Vetaruhe Kandorozu

Also known as: Kandorozu · Kandorozo · the MP · the lawmaker · Nudo Member Parliament · Zebaldt Ngaruka Nudo Vetaruhe Kandorozu · honourable Kandorozu

Nudo MP addressing parliamentary questions on corruption in government ministries and public services.

Politics

MP's race comments spark parliamentary chaos and public debate call

The News

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp condemned remarks by National Unity Democratic Organisation MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who told deputy education minister Dino Ballotti that he is from Italy and that Namibians do not look like him, calling for the matter to be addressed at the highest level. Kandorozu initially refused to apologize, saying his comments were meant as a joke, though he later withdrew them; Steenkamp said the incident dehumanised Namibians and argued that Namibia belongs to all its people.

6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

MP's race comments spark parliamentary chaos and public debate call
Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp condemned remarks by National Unity Democratic Organisation MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who told deputy education minister Dino Ballotti that he is from Italy and that Namibians do not look like him, calling for the matter to be addressed at the highest level. Kandorozu initially refused to apologize, saying his comments were meant as a joke, though he later withdrew them; Steenkamp said the incident dehumanised Namibians and argued that Namibia belongs to all its people.
6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 5 March

NUDO parliamentarian withdraws inflammatory remarks toward deputy minister
NUDO's Vetaruhe Kandorozu told Education Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti to "go back to Italy" and made comments about white people not being Namibian in the National Assembly on Wednesday, forcing Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo to adjourn the session; Kandorozu later withdrew his remarks after being told they were "unparliamentary" and not in the interest of building the nation.
5 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 18 February

Road minister cites budget constraints delaying MR112 upgrade
Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi told Parliament that insufficient funds prevent upgrading all roads the country needs, though he confirmed the MR112 road between Okahandja and Okondjatu remains a priority with construction expected to begin in 2026/27 after consultant procurement started in 2025. Nekundi attributed road accidents to driver behaviour rather than road conditions.
18 February 2026 · New Era →

Friday 13 February

Opposition parties unite against bill shifting oil powers to presidency
Multiple opposition parties have objected to a petroleum amendment bill that would transfer oil and gas regulatory authority from the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Energy to the Presidency, warning it could enable political interference, corruption, and undermine parliamentary oversight. The bill requires support from all 51 Swapo parliamentarians to pass in the 96-seat National Assembly.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 7 February

Police pursue officers implicated in corruption, drugs nationwide
Inspector General Joseph Shikongo says disciplinary and criminal proceedings are under way against officers implicated in corruption, drugs and other offences, as MPs express concern that such arrests are eroding public trust in the police force. Recent cases include officers arrested for drug smuggling, theft, firearms trafficking, and extortion.
7 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 February

Oshana police commander calls for end to officer bribery
Oshana police regional commander Naftal Sakaria has discouraged the public from offering officers bribes disguised as "cool drink money," saying society must uphold integrity to avoid becoming a "banana republic where law enforcement can just be bought." Responding to corruption concerns and a proposal to rotate officers between stations, Sakaria acknowledged the challenges of redeployment such as housing and family relocation, and said the Oshana region instead moves officers between stations and units.
6 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 February

President's family oil interests spark transparency calls, journalist escorted out
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah faces mounting calls to disclose her family's alleged business interests in Namibia's oil and gas sector, after a journalist was removed from State House for pressing her on the matter. Political analysts, parliamentarians, and civil society groups are demanding transparency and parliamentary scrutiny, citing concerns about accountability and conflict of interest given the president's direct control over the industry.
4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 28 January

Nudo parliamentarian urges party unity amid internal divisions
Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu has called on party members to end infighting and groupings, saying the divisions have cost the party parliamentary seats and the Okakarara constituency in November's regional elections. He urged adherence to party structure and succession plans to prevent further losses and encourage members to work towards party goals.
28 January 2026 · New Era →