic law enforcement unit

    Source

    “Nekundi announced that the Road Fund Administration (RFA) allocated N$3.1 million during the 2025/26 financial year to establish the Oshakati town council traffic law enforcement unit, with a further N$700 000 allocated during the current financial year for patrol vehicles, specialised equipment, uniforms and other operational requirements.”

    Nekundi plans digital number plates to curb traffic violations
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Minister Veikko Nekundi raised concerns over regulatory compliance within Namibia's e-hailing industry

    Source

    “It also comes months after minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi raised concerns over regulatory compliance within Namibia's growing e-hailing industry and called for stricter enforcement of public transport laws.”

    Yango under scrutiny over ‘phantom’ trips, driver verification concerns
  6. Windhoek Observer

    IPC called on minister Veikko Nekundi to review all investigation reports involving senior officials

    Source

    “The party called on the minister of works and transport, Veikko Nekundi to review all investigation reports involving senior officials in state-owned enterprises under the ministry and to ensure that the recommendations contained in those reports are implemented.”

    IPC questions public sector appointments
  7. Informanté

    Minister Veikko Nekundi visited and assessed progress on Tsandi–Onesi–Epalela Road Project

    Source

    “Nekundi visited the Tsandi–Onesi–Epalela Road Project on Tuesday to assess progress, identify challenges, engage with workers and contractors, and review the implementation of the project.”

    Nekundi assesses Tsandi-Epalela road upgrade, warns contractors on delays and poor workmanship
  8. Informanté

    Minister Veikko Nekundi warned contractors to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards and comply with labour regulations

    Source

    “MINISTER of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has expressed satisfaction with progress on the upgrading of District Road 3616 in the Omusati Region from gravel to bitumen standard, while warning contractors involved in road projects to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards and comply with labour regulations.”

    Nekundi assesses Tsandi-Epalela road upgrade, warns contractors on delays and poor workmanship
  9. New Era

    Transport minister Veikko Nekundi confirmed that the two countries are working towards launching the fully operational joint airline before the end of 2026

    Source

    “During recent interviews, transport minister Veikko Nekundi confirmed that the two countries are working towards launching the fully operational joint airline before the end of 2026.”

    Namibia Air takes off
  10. Windhoek Observer

    Minister Veikko Nekundi publicly warned against officials receiving housing benefits while occupying government accommodation

    Source

    “Only recently, Minister Veikko Nekundi publicly warned against precisely this form of "double-dipping", emphasising that officials occupying government accommodation while receiving housing benefits would face eviction and financial consequences.”

    Public office is not a buffet: Allegations must trigger accountability, not administrative convenience
  11. Windhoek Observer

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi warned civil servants against double-dipping practice, stating it violates government policy

    Source

    “Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi recently warned civil servants against this exact practice, stating that it violates government policy and that eviction proceedings commence immediately for any official found to be double-dipping.”

    Otjiwarongo CEO accused of ‘double-dipping’ on housing benefits…allegedly resides in council-owned house while receiving a housing allowance

Yesterday

  1. Construction Industries Bill stalled in government consultation

    The long-awaited Construction Industries Bill remains stuck in final stages of internal government processes, with Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi citing repeated consultations as the cause of delay.

    22 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Wednesday 21 October

  1. Minister Nekundi denies pressuring RCC boss over fuel payments

    Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi has denied contacting Roads Contractor Company acting chief executive Dasius Nelumbu to approve fuel payments to Eco Fuel, a company linked to fugitive Victor Malima. Malima and associates were paid N$30 million to supply fuel to RCC but failed to deliver N$17 million worth of fuel.

    21 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC shadow minister questions N$70m cost of two pedestrian bridges

    Opposition politician Nelson Kalangula has challenged the government's N$70 million estimate for two pedestrian bridges along Windhoek's Western Bypass, demanding a detailed cost breakdown. The works and transport minister has said designs have been approved and construction is expected to begin between 19 November and 1 December 2026.

    21 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 19 October

  1. Two pedestrian bridges planned for Western Bypass

    Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi announced that two pedestrian bridges along the Western Bypass in Windhoek will cost N$70 million, with construction expected to begin in November. Nekundi defended speed humps on the road and said pedestrians have experienced zero crashes since their installation.

    19 October 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

Monday 12 October

  1. Government's Namibia Air feasibility study kept secret from public

    The government is preparing to launch Namibia Air in December following a N$20 million feasibility study, but the study's findings have not been made public or available to parliamentarians, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers about lack of transparency.

    12 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 11 October

  1. RCC acting CEO blames political interference for fuel payment scandal

    The acting chief executive of the Roads Contractor Company alleges that political interference and a fellow executive caused the company to pay N$17 million for fuel that was never delivered, with payments made to a company linked to fugitive Victor Malima. The acting CEO, who was placed on forced leave, has called for a commission of inquiry to clear his name and investigate alleged lost RCC assets and questionable contracts.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 9 October

  1. President welcomes Namport's N$90 million football and sport investment

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Namport's N$90 million commitment over three years for sport and the announcement of a Namport–NFA football sponsorship, describing it as the largest annual sponsorship in Namibian football history at N$30 million per year.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namport commits N$90 million to Namibian football sponsorship

    The Namibia Ports Authority has committed N$90 million to Namibian football over three seasons at N$30 million per year, channeled through the Namibia Football Association starting in the 2026/27 season. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called it the largest annual sponsorship in Namibian football history and demanded transparent management and accountability, with funds to benefit all 14 regions, national and regional leagues, women's football, and youth development.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Minister Nekundi opens final section of Windhoek Southern Link road

    Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi officially opened the final 1.5-kilometre dual carriageway section of Windhoek's Southern Link, connecting the Auaspoort Interchange to the B1 route towards Rehoboth. The project represents a total investment of approximately N$231.6 million, including N$220.1 million in construction costs and N$11.4 million for consultancy services, with N$50 million allocated to SMEs.

    8 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  2. 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 →

Monday 5 October

  1. Opposition, unions support security plates but warn on costs

    Parliamentary opposition and transport-sector stakeholders back the government's plan to introduce high-security vehicle number plates with QR codes to combat fraud, but warn that the cost of transition must not fall on already-struggling public transport operators like taxi and bus services.

    5 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 3 October

  1. Karibib–Usakos road and traffic circle officially opened

    The upgraded Karibib–Usakos Road and Usakos Traffic Circle in Erongo Region have been officially opened by Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, marking a milestone in regional connectivity and safety. The minister warned road users to adhere to traffic regulations and cautioned truck drivers against overloading, saying the practice could damage the million-dollar investment.

    3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 2 October

  1. Namibia to introduce new security vehicle number plates

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced that Namibia will soon introduce new vehicle number plates with enhanced security features including barcodes to combat fraud, vehicle theft, and manipulation of registration details. The ministry has activated regulations for number plate manufacturers and is consulting stakeholders; all number plates, including private and public transport plates, will be replaced.

    2 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government activates regulations for number-plate manufacturer registration

    Number-plate manufacturers have been operating in Namibia without mandatory registration despite existing regulations, but Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi announced in Parliament that the government has activated Part 5 of the Road Traffic and Transport Regulations to require manufacturers to register. The activation follows technical challenges including lack of harmonised standards across SADC.

    2 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 28 September

  1. Anti-Corruption Commission summons NAC chief for questioning

    The Anti-Corruption Commission has summoned Namibia Airports Company chief executive Bisey Uirab for questioning regarding procurement and governance irregularities. The ACC director general confirmed the meeting but declined to disclose details, citing confidentiality of the investigation.

    28 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Naloba opposes government's 10% local content requirement

    The Namibia Local Businesses Association has called on Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi to withdraw the government's 10% local-content requirement for foreign contractors.

    28 September 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Friday 25 September

  1. Business group disputes railway contract local participation threshold

    The Namibia Local Businesses Association has called on Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi to withdraw a requirement that foreign contractors allocate at least 10% of contract value to Namibian-registered companies on railway projects, arguing the threshold should be raised to 40% to better serve local enterprises.

    25 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Traditional leader seeks timeline clarity on Okahandja-Okondjatu road

    The Mureti Royal House of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority has called on the government to accelerate construction of the Okahandja-Hochfeld-Okondjatu road, citing the lack of clear timelines and slow progress despite a commitment from works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi last year. The road is described as important for communities in Otjozondjupa and could improve regional connections while reducing pressure on the B1.

    23 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

  1. IPC demands details on Namport port concessions

    Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister Nelson Kalangula is questioning the awarding of long-term concessions at Namibia's ports, raising concerns over Namport's future revenue, operations, and local jobs, and has demanded details from works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi on all active, awarded, and pending concessions at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz ports.

    18 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

  1. China Railway to compensate family of worker killed on site

    Lazarus Hedimbi, a 34-year-old mechanic for China Railway Seventh Group, died on Monday after a fitting from an excavator struck him in the chest near Heroes' Acre. Following employee outrage and intervention by transport authorities, the company agreed to compensate his family and assist with funeral expenses.

    17 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Walvis Bay airspace downgraded to uncontrolled Class G status

    Walvis Bay International Airport's airspace has been downgraded to Class G uncontrolled airspace, prompting the Independent Patriots for Change to raise concerns about air traffic control capacity, aviation safety, and delays in weather information provision. The downgrade means the airport will no longer have the same level of controlled-airspace services, potentially creating hazards during coastal fog and reduced visibility.

    17 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. Same-sex marriage remains illegal in Namibia, minister clarifies

    Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel told parliament that same-sex couples cannot legally marry under Namibian law. He clarified that a May 2023 Supreme Court judgment allows recognition of same-sex marriages concluded outside Namibia for immigration purposes only, and does not legalise same-sex marriage within the country. Parliament passed legislation in 2024 defining marriage, though it has not yet been operationalised.

    16 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. WhatsApp message falsely claims High Court legalized same-sex marriage

    A WhatsApp message circulating on social media falsely claimed the High Court had ruled in favour of same-sex marriage in Namibia. The office of the judiciary and the ministry of justice and labour relations have clarified that same-sex marriage remains illegal in Namibia.

    16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Opposition rejects health directive requiring state hospital use

    A presidential directive requiring senior public servants to use state health facilities instead of private ones took effect 1 April, but several parliamentarians have opposed it, citing shortages of equipment, medicines, and staff in public hospitals. The president has not visited a hospital under the directive, saying she remains in good health.

    15 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister clarifies same-sex marriage remains illegal in Namibia

    Justice Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel clarified that same-sex marriage is not currently legal in Namibia, following National Assembly comments suggesting a court ruling had legalized it. He explained that a May 2023 Supreme Court judgment concerned recognition of same-sex marriages concluded outside Namibia for immigration purposes only, and that the Marriage Act No. 14 of 2024 defines marriage as a union between persons of opposite sex, though it has not yet been operationalized.

    15 September 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Ministry proposes 13 requirements for driving school regulation

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has unveiled 13 proposed requirements to tighten regulation of driving schools, including compulsory formal training, testing and certification for instructors. The proposals are expected to come into effect on 1 April 2027.

    8 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 7 September

  1. Roads Authority investigates links between driving schools, Natis examiners

    The Roads Authority is investigating complaints of possible conflicts of interest between driving schools and Namibia Traffic Information System (Natis) driving test examiners. Driving school owners and instructors have raised concerns that some examiners own or have family ties to driving schools, which they say creates bias in learner driver assessments.

    7 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. 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 →

Veikko Nekundi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute