Africa-Press – Namibia. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has disclosed that over 1 500 vehicles operating without proper licences and documents have been blocked from the Yango ride-hailing platform.
Speaking during the unveiling of new members of the country’s Transportation Commission on Monday, Nekundi said the suspension of operating licences and documents is part of a broader effort to clean up the transport sector.
Nekundi said his ministry has been pulling out all stops to ensure that all public transport operators comply with national regulations and laws.
“Those who are operating without licences and the required documents are now blocked from the Yango system,” he stated.
He added that 295 licence applications are still being processed, while 215 operators have submitted documents and are working to become compliant.
However, Nekundi emphasised that this is “not the end” of the matter. He has instructed his team to conduct a surprise inspection at the Yango offices.
“They must go to Yango to verify this information and randomly log into the system to check if vehicles comply with the rules,” he said.
The minister stressed that the element of surprise is crucial.
“It’s a surprise. So, they can hear this, but they won’t know who or when,” he stated.
In response to the rapid growth of digital ride-hailing platforms such as Yango, the government has moved to formalise the sector.
In July, Nekundi gave all e-hailing services until 30 September to remove unlicensed drivers or risk being labelled as facilitators of illegal operations.
This warning was issued to Yango, InDrive, Lefa and other ride-hailing platforms.
The minister noted that the objective is to promote safety, accountability and fair competition in the industry.
Operators who failed to meet the deadline are now being blocked from the system.
“By 30 September 2025, all drivers on these platforms must have the required documents as prescribed by law. If not, they must be removed,” he warned.
Nekundi’s statement follows a demonstration in July by a group of local taxi drivers in Windhoek, who petitioned the ministry to take urgent action against what they described as the “unfair and illegal” operations of Yango and Lefa drivers.
Comply
The minister reiterated that all transport operators, including ride-hailing services, must comply with Namibian laws.
“No one is allowed to transport passengers for a reward without the correct permits or operate a vehicle that is not clearly marked,” he concluded.
Chief administrative officer in the works and transport ministry Alexia Katjiuongua confirmed that a government team visited the Yango offices to check if the company is following the rules for transport operators in Namibia.
The visit was made on 5 October by a team assigned by the minister. The team included Katjiuongua, a representative from the Transportation Policy Department and an information technology expert.
“Yango is an IT-based system, so we needed someone from the IT department,” she explained.
The team reviewed applications submitted by Yango operators to the Roads Authority.
The Roads Authority serves as the secretariat to the Road Transportation Board.
Some applications had already been submitted and paid for, while others were still waiting for processing.
“To get a Public Driving Permit (PDP), drivers also need a contract certificate,” Katjiuongua said.
She added that some drivers were still waiting for their contract certificates before they could apply for PDPs.
The team confirmed this during their visit.
She said that some operators were not able to use the system because they were blocked. However, the team could not fully access the Yango system during the visit due to security features that are still being developed.
“A detailed report will be sent to the minister. From that report, the minister will decide what steps to take next,” Katjiuongua said.
Yango is a ride-hailing service that operates through a mobile app.
It has been under review to ensure it complies with Namibian transport laws.
Yango is owned by Russian tech giant Yandex and entered the Namibian market in 2022.
Its app-based service offers a streamlined experience with competitive pricing and real-time tracking.
One of Yango’s key advantages is its advanced technology, including dynamic routing that reduces wait times and optimises fuel efficiency.
Yango provides a range of service tiers, from budget-friendly rides to premium options, catering to diverse consumer needs.
Like Lefa, Yango emphasises cashless payments and transparent fare calculations.
However, its global reputation and resources enable it to offer promotions and discounts, making it a strong competitor in Namibia’s growing ride-hailing market.
Since entering the domestic market, Yango has expanded to the north and the coast.
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