Sostenus Wilherm
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has welcomed the judiciary’s two-month traffic fine amnesty but warned that the intervention will only provide temporary relief unless deeper challenges facing Namibia’s public transport sector are addressed.
The amnesty, which started on 3 August 2026 and will run until 30 September 2026, allows motorists with outstanding admission of guilt traffic fines to settle their debts without facing the immediate consequences associated with unpaid fines.
IPC shadow minister of works and transport, Nelson Kalangula, said the initiative provides much-needed relief, particularly for taxi drivers and public transport operators who have been affected by accumulated traffic fines, arrest warrants and vehicle impoundment threats.
“IPC welcomes the announcement by the office of the judiciary declaring a two-month nationwide amnesty for motorists to settle outstanding admission of guilt traffic fines,” Kalangula said.
He, however, cautioned that while the measure may reduce pressure on district courts and assist motorists in clearing outstanding fines, it does not address the underlying causes contributing to traffic offences, especially within the taxi industry.
“This window provides critical breathing room for thousands of Namibian motorists, most notably public transport operators and taxi drivers who have lived under the persistent threat of warrants of arrest, vehicle impoundment, and loss of livelihood,” he said.
Kalangula argued that many taxi operators are struggling under difficult economic conditions, with rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs and municipal fees placing pressure on their daily earnings.
He said unpaid fines often accumulate into large debts that many drivers cannot afford to settle through lump-sum payments, leaving them vulnerable to legal consequences.
“Taxi drivers operate in a high-inflation environment with rising fuel costs, municipal permit fees, and vehicle maintenance expenses, often earning modest daily incomes,” he added.
According to IPC, a major contributor to traffic violations among taxi operators is the shortage of proper public transport infrastructure, including designated taxi ranks, loading bays and pick-up zones.
Kalangula said drivers are frequently fined for stopping in prohibited areas or obstructing traffic because they have limited alternatives when picking up passengers.
“The vast majority of traffic fines issued to taxi drivers in urban centres like Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Oshakati stem from ‘stopping in a prohibited area’ or ‘obstruction’,” he said.
“Drivers are routinely forced to choose between losing a fare or stopping illegally due to a severe shortage of dedicated taxi ranks, loading bays, and pick-up zones,” he added.
The party called on the ministry of works and transport and other stakeholders to use the opportunity to implement long-term solutions, including the fast-tracking of the Public Passenger Road Transport Bill (PPRT).
Kalangula said the legislation could provide solutions to challenges affecting public transport operators while contributing to improved road safety.
IPC further called for structured payment plans and possible fine reductions during amnesty periods to ensure lower-income drivers can settle their debts without facing financial collapse.
The party also urged local authorities and the ministry of works and transport to accelerate the construction of dedicated public transport bays along major roads.
“Penalizing drivers for stopping when no safe infrastructure exists is an administrative failure that prioritises revenue collection over proper urban planning,” Kalangula said.
The party also recommended that the Judiciary and traffic departments establish mobile verification desks and extend operating hours at major taxi hubs to allow drivers to check and settle outstanding fines without losing a full day’s income.
Kalangula encouraged public transport operators to take advantage of the amnesty period before it expires on 30 September 2026 by approaching district courts to verify their records and settle outstanding fines where possible.
He said IPC would continue engaging parliament and the ministry of works and transport to advocate for fair traffic regulations, balanced fine structures and improved public transport infrastructure that supports rather than criminalises Namibia’s transport workforce.
