The Ministry of Works and Transport says no leadership appointments have been made for the planned national airline, Namibia Air, dismissing reports linking individuals to top positions.
The ministry’s response follows on a statement on Thursday by Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Nelson Kalangula, who accused the government of rewarding public officials implicated in governance failures by reappointing them to senior positions instead of holding them accountable.
Kalangula said the continued appointment of officials linked to misconduct, negligence or financial irregularities undermines public confidence and weakens governance.
Ministry of Works and Transport spokesperson Julius Ngweda on Friday said while a technical committee was established in 2025 to prepare for the creation of the airline, no executive or leadership posts have been filled.
“There are no formal vacancies, no names have been submitted for consideration and no appointments have been approved,” Ngweda said.
He described speculation about possible appointments as unfounded and premature.
Ngweda said once the airline is ready to recruit executives, all candidates will go through the government’s normal recruitment, vetting and due diligence processes as required by law.
He added that it would be inappropriate for the ministry to comment on whether members of the technical committee or any other individuals are suitable for positions that do not yet exist.
“The government is committed to building a national airline based on good governance, accountability and commercial sustainability. Leadership appointments will be made on merit, experience and in line with the law,” he said.
Ngweda said the ministry will update the public as key milestones in establishing Namibia Air are reached.
The previous national airline, Air Namibia, ceased operations and was liquidated in 2021, after recording financial losses that cost the government billions of Namibia dollars.
