Amnesty Treats the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause: Why We Must Fix Public Transport Infrastructure
- Aug 4
- 1 min read
The Office of the Judiciary's announcement of a two-month nationwide traffic fine amnesty (running until 30 September 2026) offers essential short-term relief for thousands of Namibians living under the threat of warrants and vehicle impoundments. However, temporary breathing room does not solve the fundamental structural issues facing our public transport sector.
The majority of fines issued to taxi operators in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Oshakati stem from "stopping in a prohibited area" or "obstruction." Penalising drivers when municipalities fail to build adequate taxi ranks, loading bays, and pick-up zones prioritises revenue collection over proper urban planning. We cannot continue to criminalise the workforce that keeps our urban economies moving.
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) calls for immediate action from the Ministry of Works and Transport and local authorities:
Fast-track the long-awaited Public Passenger Road Transport Bill (PPRT).
Introduce structured installment plans and percentage fine reductions during amnesties to accommodate lower-income drivers.
Construct dedicated public transport bays along major arterial routes.
Deploy mobile verification desks and extend weekend operational hours at major hubs so operators can clear accounts without forfeiting daily earnings.
We encourage all operators to utilise this amnesty window to settle outstanding admission of guilt fines where possible.
Read the full statement issued by Shadow Minister of Works and Transport, Ptr. Nelson T. Kalangula (MP).
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