Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has strongly dismissed allegations that members of her family have interests in Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector, describing the claims as misleading and without foundation. 'I state categorically and without reservation that my children have no interests, direct or indirect, in the oil and gas sector,' the President said in a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Head of State was responding to a news report published in a daily newspaper alleging that her family controls or benefits from the hydrocarbon industry. She has since demanded that the newspaper retract the statements and issue a public apology, or present 'credible and verifiable evidence' to substantiate the claims.
However, she emphasised that, like all Namibian citizens, her children are entitled to participate in the economy, provided they do so lawfully. 'They do so to contribute to national development, the well-being of our people, and their own lawful livelihoods,' she said, adding that her family should not be faulted for exercising rights guaranteed under the law.
The statement comes amid heightened public discussion on social media, following the removal of a journalist from State House on Monday for raising a similar matter. The editor of The Whistle Namibia, Jamima Beukes, attempted to have the President respond to allegations of her family's involvement in the oil and gas industry.
During the first Cabinet meeting of the year on Monday morning, Beukes sought to question the President regarding the alleged involvement of her family members in the oil sector. However, Nandi-Ndaitwah declined to respond, directing Beukes to the Secretary to the Cabinet, Emelia Mkusa, who was also present. When Beukes insisted that the President address her query, State House officials and presidential bodyguards escorted her out.
The incident later gained widespread attention on social media after Beukes shared her account, sparking public debate about media freedom in Namibia. It also featured prominently on the front pages of national newspapers on Tuesday.
The incident comes against the backdrop of increased public scrutiny of the oil and gas industry, which has rapidly emerged as one of Namibia's most strategic economic sectors following major offshore discoveries. Upon assuming office last year as Namibia's fifth and first female elected Head of State, Nandi-Ndaitwah placed the monitoring of hydrocarbon projects under the direct oversight of the Presidency.
When announcing her Cabinet in March 2025, she explained that the oil and gas sector would be closely monitored at the highest level of government due to its strategic importance and potential impact on the national economy. To support this effort, she appointed former Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, as her special advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency. The unit is tasked with overseeing policy and regulatory frameworks and ensuring that Namibia maximizes benefits from its oil and gas resources.
Global oil majors, including TotalEnergies, have made significant offshore discoveries in Namibia's Orange Basin, with the Venus oil fields estimated to be among the largest discoveries in sub-Saharan Africa, containing an estimated 1.5 to 3 billion barrels of recoverable oil.