The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has called for the immediate removal of Executive Director in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Jonas Sheelongo, from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, Namibia Air. IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula made the demand, citing Sheelongo's alleged record at Air Namibia, which raises serious governance and public interest concerns. The party warned that his involvement could lead to a repeat of the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's collapse.
According to Kalangula, the Deloitte investigation conducted in 2014 cited Sheelongo in connection with alleged gross insubordination, breaches of internal procedures, and actions taken without the required authority. The investigation specifically mentioned Sheelongo's role in the transition from Airbus A340 to A330 aircraft, the inspection and procurement process involving Airbus A319 aircraft, a Frankfurt catering supplier contract, and the management of an onboard duty-free contract. IPC alleges that Sheelongo signed a contract without the necessary authority and failed to comply with Air Namibia's Financial Delegations Policy and Purchasing Policy.
The IPC's demand for Sheelongo's recusal comes as the government advances plans for the new airline, with discussions underway with Ethiopian Airlines and other aviation stakeholders. The ministry has confirmed that no binding agreement has been concluded, but the engagements aim to identify a financially and commercially viable model. The government has said it wants to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's collapse, which left the airline with substantial financial liabilities of close to N$5.4 billion at the time of its liquidation in 2021.
When contacted for a response, Sheelongo told the Windhoek Observer that he had not seen Kalangula's statement and did not have time to read it at that moment. He asked which Deloitte investigation the IPC was referring to and when it was published. The IPC's call for Sheelongo's recusal is based on concerns that his involvement in the new airline's planning and negotiations would create an unacceptable governance risk and put public funds at risk.
The IPC is also demanding comprehensive background checks on people involved in Namibia Air and wants the government to publicly disclose how aircraft selection, leasing arrangements, procurement, and governance structures will be handled. The party insists that public funds must be protected and that the new airline should be built around transparency, accountability, and sound governance. Kalangula said parliament and the public were still awaiting an official update from the Anti-Corruption Commission on irregularities and statutory violations allegedly highlighted in the forensic investigation.
The ministry has previously said a technical committee was established to prepare for the new airline and that no executive or leadership appointments had been made for Namibia Air. The IPC said it would continue monitoring the establishment of Namibia Air, emphasizing the need for stronger governance safeguards. Kalangula said the Namibian public cannot afford another cycle of costly mismanagement and unauthorized executive decision making.
The controversy surrounding Sheelongo's involvement in Namibia Air highlights the challenges facing the government's efforts to establish a new national airline. The IPC's demands reflect concerns about governance and public interest, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the establishment of the new airline. The government's response to the IPC's demands and the eventual structure and leadership of Namibia Air will be closely watched.
Key points
- The IPC demands Jonas Sheelongo's recusal from Namibia Air talks due to alleged governance concerns.
- The Deloitte investigation cited Sheelongo for alleged gross insubordination and breaches of internal procedures during his time at Air Namibia.
- The IPC calls for comprehensive background checks and transparent governance structures for Namibia Air.
