Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on IPC leader Dr Panduleni Itula to substantiate allegations that her son holds stakes in Namibia’s petroleum industry, as the Presidency dismissed the claims and urged the opposition leader to provide credible and verifiable evidence. The Presidency further clarified that the Petroleum Amendment Bill currently before Parliament applies strictly to upstream petroleum activities and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and responsible resource governance.
Full statement:
The Presidency has taken note of the media statement issued by Dr. Panduleni Itula, President of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and Leader of the Official Opposition in the Republic of Namibia, containing allegations relating to purported business interests connected to Namibia’s petroleum sector.
The Presidency reiterates that the Petroleum Amendment Bill currently before Parliament relates strictly to the Upstream Petroleum industry, namely petroleum exploration and production activities. These activities are legally distinct from downstream petroleum operations such as fuel importation, transportation, storage and retail trade, which remain regulated under the Ministry of Industries Mines and Energy.
Given the seriousness of the allegations made, such claims would reasonably require credible and verifiable evidence supported by a clear documentary paper trail demonstrating ownership or beneficial interest in upstream petroleum licences. The Presidency therefore respectfully calls upon Dr. Panduleni Itula to substantiate the claims advanced.
The Presidency remains committed to transparency, responsible resource governance and evidence‑based public discourse in safeguarding Namibia’s emerging petroleum sector.
Photos: Namibian Presidency/IPC
