Ithete dismissed over expired oil block deal, Angolan trip

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday dismissed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Natangwe Ithete over allegations of violating a presidential moratorium on oil deals and renewing an expired oil block license without prior approval.Namibian Sun also understands that a trip that Ithete recently took to Angola also ruffled feathers, with allegations that oil matters were discussed without the consent of the president, under whose direct purview oil matters now resort.But it is allegedly the exploration petroleum license (EPL) for an oil block owned by Paragon Holdings, a company controlled by businessmen Desmond Amunyela and Lazarus Jacobs, that angered the president most. The license, initially issued in 2011, had expired. Despite this, Ithete reportedly renewed it two months ago, allegedly in breach of the moratorium, which requires all such deals to receive presidential approval. Amunyela had not responded to a request for comment yesterday.Namibia&#039;s oil and gas sector has recently been marred by scandals involving senior officials from the ministry of mines and energy and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor). Several businessmen and former executives are in custody, facing charges related to bribery, money laundering, and the irregular allocation of oil exploration licenses.These scandals have eroded public trust in the management of Namibia&#039;s emerging petroleum wealth, sparking calls for stronger oversight and transparency.In a March 2025 Cabinet appointment, Nandi-Ndaitwah placed the country’s growing oil and gas sector under the direct oversight of the Presidency. This move was intended to centralize control, improve efficiency, and ensure the sector’s benefits are equitably distributed.In a statement released yesterday afternoon, the Presidency confirmed the dismissal: "In accordance with Article 32(6) of the Constitution, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made an executive decision to relieve Honourable Natangwe Ithete of his duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, with immediate effect."The statement further noted that Nandi-Ndaitwah would temporarily take on the responsibilities of the ministry of industry, mines, and energy "to ensure continuity and effective coordination within this key sector."The President expressed appreciation for Ithete’s service, adding that he would remain a member of parliament."The Presidency reaffirms its commitment to sound governance, accountability, and the effective implementation of national priorities to achieve Namibia’s vision of sustainable and inclusive development," the statement concluded.According to government sources, the head of state was also unhappy with two officials allegedly linked to the oil block renewal - Petroleum Commissioner Maggie Shino and Charles Mbeha, the deputy director for petroleum legal compliance, and local content in the Upstream Petroleum Unit. Their exact roles in the matter, if any, are not clear at the moment. Sources claimed that the President had instructed Ithete to dismiss both individuals, but Ithete allegedly failed to act on this directive.Ithete and Shino did not respond to requests for comment.Ithete was appointed to his roles in March 2025 as part of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new administration.Namibia, rich in natural resources, aims to begin crude oil production by 2030 following several major offshore discoveries. The country also mines commodities like uranium and diamonds, although poverty remains widespread.During his brief tenure, Ithete had gained attention for advocating for increased state ownership in natural resource projects, proposing that Namibia raise its stake from 10% to as much as 50%. He was quoted earlier this year saying that stakes of 3%, 10%, or even 15% were insufficient. "We want a minimum of 50% in all mines. If they do not want to, they must pack and leave," he stated. "This idea of being told we don’t have the capacity or equipment is nonsense—we’ll find other investors."His remarks reportedly angered some industry figures, and sources claimed he was later asked to apologize.Ithete’s short tenure was also marked by controversy when he told a crowd in Khorixas recently that he would only collaborate with Swapo office bearers, warning that communities electing opposition leaders were “bringing hunger upon themselves.”

Ithete dismissed over expired oil block deal, Angolan trip

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-12

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Ithete dismissed over expired oil block deal, Angolan trip

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-12

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