The Ministry of Works and Transport has emphasised that no leadership positions at the planned national airline, Namibia Air, have been filled.

In a statement, the Ministry dismissed recent speculation about appointments, saying no names have been formally considered or approved for any leadership role.

The Ministry was responding to public speculations regarding the new national airline leadership positions.

Its Chief Public Relations Officer explained that the Ministry cannot validate individuals mentioned in public discussions and described the claims as unfounded.

Julius Ngweda highlighted that all senior appointments will follow government recruitment procedures, including due diligence and vetting processes, in line with Namibian laws and governance requirements.

He stressed that these procedures are non-negotiable and will be applied uniformly, in strict accordance with Namibian law and governance protocols.

Ngweda confirmed that the Technical Committee on the Establishment of the airline was indeed formally constituted last year to undertake the critical groundwork required for this national project.

However, he stressed that with specific reference to the individuals of the committee whose names have been raised on several public platforms, the Ministry holds that it would be procedurally inappropriate and premature to comment on their suitability for positions that do not yet exist as formal vacancies.

Ultimately, the government is deeply committed to ensuring that the revival of the national airline will be guided by sound governance, accountability, commerce and transparency.

Ngweda further assured the public that when leadership appointments are eventually made, they will be based on merit, experience and strict adherence to the established governance framework.