Mathews Hamutenya denies political connections in Namibia fuel deal amid controversy
via The Namibian5 min read
Businessman Mathews Hamutenya has denied political connections to State House and disavowed involvement in the Namibian government's decision to award international oil trader Vitol the sole right to supply fuel to Namibia for the next three months. Hamutenya's name surfaced on social media after the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, announced the deal. This agreement is seen as beneficial for Hamutenya, who is a partner with Vitol in a storage facility. Hamutenya clarified that his business is with Vitol SA Ltd Pty, not Vitol Bahrain, the entity awarded the tender, despite a letter from the energy ministry instructing wholesalers to communicate fuel requirements to Vitol SA. The Independent Patriots for Change IPC party has previously linked Hamutenya's company, Millenium Investment Holdings, to the president's son, Ndeli Ndaitwah, who co-founded Vaneli Foods CC, listed as a subsidiary of Millennium Investment Holdings. Hamutenya stated he has known the Ndaitwah family for years and that his son and the president's son attended the same school, but denied any affiliation by blood or otherwise. The government's awarding of the contract to Vitol has raised concerns about competitiveness in the downstream retail sector, especially as Hamutenya's son, Miguel, recently acquired 52 service stations, making his company, Nasan Energies, the third-largest fuel retailer in Namibia. The Namibia Competition Commission had previously banned Nasan from purchasing
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A bill proposing amendments to public enterprise governance in 2025 has caused division among National Assembly members. The bill aims to give Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare authority over state-owned enterprises, including the power to appoint and remove board members in consultation with relevant line ministers. Independent Patriots for Change parliamentarian Isra Kanyemba opposed the bill, calling it a "power grab" that weakens accountability and risks turning public enterprises into tools of political convenience. Kanyemba argued the proposal creates a fragmented system with increased Cabinet and State House involvement, leading to poor governance and excessive political control. Parliamentarian Vilho Ihemba also expressed concern about the centralization of power. Conversely, Swapo parliamentarian Clemencia Coetzee defended the bill, stating it would clarify reporting structures and improve coordination, addressing service delivery challenges in underperforming entities. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruth Masake also supported the bill, believing it would enhance accountability by distributing ownership and oversight responsibilities to line ministries.
Must ReadWorkers at Lucky Star and Amawandle canning factories in South Africa face uncertainty as the facilities are set to close at the end of June. Employees, some with decades of service, express concern over potential job losses and lack of income for several months. The Food and Allied Workers Union Fawu has engaged the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Willie Aucamp, highlighting the need for industry intervention and value-chain analysis to improve the fisheries sector's economic contribution and employment. Fawu emphasizes the importance of job security for its members. The Oceana Group, which owns the factories, confirmed a temporary consolidation of operations due to challenges with fish supply, with Amawandle's operations shifting to Lucky Star. Oceana Group communications manager Rolf Carelse stated that the full quota of fresh pelagic fish has been caught, and the company is struggling to secure sufficient imported frozen fish. Carelse added that procurement teams are working to secure frozen products and that no employees, including permanent, contract, and seasonal workers, will be affected by this decision, which was made to protect jobs. Oceana acknowledges its critical role as a major employer in the Laaiplek and Velddrif communities.
Alexander Zverev defeated Rafael Jodar 7-6, 6-1, 6-3 to reach the French Open semifinals. Zverev, the highest-ranked player remaining in the men's draw, has only dropped one set in the tournament and will face the winner of the match between Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik. This marks Zverev's fifth semifinal appearance in Paris in six years. In the women's draw, Marta Kostyuk secured her spot in the semifinals by beating compatriot Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in the first all-Ukrainian women's Grand Slam quarter-final in the Open era. Kostyuk, who extended her unbeaten clay court run to 17 matches, dedicated her victory to the people of Ukraine. She will face Mirra Andreeva, who advanced after a 6-0, 6-3 win over Sorana Cirstea. Andreeva previously defeated Cirstea in Linz earlier this year and also beat Kostyuk in the Madrid Open final last month.
Edelweiss airline inaugurated its direct flight service between Zurich, Switzerland, and Windhoek, Namibia, with 285 passengers arriving at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Namibia Airports Company NAC reported that 261 passengers also departed for Zurich on the return flight. NAC spokesperson Dan Kamati highlighted that this non-stop commercial air service signifies growing connections between Namibia and Europe, aiming to enhance tourism and investment. Switzerland is already a key market, with about 22,000 two-way passengers recorded in 2024. The new route will initially operate twice weekly, with plans to increase to three flights per week from mid-July. NAC chief executive Bisey /Uirab stated that the route is a bridge between Europe and Namibia, strengthening Namibia's position as a globally connected tourism and investment destination. Edelweiss, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will utilize its Airbus A350 aircraft for this route. NAC is also exploring cargo-handling developments at Namibian airports to diversify revenue streams.