Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 June 2010
NIGERIAN, Ben Karibo Nwahin, who was last month allegedly implicated as a king-pin in a human smuggling syndicate before he was arrested for trying to bribe Informanté journalists is now also being investigated by the Namibian Police for bigamy. Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner, Hophni Hamufungu said Nwahin is legally married to two Namibian women.
Hamufungu said one of the women believes Nwahin is a Nigerian while the other one was told when they got married that he is a Sierra Leonean.
“Ben Karibo Nwahin is currently facing a corruption charge in court and his bail application is ongoing. We are also likely to charge him with other charges of bigamy after investigations revealed that he is married to two Namibian women, in one case as a Nigerian in another one as a Sierra Leonean. He will also be charged with human smuggling,” Hamufungu said.
When Informanté exposed Nwahin for human smuggling he tried to bribe Informanté journalists with six pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Graça, Four Cousins wine bottles and N$2,800 before he was arrested for corruption.
A two week long Informanté investigation unearthed how Nwahin allegedly made thousands of US dollars in trafficking men from West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo into Angola via Namibia.
Informanté established that illegal immigrants from impoverished West African countries enter the DRC legally because of the country’s lax immigration laws, where they meet Nwahin’s contact there who, through his connections at border posts, smuggles the immigrants into Zambia and Namibia illegally for at least US$550 each.
Investigations also revealed that most of the immigrants enter Namibia using the Wenela Border Post through an immigration authority contact before travelling to Oshikango.
Once the illegal immigrants enter Oshikango, they are put under the care of Nwahin who smuggles them into Angola for US$1,300 for Nigerians and US$1,500 for non-Nigerians.
While waiting to be smuggled into Angola, the illegal immigrants live in overcrowded and squalid conditions, in a filthy room behind Paulu’s Mini Restaurant next to Oshikango Garage.
The illegal immigrants are also allegedly kept under strict isolation to avoid detection by the police or immigration officials.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Reho’s sand houses to be demolished
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 June 2010
REHOBOTH residents are set to see N$200,000 of the tax payer’s money go down the drain after the sole holder of patent rights for the construction of sand houses in Namibia demanded through his lawyers that the town council demolish the houses. According to Martin Dentlinger, the town council infringed on his patent rights when it “awarded” a tender to a South African national to build the sand houses in Namibia as he is the only person in the country who has the right to construct the houses.
Dentlinger’s lawyer, Irvin Titus, of Koep and Partners confirmed the action Wednesday.
“We have been instructed by our client to write to the Rehoboth Town Council informing them to cease the project and our client’s rights over the exclusive use of the patent rights. We are currently in the process of drawing papers. There will be a formal application in court interdicting the council from constructing the sand houses,” Titus said
Dentlinger, a Namibian, says on 14 February 2004, he approached the Rehoboth Town Council with a business proposal to construct houses in the town but they never gave him any response despite several follow-ups until he heard almost six years later that council had approached a South African to construct the houses.
“I immediately wrote an email to the council objecting to the project because they never compared or even considered my proposal. I cautioned the town council that I am the exclusive patent right holder for Namibia and would protect my patent rights in court if necessary,” he said.
Dentlinger questioned the logic behind the Rehoboth Town Council’s giving a foreigner who is more expensive the tender at the expense of a Namibian national.
“How can the Rehoboth Town Council justify their decision to appoint a foreigner above a Namibian citizen and a Rehobother for the mentioned building project without requesting tenders and at a price that exceeds the conventional building cost?
“On what grounds were the work permits for the contractors obtained while Namibians are more than capable to construct the buildings?” he questioned.
Rehoboth Mayor, David Reichter, said he was going to look into the issue as the project was started when he was not in office.
“I will find out what’s going on. I have taken recognition of the matter. Some of the issues are very new to me,” he said.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
REHOBOTH residents are set to see N$200,000 of the tax payer’s money go down the drain after the sole holder of patent rights for the construction of sand houses in Namibia demanded through his lawyers that the town council demolish the houses. According to Martin Dentlinger, the town council infringed on his patent rights when it “awarded” a tender to a South African national to build the sand houses in Namibia as he is the only person in the country who has the right to construct the houses.
Dentlinger’s lawyer, Irvin Titus, of Koep and Partners confirmed the action Wednesday.
“We have been instructed by our client to write to the Rehoboth Town Council informing them to cease the project and our client’s rights over the exclusive use of the patent rights. We are currently in the process of drawing papers. There will be a formal application in court interdicting the council from constructing the sand houses,” Titus said
Dentlinger, a Namibian, says on 14 February 2004, he approached the Rehoboth Town Council with a business proposal to construct houses in the town but they never gave him any response despite several follow-ups until he heard almost six years later that council had approached a South African to construct the houses.
“I immediately wrote an email to the council objecting to the project because they never compared or even considered my proposal. I cautioned the town council that I am the exclusive patent right holder for Namibia and would protect my patent rights in court if necessary,” he said.
Dentlinger questioned the logic behind the Rehoboth Town Council’s giving a foreigner who is more expensive the tender at the expense of a Namibian national.
“How can the Rehoboth Town Council justify their decision to appoint a foreigner above a Namibian citizen and a Rehobother for the mentioned building project without requesting tenders and at a price that exceeds the conventional building cost?
“On what grounds were the work permits for the contractors obtained while Namibians are more than capable to construct the buildings?” he questioned.
Rehoboth Mayor, David Reichter, said he was going to look into the issue as the project was started when he was not in office.
“I will find out what’s going on. I have taken recognition of the matter. Some of the issues are very new to me,” he said.
Rampant cheating at Polytechnic of Namibia
Written by Patience Nyangove and Marianne Nghidengwa
Thursday, 17 June 2010
FIFTEEN Polytechnic of Namibia students have been caught in the past three weeks cheating during examinations fuelling fears of half baked graduates from the institution. Cheating cases recorded so far include those of students caught trying to write each others' exams; those who are caught in possession of small strips of papers where answers are written and those who write answers on papers using invisible ink amongst others.
In one incidence a student was caught writing another student's mathematics examination after he had entered his student number instead of the friend’s he was writing for.
In an extraordinary case during a test, a student reportedly, with the help of an invigilator took another student’s examination answer sheet and copied and a lecturer who marked the papers noticed the offence and gave both zero.
Polytechnic of Namibia, Registrar Corneels Jafta confirmed the cheating incidences.
“So far we have caught 15 students cheating during the current exams. We know that students cheat. They have been doing so for years. We know there are some students who don’t value learning but just the final graduation certificates. The good thing is that these students who do this are cheating themselves because when they go into the job market they are the ones who fail to perform because they don’t know anything,” Jafta said.
He said students caught cheating appear before a committee where, if found guilty, are either suspended or expelled from the institute but added that cheating is no longer as rampant as it was in 2000 when he joined the college.
“I believe we are catching all of them that are trying to cheat. We are implementing prescriptions from international education institutes to catch those that try to cheat.”
Polytechnic, Rector, Tjama Tjivikua said such cases are dealt with according to the students' disciplinary code available in the prospectus.
Student Representative Council president, Trevor Chika refused to comment on the issue.
A student who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity said: “There are many students who have been caught cheating both in tests and exams. I can't give further information as we all know what Informanté is!”
Thursday, 17 June 2010
FIFTEEN Polytechnic of Namibia students have been caught in the past three weeks cheating during examinations fuelling fears of half baked graduates from the institution. Cheating cases recorded so far include those of students caught trying to write each others' exams; those who are caught in possession of small strips of papers where answers are written and those who write answers on papers using invisible ink amongst others.
In one incidence a student was caught writing another student's mathematics examination after he had entered his student number instead of the friend’s he was writing for.
In an extraordinary case during a test, a student reportedly, with the help of an invigilator took another student’s examination answer sheet and copied and a lecturer who marked the papers noticed the offence and gave both zero.
Polytechnic of Namibia, Registrar Corneels Jafta confirmed the cheating incidences.
“So far we have caught 15 students cheating during the current exams. We know that students cheat. They have been doing so for years. We know there are some students who don’t value learning but just the final graduation certificates. The good thing is that these students who do this are cheating themselves because when they go into the job market they are the ones who fail to perform because they don’t know anything,” Jafta said.
He said students caught cheating appear before a committee where, if found guilty, are either suspended or expelled from the institute but added that cheating is no longer as rampant as it was in 2000 when he joined the college.
“I believe we are catching all of them that are trying to cheat. We are implementing prescriptions from international education institutes to catch those that try to cheat.”
Polytechnic, Rector, Tjama Tjivikua said such cases are dealt with according to the students' disciplinary code available in the prospectus.
Student Representative Council president, Trevor Chika refused to comment on the issue.
A student who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity said: “There are many students who have been caught cheating both in tests and exams. I can't give further information as we all know what Informanté is!”
Swapo MP Diergaardt fails to pay N$50,000 Rehoboth rates
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 10 June 2010
SWAPO Member of Parliament and Rehoboth businessman, Theo Diergaardt has for the past five years allegedly not been paying rates and utility bills to the Rehoboth Town Council, Informanté can reveal.
Impeccable council sources said Diergaardt, who is Councillor for Rehoboth West Urban in the Hardap Region, owed the Town Council over N$50,000 in unpaid rates and utility bills for the service station he operates in the town by end of 2009.
Documents in possession of Informanté also reveal that since September 2009 to the end of April 2010, Diergaardt had not been paying the monthly N$3,146.40 rates for farming on council land.
The sources said in December 2009 the council effected an amnesty on everyone owing council and Diergaardt's bill was slashed by 70%.
"Diergaardt's Service Station's bill for water, rates and taxes which is now more than N$50,000 is for between three to five years. Besides that he owes council more than N$20,000 now in grazing fees since he is farming on council land which he hasn't been paying on a monthly basis."
Another council source said the amnesty mostly targets pensioners and the poor who can't afford paying utility bills and rates.
"It's unfortunate and very embarrassing that a well-off businessman and politician also takes advantage of a facility set up for the less fortunate members of society. Diergaardt has not been paying his monthly bills for years waiting for council to have an amnesty where he only has to pay 30% of his bills," the source said.
Rehoboth Town Council Deputy Mayor, George Dax confirmed that Diergaardt who represents the Hardap Region in the National Council had not been paying council rates and bills.
"I was informed by officials although I am not involved in the administration of council funds. It's been going on for years and council cannot do anything about it because he has political power. He has power to influence certain people within council so that he goes on not paying council rates and utility bills.
"When I was still Mayor I spoke about this issue and it's one of the reasons I was ousted for and labelled an enemy. Politicians are not paying up their bills and then they complain that the town is not developing," Dax said.
Rehoboth's new Mayor David Richter, who is Diergaardt's friend, this week said he could not comment because he was in a meeting.
"Just say you spoke to the Mayor and he said he was busy and he will investigate the matter," Richter said.
Hardap Governor, Katrina Hanse Himalwa, said if it's true that Diergaardt is not paying council rates and utility bills then he is highly being unethical.
"If it is true that the Councillor is making himself money and not paying council rates and utility bills then it is unethical. As a Councillor he needs to set a good example by paying his rates. How will you ask residents to pay rates when you yourself are not doing so?" She asked.
Diergaardt denied that he owed council money in unpaid rates and utility bills saying his payments were not invoiced because of council's maladministration.
"It's not true. I was never invoiced. It's not water, electricity, it's a special thing that they never invoiced me and invoiced me wrongly. I pay rates and utility bills on a monthly basis," he said.
When asked to prove his innocence by producing monthly receipts showing that he has been paying, Diergaardt said the receipts where in his office and he was no longer in Rehoboth.
When pressed to ask someone to fax the receipts to Informanté Diergaardt threatened to sue this journalist and report her to Informanté Editor, Max Hamata.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
SWAPO Member of Parliament and Rehoboth businessman, Theo Diergaardt has for the past five years allegedly not been paying rates and utility bills to the Rehoboth Town Council, Informanté can reveal.
Impeccable council sources said Diergaardt, who is Councillor for Rehoboth West Urban in the Hardap Region, owed the Town Council over N$50,000 in unpaid rates and utility bills for the service station he operates in the town by end of 2009.
Documents in possession of Informanté also reveal that since September 2009 to the end of April 2010, Diergaardt had not been paying the monthly N$3,146.40 rates for farming on council land.
The sources said in December 2009 the council effected an amnesty on everyone owing council and Diergaardt's bill was slashed by 70%.
"Diergaardt's Service Station's bill for water, rates and taxes which is now more than N$50,000 is for between three to five years. Besides that he owes council more than N$20,000 now in grazing fees since he is farming on council land which he hasn't been paying on a monthly basis."
Another council source said the amnesty mostly targets pensioners and the poor who can't afford paying utility bills and rates.
"It's unfortunate and very embarrassing that a well-off businessman and politician also takes advantage of a facility set up for the less fortunate members of society. Diergaardt has not been paying his monthly bills for years waiting for council to have an amnesty where he only has to pay 30% of his bills," the source said.
Rehoboth Town Council Deputy Mayor, George Dax confirmed that Diergaardt who represents the Hardap Region in the National Council had not been paying council rates and bills.
"I was informed by officials although I am not involved in the administration of council funds. It's been going on for years and council cannot do anything about it because he has political power. He has power to influence certain people within council so that he goes on not paying council rates and utility bills.
"When I was still Mayor I spoke about this issue and it's one of the reasons I was ousted for and labelled an enemy. Politicians are not paying up their bills and then they complain that the town is not developing," Dax said.
Rehoboth's new Mayor David Richter, who is Diergaardt's friend, this week said he could not comment because he was in a meeting.
"Just say you spoke to the Mayor and he said he was busy and he will investigate the matter," Richter said.
Hardap Governor, Katrina Hanse Himalwa, said if it's true that Diergaardt is not paying council rates and utility bills then he is highly being unethical.
"If it is true that the Councillor is making himself money and not paying council rates and utility bills then it is unethical. As a Councillor he needs to set a good example by paying his rates. How will you ask residents to pay rates when you yourself are not doing so?" She asked.
Diergaardt denied that he owed council money in unpaid rates and utility bills saying his payments were not invoiced because of council's maladministration.
"It's not true. I was never invoiced. It's not water, electricity, it's a special thing that they never invoiced me and invoiced me wrongly. I pay rates and utility bills on a monthly basis," he said.
When asked to prove his innocence by producing monthly receipts showing that he has been paying, Diergaardt said the receipts where in his office and he was no longer in Rehoboth.
When pressed to ask someone to fax the receipts to Informanté Diergaardt threatened to sue this journalist and report her to Informanté Editor, Max Hamata.
Mwinga rams into RDP, Endjala's house
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 10 June 2010
SWAPO Khomas regional coordinator, Michael Mwinga, allegedly rammed into a house owned by former Swapo member and Councillor for Tobias Hainyeko Constituency, Captain Erastus Endjala in the early hours of Friday morning.
Endjala is now a member of the Rally for Democracy and Progress party.
In photographs taken shortly after the incident in possession of Informanté a seemingly drunken Mwinga appears to have wetted his pants despite his denials Wednesday that he ever did so.
Although he admitted that he was photographed at the scene of the accident, he claimed the pictures were doctored.
"Why would I wet my pants? These pictures are factious. It's just a ploy to character assassinate me," he said.
According to Martha Endjala, the Captain's wife, she was called by her sister's children who stay at the house near Wanaheda Police Station around 12h15 informing her that a Nissan bakkie had rammed into their wall.
"The children said the driver of the car wanted to run away before swapping seats with one of the boys he was travelling with so that it would look as if he wasn't the one driving the car when the accident happened."
Endjala said when they drove to the house they found that Mwinga who allegedly was driving the car when the incident happened seemed to have been under the influence of alcohol.
"It was fortunate that he bumped into a tree first before he rammed into the wall of the seating room which luckily did not suffer much damage. This man is a big somebody who is always drunk and now he is trying to lie that he wasn't the one driving the car," she said.
Captain Endjala said witnesses saw Mwinga trying to run away from the incident.
"He tried to drive away but the car would not start and that's when we hear he swapped seats with one of the boys to look as if he wasn't the one driving the car. He then later claimed that he was teaching the boy how to drive but how can one teach someone to drive in the middle of the night? He then later claimed he was coming from a relative's house to settle family disputes but in reality we know him as a victim of alcohol."
Captain Endjala said the case was not reported to the police because Mwinga agreed to pay damages to the fence and wall.
"His car was damaged and it had to be towed from the house."
When contacted for comment Mwinga initially refused to comment saying," Let the Endjalas give you the story. I am not ready for that (to comment). It's not a story."
A senior Swapo official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Mwinga has, for the past years, allegedly turned to beer mostly because of frustrations within the party where he is not being promoted.
"Mwinga is one of the long serving coordinators of the party and come elections he is used to campaign and after elections others get promoted to ambassadorial posts or Members of Parliament but he is left out.
"He has been regional coordinator for as long as I can remember. The previous regional coordinators for Kunene and Karas were all promoted into Parliament and are now deputy ministers but he was left out.
"The guy is now too much into drinking. Last time he went after a meeting to Tobias Hainyeko and got himself a woman and never returned home. Apparently he was involved in a fight with the woman and his identity documents were thrown out of the car and when people found them a manhunt was launched people thinking he had been abducted."
Mwinga could not comment on this after hanging up on the reporter.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
SWAPO Khomas regional coordinator, Michael Mwinga, allegedly rammed into a house owned by former Swapo member and Councillor for Tobias Hainyeko Constituency, Captain Erastus Endjala in the early hours of Friday morning.
Endjala is now a member of the Rally for Democracy and Progress party.
In photographs taken shortly after the incident in possession of Informanté a seemingly drunken Mwinga appears to have wetted his pants despite his denials Wednesday that he ever did so.
Although he admitted that he was photographed at the scene of the accident, he claimed the pictures were doctored.
"Why would I wet my pants? These pictures are factious. It's just a ploy to character assassinate me," he said.
According to Martha Endjala, the Captain's wife, she was called by her sister's children who stay at the house near Wanaheda Police Station around 12h15 informing her that a Nissan bakkie had rammed into their wall.
"The children said the driver of the car wanted to run away before swapping seats with one of the boys he was travelling with so that it would look as if he wasn't the one driving the car when the accident happened."
Endjala said when they drove to the house they found that Mwinga who allegedly was driving the car when the incident happened seemed to have been under the influence of alcohol.
"It was fortunate that he bumped into a tree first before he rammed into the wall of the seating room which luckily did not suffer much damage. This man is a big somebody who is always drunk and now he is trying to lie that he wasn't the one driving the car," she said.
Captain Endjala said witnesses saw Mwinga trying to run away from the incident.
"He tried to drive away but the car would not start and that's when we hear he swapped seats with one of the boys to look as if he wasn't the one driving the car. He then later claimed that he was teaching the boy how to drive but how can one teach someone to drive in the middle of the night? He then later claimed he was coming from a relative's house to settle family disputes but in reality we know him as a victim of alcohol."
Captain Endjala said the case was not reported to the police because Mwinga agreed to pay damages to the fence and wall.
"His car was damaged and it had to be towed from the house."
When contacted for comment Mwinga initially refused to comment saying," Let the Endjalas give you the story. I am not ready for that (to comment). It's not a story."
A senior Swapo official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Mwinga has, for the past years, allegedly turned to beer mostly because of frustrations within the party where he is not being promoted.
"Mwinga is one of the long serving coordinators of the party and come elections he is used to campaign and after elections others get promoted to ambassadorial posts or Members of Parliament but he is left out.
"He has been regional coordinator for as long as I can remember. The previous regional coordinators for Kunene and Karas were all promoted into Parliament and are now deputy ministers but he was left out.
"The guy is now too much into drinking. Last time he went after a meeting to Tobias Hainyeko and got himself a woman and never returned home. Apparently he was involved in a fight with the woman and his identity documents were thrown out of the car and when people found them a manhunt was launched people thinking he had been abducted."
Mwinga could not comment on this after hanging up on the reporter.
My suspension baseless: Hanse-Himarwa ...as Pohamba act to stop Hardap crisis
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 June 2010
HARDAP Regional Governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has described her suspension by the Swapo Regional Executive Committee as baseless. Informanté is reliably informed that Swapo Party’s top four met this Monday to try and find a solution on the matter.
The party’s Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba confirmed the meeting Wednesday.
Hanse-Himarwa together with four others, Mariental Rural district coordinator, Steven Coetzee, his Mariental urban counterpart, Philipus Palipawa, Mariental Urban district mobiliser, Catherine Boois and Elma Gawagab, the representative of the National Union of Namibian Workers were suspended for alleged “perpetual anti-Swapo” antics that are fuelling divisions within the party structures in the region.
In a telephone interview Wednesday, Hanse-Himarwa speaking from Turkey said her suspension was a witch-hunt by certain individuals who want to serve their personal interests.
“I have not received an official letter yet informing me of my suspension, I will know what’s going on once I am back home. However my suspension has no basis, no justification. It’s just a witch-hunt by some people who want to get rid of me as Governor. I am not Governor to please individuals but people. They are some silly people who want me out of the way so that they can bring their own personal agendas. I don’t even know the crime I committed,” she said.
As the Presidency tries to rein in the situation Informanté is reliably informed that, President Hifikepunye Pohamba met over the issue with the Swapo party’s top three officials Monday.
According to a high ranking impeccable source within the party, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity, during the meeting President Pohamba, the party’s Vice-President Hage Geingob, party Secretary-General Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana and her Deputy Mbumba reportedly agreed that although Hanse-Himarwa and her team might be wrong the timing of the suspension was not appropriate because of the forthcoming November 2010 local authority elections.
“The top four decided that even though the Governor and her team maybe wrong the timing is not right to suspend all like that. The politburo is expected to meet this Friday over this issue. There is currently a meeting at the headquarters about this issue now with the regional co-ordinator Nico Mungenga and the leaders assigned Monday to deal with the issue,” the source said yesterday.
The source further said the fight between Mungenga and Hanse-Himarwa is personal.
“You see Nico Mungenga is the Regional Co-ordinator but economically poor compared to Katrina who is the Governor and economically better off and so because of this they all want to flex their muscles to show each other who has more power at the expense of the party.”
The source equated Mungenga and Hanse-Himarwa as a marriage that has broken down over irreconcilable differences.
“It means these people are no longer fit to rule because they will never agree on anything no matter how positive to the people it might be. They are now putting their personal interests before development, unemployment and poverty.”
Mbumba confirmed the meeting but however said they had not yet reached any conclusions over the issue.
“We have not reached any conclusion because we haven’t received any documentation over the issue.”
Efforts to get a comment from Mungenga were fruitless as his mobile phone went unanswered.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
HARDAP Regional Governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa has described her suspension by the Swapo Regional Executive Committee as baseless. Informanté is reliably informed that Swapo Party’s top four met this Monday to try and find a solution on the matter.
The party’s Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba confirmed the meeting Wednesday.
Hanse-Himarwa together with four others, Mariental Rural district coordinator, Steven Coetzee, his Mariental urban counterpart, Philipus Palipawa, Mariental Urban district mobiliser, Catherine Boois and Elma Gawagab, the representative of the National Union of Namibian Workers were suspended for alleged “perpetual anti-Swapo” antics that are fuelling divisions within the party structures in the region.
In a telephone interview Wednesday, Hanse-Himarwa speaking from Turkey said her suspension was a witch-hunt by certain individuals who want to serve their personal interests.
“I have not received an official letter yet informing me of my suspension, I will know what’s going on once I am back home. However my suspension has no basis, no justification. It’s just a witch-hunt by some people who want to get rid of me as Governor. I am not Governor to please individuals but people. They are some silly people who want me out of the way so that they can bring their own personal agendas. I don’t even know the crime I committed,” she said.
As the Presidency tries to rein in the situation Informanté is reliably informed that, President Hifikepunye Pohamba met over the issue with the Swapo party’s top three officials Monday.
According to a high ranking impeccable source within the party, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity, during the meeting President Pohamba, the party’s Vice-President Hage Geingob, party Secretary-General Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana and her Deputy Mbumba reportedly agreed that although Hanse-Himarwa and her team might be wrong the timing of the suspension was not appropriate because of the forthcoming November 2010 local authority elections.
“The top four decided that even though the Governor and her team maybe wrong the timing is not right to suspend all like that. The politburo is expected to meet this Friday over this issue. There is currently a meeting at the headquarters about this issue now with the regional co-ordinator Nico Mungenga and the leaders assigned Monday to deal with the issue,” the source said yesterday.
The source further said the fight between Mungenga and Hanse-Himarwa is personal.
“You see Nico Mungenga is the Regional Co-ordinator but economically poor compared to Katrina who is the Governor and economically better off and so because of this they all want to flex their muscles to show each other who has more power at the expense of the party.”
The source equated Mungenga and Hanse-Himarwa as a marriage that has broken down over irreconcilable differences.
“It means these people are no longer fit to rule because they will never agree on anything no matter how positive to the people it might be. They are now putting their personal interests before development, unemployment and poverty.”
Mbumba confirmed the meeting but however said they had not yet reached any conclusions over the issue.
“We have not reached any conclusion because we haven’t received any documentation over the issue.”
Efforts to get a comment from Mungenga were fruitless as his mobile phone went unanswered.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Nigerian human smuggling ring busted at Oshikango
Written by Patience Nyangove and Max Hamata at Oshikango
Thursday, 27 May 2010
A two-week long Informanté investigation has unearthed how a Nigerian human smuggling kingpin has allegedly been cashing in thousands of US dollars on trafficking men, mostly under the age of 30 from West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola via Namibia.
The investigation led to the arrest of Ben Karibo Nwahin, on Tuesday while trying to bribe Informanté journalists to withhold the story.
The men smuggled were mostly from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mali and Guinea. Nwahin who is married to a Namibian woman although it's reported that the couple is no longer staying together, is legally in the country because of the domicile granted to him when he married the woman.
He is allegedly known to boast that he is untouchable because of his status. Investigations also revealed that Nwahin has been working in cahoots with a DRC based Guinea national only known by the name Ausman in smuggling desperate men through the DRC via Zambia and Namibia borders en-route to Angola.
Informanté established that illegal immigrants from the impoverished West African countries enter the DRC legally because of the country’s lax immigration laws, where they meet Ausman who, through his connections at border posts, smuggles the immigrants into Zambia and Namibia illegally for at least US$550 each.
Investigations also revealed that most of the immigrants enter Namibia using the Wenela Border Post through an immigration authority contact before travelling to Oshikango.
Once the illegal immigrants enter Oshikango, they are under the care of Nwahin who smuggles them into Angola for US$1,300 for Nigerians and US$1,500 for non-Nigerians.
While waiting to be smuggled into Angola, the illegal immigrants who are often overcrowded and living under squalid conditions are kept in a filthy room behind Paulu’s Mini Restaurant next to Oshikango Garage.
The illegal immigrants are also alleged to be kept under strict isolation to avoid detection by the police or immigration officials.
Informanté journalists armed with a camera on 31 May 2010 around midday pounced on the room Nwahin keeps the illegal immigrants and found - two Nigerians, a 26 year-old man from Sierra Leone whose passport was last stamped in the DRC and a 42 year-old man from Mali whose passport identified him as Sanga Abramane. Abramane’s passport was stamped in the DRC before being stamped in Namibia despite him having passed through Zambia by road.
The two Nigerians fled from the house when Informanté arrived at the scene.
When contacted for comment a furious Nwahin denied being involved in the syndicate, claiming that he was a legitimate businessman.
He said the four illegal immigrants in the room were his young brother’s friends and when quizzed further, he said, “In our culture I cannot stay with my brother in a one- roomed flat. It’s not allowed.”
When Informanté visited Nwahin’s flat it established that although it’s a one bed-roomed flat it has a separate kitchen and lounge big enough to accommodate his so called brother.
“I am selling cars. People make stories to destabilise me. I bought that Jaguar and people are jealous of me. I have never taken someone into Angola illegally. I know who is giving you these stories. It’s Alina. She has a personal vendetta against me because I refused to sleep with her.”
Although Nwahin initially claimed he makes lots of money through selling cars later during our conversation, he revealed that the car business was not booming since this year he sold only one car for US$7,000.
Nwahin who is known in Oshikango for his high taste of good life defended his expensive life style saying the reason he bought himself the Jaguar with personalised number plates was to, “cool down my BP,” since he suffers from high blood pressure.
Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga said although he had not received an official report on the syndicate it was highly probable that it exists.
“It seems that a well organised human trafficking syndicate exists in Oshikango. The possibility is very high and not only is it human trafficking but also the illegal selling and buying of foreign currency and tax evasion. There is a lot of criminal activities happening in Oshikango,” he said.
Nigerian Embassy in Namibia, Head of Chancery, Sunday Fachano said they had yet not received reports of their nationals being involved in criminal activities.
“The Embassy is not aware of this. We are fighting crime. If we knew about this we would not hide it because we will not allow anything to dent our good relationship with Namibia.”
When contacted for comment the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Elia Kaiyamo refused to comment referring Informanté to the Minister, Rosalia Nghidinwa who was said to be out of the country.
Efforts to get comment from the Acting PS, a Mr Kasheya, before going to press also proved fruitless as he was said to be locked up in meetings throughout the day.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
A two-week long Informanté investigation has unearthed how a Nigerian human smuggling kingpin has allegedly been cashing in thousands of US dollars on trafficking men, mostly under the age of 30 from West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola via Namibia.
The investigation led to the arrest of Ben Karibo Nwahin, on Tuesday while trying to bribe Informanté journalists to withhold the story.
The men smuggled were mostly from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mali and Guinea. Nwahin who is married to a Namibian woman although it's reported that the couple is no longer staying together, is legally in the country because of the domicile granted to him when he married the woman.
He is allegedly known to boast that he is untouchable because of his status. Investigations also revealed that Nwahin has been working in cahoots with a DRC based Guinea national only known by the name Ausman in smuggling desperate men through the DRC via Zambia and Namibia borders en-route to Angola.
Informanté established that illegal immigrants from the impoverished West African countries enter the DRC legally because of the country’s lax immigration laws, where they meet Ausman who, through his connections at border posts, smuggles the immigrants into Zambia and Namibia illegally for at least US$550 each.
Investigations also revealed that most of the immigrants enter Namibia using the Wenela Border Post through an immigration authority contact before travelling to Oshikango.
Once the illegal immigrants enter Oshikango, they are under the care of Nwahin who smuggles them into Angola for US$1,300 for Nigerians and US$1,500 for non-Nigerians.
While waiting to be smuggled into Angola, the illegal immigrants who are often overcrowded and living under squalid conditions are kept in a filthy room behind Paulu’s Mini Restaurant next to Oshikango Garage.
The illegal immigrants are also alleged to be kept under strict isolation to avoid detection by the police or immigration officials.
Informanté journalists armed with a camera on 31 May 2010 around midday pounced on the room Nwahin keeps the illegal immigrants and found - two Nigerians, a 26 year-old man from Sierra Leone whose passport was last stamped in the DRC and a 42 year-old man from Mali whose passport identified him as Sanga Abramane. Abramane’s passport was stamped in the DRC before being stamped in Namibia despite him having passed through Zambia by road.
The two Nigerians fled from the house when Informanté arrived at the scene.
When contacted for comment a furious Nwahin denied being involved in the syndicate, claiming that he was a legitimate businessman.
He said the four illegal immigrants in the room were his young brother’s friends and when quizzed further, he said, “In our culture I cannot stay with my brother in a one- roomed flat. It’s not allowed.”
When Informanté visited Nwahin’s flat it established that although it’s a one bed-roomed flat it has a separate kitchen and lounge big enough to accommodate his so called brother.
“I am selling cars. People make stories to destabilise me. I bought that Jaguar and people are jealous of me. I have never taken someone into Angola illegally. I know who is giving you these stories. It’s Alina. She has a personal vendetta against me because I refused to sleep with her.”
Although Nwahin initially claimed he makes lots of money through selling cars later during our conversation, he revealed that the car business was not booming since this year he sold only one car for US$7,000.
Nwahin who is known in Oshikango for his high taste of good life defended his expensive life style saying the reason he bought himself the Jaguar with personalised number plates was to, “cool down my BP,” since he suffers from high blood pressure.
Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga said although he had not received an official report on the syndicate it was highly probable that it exists.
“It seems that a well organised human trafficking syndicate exists in Oshikango. The possibility is very high and not only is it human trafficking but also the illegal selling and buying of foreign currency and tax evasion. There is a lot of criminal activities happening in Oshikango,” he said.
Nigerian Embassy in Namibia, Head of Chancery, Sunday Fachano said they had yet not received reports of their nationals being involved in criminal activities.
“The Embassy is not aware of this. We are fighting crime. If we knew about this we would not hide it because we will not allow anything to dent our good relationship with Namibia.”
When contacted for comment the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Elia Kaiyamo refused to comment referring Informanté to the Minister, Rosalia Nghidinwa who was said to be out of the country.
Efforts to get comment from the Acting PS, a Mr Kasheya, before going to press also proved fruitless as he was said to be locked up in meetings throughout the day.
3 Namibian women with HIV say they were sterilized
By PATIENCE NYANGOVE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WINDHOEK, Namibia -- Supporters of three HIV-positive women in Namibia who say they were sterilized without their consent held protests to support the women's decision to sue the government, a legal aid group said Wednesday.
The Legal Assistance Center said protesters began staging sit-ins at two state hospitals in the southern African nation on Wednesday.
The three women allege they were sterilized without their consent, and that the sterilization violated their rights to have children and not to be discriminated against.
The women are seeking damages at a High Court hearing scheduled for Friday. Protest organizers said the sit-ins will continue until after the hearing, the first legal challenge of its kind in Namibia.
The government maintains the women gave their consent and says it will fight the damages claim.
One protest organizer, Vicky Noa, said the sit-in was about women's demand for fair medical treatment.
There should be "peace of mind that if you have HIV you can still go to the hospital and be treated with dignity and equality," she said. "If we were scared that we might be sterilized we will not use the hospital services as much. We do not want to be denied the right to motherhood."
Mark Nonkes, a spokesman from the legal support group, said about 40 people gathered at Katutura hospital in the capital early Wednesday, waving placards and handing out flyers.
At a second facility north of the capital of Windhoek, patients and their visitors were supporting the protest there.
UNAIDS estimates there are some 200,000 people living with HIV in Namibia, about one fifth of the population in one of the world's most sparsely populated nations.
Veronica Kalambi, an official from the Women's Health Network, said women's rights were often violated in state health institutions.
"HIV-positive women are holding the health system accountable for the wrongs done to them," she told The Associated Press.
Sterilization is a drastic tactic to treat HIV-positive women, as mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS can be prevented with medication.
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WINDHOEK, Namibia -- Supporters of three HIV-positive women in Namibia who say they were sterilized without their consent held protests to support the women's decision to sue the government, a legal aid group said Wednesday.
The Legal Assistance Center said protesters began staging sit-ins at two state hospitals in the southern African nation on Wednesday.
The three women allege they were sterilized without their consent, and that the sterilization violated their rights to have children and not to be discriminated against.
The women are seeking damages at a High Court hearing scheduled for Friday. Protest organizers said the sit-ins will continue until after the hearing, the first legal challenge of its kind in Namibia.
The government maintains the women gave their consent and says it will fight the damages claim.
One protest organizer, Vicky Noa, said the sit-in was about women's demand for fair medical treatment.
There should be "peace of mind that if you have HIV you can still go to the hospital and be treated with dignity and equality," she said. "If we were scared that we might be sterilized we will not use the hospital services as much. We do not want to be denied the right to motherhood."
Mark Nonkes, a spokesman from the legal support group, said about 40 people gathered at Katutura hospital in the capital early Wednesday, waving placards and handing out flyers.
At a second facility north of the capital of Windhoek, patients and their visitors were supporting the protest there.
UNAIDS estimates there are some 200,000 people living with HIV in Namibia, about one fifth of the population in one of the world's most sparsely populated nations.
Veronica Kalambi, an official from the Women's Health Network, said women's rights were often violated in state health institutions.
"HIV-positive women are holding the health system accountable for the wrongs done to them," she told The Associated Press.
Sterilization is a drastic tactic to treat HIV-positive women, as mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS can be prevented with medication.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pohamba summons Haingura over extortion claims
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 20 May 2010
PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba last week Saturday reportedly summoned the Swapo Secretary to the Women’s Council and Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Petrina Haingura over her implication in a N$300,000 extortion attempt involving a South African catering company.
Last week, Informanté revealed that Haingura and Swapo Women’s Council Documentation Secretary, Mildred Jantjies, allegedly tried to extort over N$300,000 from Independent Site Services, a tender partner to the SWC.
According to reliable Swapo Party sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Haingura reportedly told the President that the Informanté story was not true.
“The President is said to have just listened to her story and never said much. Apparently her argument was that Informanté is a tabloid newspaper meant to discredit the country’s leadership through writing falsehoods about them,” the sources said.
In a 21-page dossier in possession of Informanté which includes letters between Jantjies, ISS, Doreen Sioka and Haingura, some of the letters written by Jantjies clearly show how the duo tried to siphon N$100,000 from ISS to allegedly fund Haingura’s “election campaign” and another N$100,000 to pay for Jantjies’ son’s hotel bill at the Sheraton Hotel in Zimbabwe among other financial requests.
Informanté was reliably informed that a few weeks ago Swapo Secretary General, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana had a meeting with the ISS management in which Haingura walked out saying, “ I have no time to discuss with these people.”
The sources added that Haingura even came late for the meeting.
“We now hear that Petrina is alleging that the Secretary General got presents from the ISS management and is after dirtying her name of which that’s not true. The Secretary General doesn’t have anything against Haingura. She just wanted to get to the bottom of the issue since it had been brought to her attention,” the sources said.
The Swapo sources also told Informanté that during an SWC meeting on Monday an agitated Haingura who was at odds to defend herself also reiterated that Informanté was writing falsehoods against her.
After Informanté had shown the sources the documents in its possession, the sources said apparently Haingura only showed them two letters one written by a former employee of ISS only identified as Martin.
According to the sources, Haingura and Jantjies have held back all the information implicating them in the scandal and only showed the SWC two apologetic letters written by the ISS management.
One of the letters is said to be when a former employee of ISS Martin is claiming to be the one who asked for the N$100,000 allegedly to pay for Jantjies’ son’s hotel bill in Zimbabwe.
Martin allegedly apologised saying there was never an official request for the money but it was him who wanted to assist.
Last week Haingura could only say the issue was politically motivated.
“This thing is politically motivated. I didn’t ask Webber for money. If you want to know more call my lawyers, Conradie and Damaseb.”
Ithana and Jantjies were all said to be out of the country while last week the party’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba refused to comment.
Presidential Affairs Minister, Dr Albert Kawana, last week said it was ridiculous for a politician to ask for money to fund their election campaign as Swapo didn’t operate in such a way.
“In terms of the Swapo party there are mechanisms to address those cadres who behave in such a way. Those mechanisms are known to all at all party levels. We have rules and procedures that regulate the conduct of members. People must subscribe to party rules.”
Thursday, 20 May 2010
PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba last week Saturday reportedly summoned the Swapo Secretary to the Women’s Council and Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Petrina Haingura over her implication in a N$300,000 extortion attempt involving a South African catering company.
Last week, Informanté revealed that Haingura and Swapo Women’s Council Documentation Secretary, Mildred Jantjies, allegedly tried to extort over N$300,000 from Independent Site Services, a tender partner to the SWC.
According to reliable Swapo Party sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Haingura reportedly told the President that the Informanté story was not true.
“The President is said to have just listened to her story and never said much. Apparently her argument was that Informanté is a tabloid newspaper meant to discredit the country’s leadership through writing falsehoods about them,” the sources said.
In a 21-page dossier in possession of Informanté which includes letters between Jantjies, ISS, Doreen Sioka and Haingura, some of the letters written by Jantjies clearly show how the duo tried to siphon N$100,000 from ISS to allegedly fund Haingura’s “election campaign” and another N$100,000 to pay for Jantjies’ son’s hotel bill at the Sheraton Hotel in Zimbabwe among other financial requests.
Informanté was reliably informed that a few weeks ago Swapo Secretary General, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana had a meeting with the ISS management in which Haingura walked out saying, “ I have no time to discuss with these people.”
The sources added that Haingura even came late for the meeting.
“We now hear that Petrina is alleging that the Secretary General got presents from the ISS management and is after dirtying her name of which that’s not true. The Secretary General doesn’t have anything against Haingura. She just wanted to get to the bottom of the issue since it had been brought to her attention,” the sources said.
The Swapo sources also told Informanté that during an SWC meeting on Monday an agitated Haingura who was at odds to defend herself also reiterated that Informanté was writing falsehoods against her.
After Informanté had shown the sources the documents in its possession, the sources said apparently Haingura only showed them two letters one written by a former employee of ISS only identified as Martin.
According to the sources, Haingura and Jantjies have held back all the information implicating them in the scandal and only showed the SWC two apologetic letters written by the ISS management.
One of the letters is said to be when a former employee of ISS Martin is claiming to be the one who asked for the N$100,000 allegedly to pay for Jantjies’ son’s hotel bill in Zimbabwe.
Martin allegedly apologised saying there was never an official request for the money but it was him who wanted to assist.
Last week Haingura could only say the issue was politically motivated.
“This thing is politically motivated. I didn’t ask Webber for money. If you want to know more call my lawyers, Conradie and Damaseb.”
Ithana and Jantjies were all said to be out of the country while last week the party’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba refused to comment.
Presidential Affairs Minister, Dr Albert Kawana, last week said it was ridiculous for a politician to ask for money to fund their election campaign as Swapo didn’t operate in such a way.
“In terms of the Swapo party there are mechanisms to address those cadres who behave in such a way. Those mechanisms are known to all at all party levels. We have rules and procedures that regulate the conduct of members. People must subscribe to party rules.”
Divisions rock Swapo Women’s Council?
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 20 May 2010
SWAPO Women’s Council Secretary, Petrina Haingura, has reportedly accused the party’s Secretary General, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, of working with a South African catering company to discredit her ahead of next year’s elections.
Informanté last week revealed that Haingura and the SWC documentation secretary, Mildred Jantjies, attempted to extort N$300,000 in order for them to influence the awarding of catering tenders. But impeccable sources within Swapo, however, said Haingura is using Iivula-Ithana as a scapegoat.
The SWC will hold elections for new office bearers next year and Haingura strongly believes that Iivula-Ithana is using the ISS tender extortion claims to get rid of her.
In an interview done while sitting in her Toyota Aventis last week at Zoo Park where she was officiating at the World Nurses Day, Haingura spoke about “a big woman within Swapo who is after my position. I cannot tell you her name but she is very big. You know next year this Secretary of SWC post I am currently holding they will be an election for it and that’s why people are discrediting my name”.
The sources further allege that the claims came after Iivula-Ithana had a meeting with ISS management where Haingura allegedly walked out.
“Apparently Haingura has been telling the S.G every time she was requested to come and discuss this whole issue that she was busy and when she finally pitched up for the meeting and saw the ISS management with Iivula-Ithana she was not amused. That’s when she started saying Iivula-Ithana got kick-backs from those whites to discredit her.”
The sources also said that Haingura together with Jantjies have been approaching male Members of Parliament and ministers allegedly seeking their support to accuse Iivula-Ithana of dining the ISS “whites”.
Sources within the SWC who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the divisions. “That’s true and this issue apart from causing divisions in SWC will also cause divisions in the whole party as people take sides,” the sources said.
Iivula-Ithana and Jantjies are both out of the country. Iivula-Ithana is reported to be in Russia with President Hifikepunye Pohamba while Jantjies is Cape Town, South Africa attending the funeral of a relative.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
SWAPO Women’s Council Secretary, Petrina Haingura, has reportedly accused the party’s Secretary General, Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, of working with a South African catering company to discredit her ahead of next year’s elections.
Informanté last week revealed that Haingura and the SWC documentation secretary, Mildred Jantjies, attempted to extort N$300,000 in order for them to influence the awarding of catering tenders. But impeccable sources within Swapo, however, said Haingura is using Iivula-Ithana as a scapegoat.
The SWC will hold elections for new office bearers next year and Haingura strongly believes that Iivula-Ithana is using the ISS tender extortion claims to get rid of her.
In an interview done while sitting in her Toyota Aventis last week at Zoo Park where she was officiating at the World Nurses Day, Haingura spoke about “a big woman within Swapo who is after my position. I cannot tell you her name but she is very big. You know next year this Secretary of SWC post I am currently holding they will be an election for it and that’s why people are discrediting my name”.
The sources further allege that the claims came after Iivula-Ithana had a meeting with ISS management where Haingura allegedly walked out.
“Apparently Haingura has been telling the S.G every time she was requested to come and discuss this whole issue that she was busy and when she finally pitched up for the meeting and saw the ISS management with Iivula-Ithana she was not amused. That’s when she started saying Iivula-Ithana got kick-backs from those whites to discredit her.”
The sources also said that Haingura together with Jantjies have been approaching male Members of Parliament and ministers allegedly seeking their support to accuse Iivula-Ithana of dining the ISS “whites”.
Sources within the SWC who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the divisions. “That’s true and this issue apart from causing divisions in SWC will also cause divisions in the whole party as people take sides,” the sources said.
Iivula-Ithana and Jantjies are both out of the country. Iivula-Ithana is reported to be in Russia with President Hifikepunye Pohamba while Jantjies is Cape Town, South Africa attending the funeral of a relative.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Deputy Minister implicated in extortion attempt
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 13 May 2010
A South African catering company, Independent Site Services, says Swapo Secretary to the Women’s Council and Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Petrina Haingura and Secretary for Documentation, Mildred Jantjies allegedly tried to extort over N$300,000 from them.
It is alleged Haingura through Jantjies wrote an email to Independent Site Services that is in a joint venture with the SWC requesting N$100,000 purportedly to fund her “election campaign” while Jantjies tried to extort N$100,000 for her son’s hotel bill in Zimbabwe.
ISS paid the SWC leadership money allegedly to get multi-million dollar Government tenders to supply food to Government secondary schools across the country.
In an email dated 2 March 2009 written by ISS Chairman Les Webber to Doreen Sioka now Minister of Gender and Child Welfare who was then Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Webber accuses Jantjies of requesting money to pay her son’s R100,000 hotel bill at Zimbabwe’s Rainbow Towers Hotel.
“I would like to place on record the payments we have made in respect of Swapo Women’s Council to date: R30,000 for SWC offices, R5,000 for seed for rural women, R2,000 for Mildred’s airfare to Johannesburg, R1,500 for a handbag made by the rural ladies.
“Over and above this in the last four days we have had two requests, both of them for over R100,000 each. The first was an extremely urgent request for R100,000 for the Minister’s campaign. The second was R100,000 for Mildred’s son’s hotel bill mentioned above,” Webber wrote.
Another letter written by a former employee of ISS only identified as Martin to ISS Group Operations Director Brenda Swanepoel on 4 March 2009 shows that Haingura and Jantjies were allegedly extorting money for their personal use.
“My email is just a cover up to Les’ email for this was nothing to do with the Deputy Speaker and still Les included her name. This email was just to save the situation for Mildred and the Deputy Health (Minister) was (sic) very upset and felt that the money they wanted to borrow was in their own capacity and had nothing to do with Swapo,” part of the letter reads
Swanepoel also mentions in one of her letters that Martin should be careful when dealing with the Swapo women.
“Martin, I want you to be very careful with these ladies, keep strictly to business with them. We need them and don’t want to put them or us in difficult situations. In short we have both been set up.”
In another undated letter written by Swanepoel she said it was Jantjies who approached ISS seeking donations for Haingura’s election campaign.
“...The next time we were in Namibia, our chairman and deputy chairman met Mildred for lunch at the Kalahari Sands Hotel. At this luncheon Mildred asked us to donate R100,000 to the Honourable Deputy Minister’s election campaign. We declined,” she wrote.
In an email dated 1 March 2009 written by Webber addressed to Sioka, Haingura and Jantjies, he asks the trio to assist ISS with the lobbying to get the Government tenders.
“In-order to kick this relationship off, you need to urgently assist us with the lobbying. As we only have a week or two before the tenders are awarded. We need to act quickly. Just to reiterate we have two companies Atlantic Food Services and Catering Solutions. We need to get two areas for each company, i.e. 8 regions as each area is made up of two regions. The critical area is the two regions made up of Kavango and Caprivi. We want this area to be awarded to our Catering Solutions company. We tendered slightly higher in Caprivi (R22,82) and Kavango we were the cheapest at (R18).
They will treat this one area and although we are higher in Caprivi, we are the cheapest in Kavango, which has more schools and the bigger section.
“Coupled to this is the fact that both the Honourable Deputy Minister and Deputy Speaker have considerable influences in this area. We also donated R5,000 for the local woman (sic) to plant seeds and grow vegetables in this specific area. We are already assisting the community. Please mention the above points in your lobbying,” the letter reads. When contacted for comment Haingura could only say the issue was politically motivated.
“This thing is politically motivated, I didn’t ask Webber for money. If you want to know more call my lawyers Conradie and Damaseb.”
Presidential Affairs Minister Dr Albert Kawana said it was ridiculous for a politician to ask for money to fund his or her election campaign as Swapo didn’t operate in such a way.
“In terms of the Swapo party there are mechanisms to address those cadres who behave in such a way. Those mechanisms are known to all at all party levels. We have rules and procedures that regulate the conduct of members, people must subscribe to party rules.”
Swapo deputy Secretary-General Nangolo Mbumba refused to comment on the issue referring Informanté to Haingura and Jantjies. Sioka chose to hung up on Informanté while Jantjies’ mobile phone was going on voicemail. A visit to the Women Centre were she works yielded nothing as they said she was on her way to South Africa to attend her sister’s funeral
Efforts to get a comment from Webber or Swanepoel were fruitless as Webber’s South African mobile number went unanswered while Swanepoel’s went on voice mail.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
A South African catering company, Independent Site Services, says Swapo Secretary to the Women’s Council and Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Petrina Haingura and Secretary for Documentation, Mildred Jantjies allegedly tried to extort over N$300,000 from them.
It is alleged Haingura through Jantjies wrote an email to Independent Site Services that is in a joint venture with the SWC requesting N$100,000 purportedly to fund her “election campaign” while Jantjies tried to extort N$100,000 for her son’s hotel bill in Zimbabwe.
ISS paid the SWC leadership money allegedly to get multi-million dollar Government tenders to supply food to Government secondary schools across the country.
In an email dated 2 March 2009 written by ISS Chairman Les Webber to Doreen Sioka now Minister of Gender and Child Welfare who was then Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Webber accuses Jantjies of requesting money to pay her son’s R100,000 hotel bill at Zimbabwe’s Rainbow Towers Hotel.
“I would like to place on record the payments we have made in respect of Swapo Women’s Council to date: R30,000 for SWC offices, R5,000 for seed for rural women, R2,000 for Mildred’s airfare to Johannesburg, R1,500 for a handbag made by the rural ladies.
“Over and above this in the last four days we have had two requests, both of them for over R100,000 each. The first was an extremely urgent request for R100,000 for the Minister’s campaign. The second was R100,000 for Mildred’s son’s hotel bill mentioned above,” Webber wrote.
Another letter written by a former employee of ISS only identified as Martin to ISS Group Operations Director Brenda Swanepoel on 4 March 2009 shows that Haingura and Jantjies were allegedly extorting money for their personal use.
“My email is just a cover up to Les’ email for this was nothing to do with the Deputy Speaker and still Les included her name. This email was just to save the situation for Mildred and the Deputy Health (Minister) was (sic) very upset and felt that the money they wanted to borrow was in their own capacity and had nothing to do with Swapo,” part of the letter reads
Swanepoel also mentions in one of her letters that Martin should be careful when dealing with the Swapo women.
“Martin, I want you to be very careful with these ladies, keep strictly to business with them. We need them and don’t want to put them or us in difficult situations. In short we have both been set up.”
In another undated letter written by Swanepoel she said it was Jantjies who approached ISS seeking donations for Haingura’s election campaign.
“...The next time we were in Namibia, our chairman and deputy chairman met Mildred for lunch at the Kalahari Sands Hotel. At this luncheon Mildred asked us to donate R100,000 to the Honourable Deputy Minister’s election campaign. We declined,” she wrote.
In an email dated 1 March 2009 written by Webber addressed to Sioka, Haingura and Jantjies, he asks the trio to assist ISS with the lobbying to get the Government tenders.
“In-order to kick this relationship off, you need to urgently assist us with the lobbying. As we only have a week or two before the tenders are awarded. We need to act quickly. Just to reiterate we have two companies Atlantic Food Services and Catering Solutions. We need to get two areas for each company, i.e. 8 regions as each area is made up of two regions. The critical area is the two regions made up of Kavango and Caprivi. We want this area to be awarded to our Catering Solutions company. We tendered slightly higher in Caprivi (R22,82) and Kavango we were the cheapest at (R18).
They will treat this one area and although we are higher in Caprivi, we are the cheapest in Kavango, which has more schools and the bigger section.
“Coupled to this is the fact that both the Honourable Deputy Minister and Deputy Speaker have considerable influences in this area. We also donated R5,000 for the local woman (sic) to plant seeds and grow vegetables in this specific area. We are already assisting the community. Please mention the above points in your lobbying,” the letter reads. When contacted for comment Haingura could only say the issue was politically motivated.
“This thing is politically motivated, I didn’t ask Webber for money. If you want to know more call my lawyers Conradie and Damaseb.”
Presidential Affairs Minister Dr Albert Kawana said it was ridiculous for a politician to ask for money to fund his or her election campaign as Swapo didn’t operate in such a way.
“In terms of the Swapo party there are mechanisms to address those cadres who behave in such a way. Those mechanisms are known to all at all party levels. We have rules and procedures that regulate the conduct of members, people must subscribe to party rules.”
Swapo deputy Secretary-General Nangolo Mbumba refused to comment on the issue referring Informanté to Haingura and Jantjies. Sioka chose to hung up on Informanté while Jantjies’ mobile phone was going on voicemail. A visit to the Women Centre were she works yielded nothing as they said she was on her way to South Africa to attend her sister’s funeral
Efforts to get a comment from Webber or Swanepoel were fruitless as Webber’s South African mobile number went unanswered while Swanepoel’s went on voice mail.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Works PS awards his PhD supervisor N$2m tender
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 25 February 2010
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport, George Simataa, allegedly awarded Professor Lovemore Mbigi his supervisor in his PHD studies in Aviation at a Zimbabwean university a Ministry consultancy tender valued at over N$2 million, Informanté can reveal.
When approached by Informanté, Simataa refused to answer questions on how it would influence his passing of the PhD he was being supervised by the beneficiary of the N$2 million tender.
Informanté is also reliably informed that Simataa is studying with Zimbabwe’s National University of Science and Technology after he failed his studies with an unnamed South African university.
Simataa asked Informanté to send questions to his office, warning that he would respond at a time convenient to him as he had “better things to do”.
“I have better things to do. I don’t work for you,” he said before hanging up his phone.
According to impeccable sources within the Ministry, Simataa awarded Mbigi the tender without advertising for it to help train 1,517 Ministry of Works and Transport employees on the Performance Management System.
When Informanté contacted Mbigi on the pretence that the reporter was also a PhD student and had been referred to him by Simataa the Professor confirmed that he was supervising Simataa in his PhD studies.
“Yes I am his supervisor,” Mbigi said.
Under the contract, Mbigi is paid N$40,000 per training session and in total he nets a cool N$2,040 million tax free which is deposited in a Standard Bank Limited account number 421 448 148 under the name Nehanda Management Consultants with the proof of every payment faxed to a South African number 011 792 7909.
In addition, the Ministry pays for all of Mbigi’s expenses including N$49,440 for accommodation, N$3,243 for his return air ticket and N$18,639.27 for the daily rental for a Toyota Avensis (GRN 1296) for use for 89 days he would be in the country with the total figure adding up to N$2,111,322.
The sources within the Ministry questioned why Simataa awarded the contract to his PhD supervisor.
“Does it mean there are no competent Namibians who could have got that consultancy contract? The contract was never advertised and it’s mere corruption on the part of Simataa to award his university supervisor that contract. Now we don’t know whether Simataa gave Mbigi the contract so that he could help him pass his studies,” the source who requested to speak on condition of anonymity said.
Minister of Works Helmut Angula said he was not aware that Mbigi was Simataa’s supervisor in his PhD studies.
“I am not aware, I don’t have any details about the contract but I know they are on going training workshops on Performance Management System Training. I also don’t have information on whether the contract was ever advertised or not, I need to consult,” Angula said.
According to correspondences in possession of Informanté between Simataa and senior management in the Ministry, the Ministry was selected by Secretary to Cabinet Frans Kapofi to implement the Performance Management System.
“As a result, it is of paramount importance that staff on operational, supervisory and managerial levels be exposed to the Performance Management System. Capable consultant (Professor Lovemore Mbigi) was appointed to conduct the Performance Management System training,” a letter written 13 January 2010 signed by Simataa, Under Secretary in the Ministry, Phillip Amunyela, Deputy Director, Finance, Chris Mugandjela and Director of Administration, Christo Visagie, says.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport, George Simataa, allegedly awarded Professor Lovemore Mbigi his supervisor in his PHD studies in Aviation at a Zimbabwean university a Ministry consultancy tender valued at over N$2 million, Informanté can reveal.
When approached by Informanté, Simataa refused to answer questions on how it would influence his passing of the PhD he was being supervised by the beneficiary of the N$2 million tender.
Informanté is also reliably informed that Simataa is studying with Zimbabwe’s National University of Science and Technology after he failed his studies with an unnamed South African university.
Simataa asked Informanté to send questions to his office, warning that he would respond at a time convenient to him as he had “better things to do”.
“I have better things to do. I don’t work for you,” he said before hanging up his phone.
According to impeccable sources within the Ministry, Simataa awarded Mbigi the tender without advertising for it to help train 1,517 Ministry of Works and Transport employees on the Performance Management System.
When Informanté contacted Mbigi on the pretence that the reporter was also a PhD student and had been referred to him by Simataa the Professor confirmed that he was supervising Simataa in his PhD studies.
“Yes I am his supervisor,” Mbigi said.
Under the contract, Mbigi is paid N$40,000 per training session and in total he nets a cool N$2,040 million tax free which is deposited in a Standard Bank Limited account number 421 448 148 under the name Nehanda Management Consultants with the proof of every payment faxed to a South African number 011 792 7909.
In addition, the Ministry pays for all of Mbigi’s expenses including N$49,440 for accommodation, N$3,243 for his return air ticket and N$18,639.27 for the daily rental for a Toyota Avensis (GRN 1296) for use for 89 days he would be in the country with the total figure adding up to N$2,111,322.
The sources within the Ministry questioned why Simataa awarded the contract to his PhD supervisor.
“Does it mean there are no competent Namibians who could have got that consultancy contract? The contract was never advertised and it’s mere corruption on the part of Simataa to award his university supervisor that contract. Now we don’t know whether Simataa gave Mbigi the contract so that he could help him pass his studies,” the source who requested to speak on condition of anonymity said.
Minister of Works Helmut Angula said he was not aware that Mbigi was Simataa’s supervisor in his PhD studies.
“I am not aware, I don’t have any details about the contract but I know they are on going training workshops on Performance Management System Training. I also don’t have information on whether the contract was ever advertised or not, I need to consult,” Angula said.
According to correspondences in possession of Informanté between Simataa and senior management in the Ministry, the Ministry was selected by Secretary to Cabinet Frans Kapofi to implement the Performance Management System.
“As a result, it is of paramount importance that staff on operational, supervisory and managerial levels be exposed to the Performance Management System. Capable consultant (Professor Lovemore Mbigi) was appointed to conduct the Performance Management System training,” a letter written 13 January 2010 signed by Simataa, Under Secretary in the Ministry, Phillip Amunyela, Deputy Director, Finance, Chris Mugandjela and Director of Administration, Christo Visagie, says.
Kazenambo says Mulongeni should keep his nonsense
Written by Faith Sankwasa and Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 25 February 2010
STEADFAST Swapo MP Kazenambo Kazenambo has hit out at the state broadcaster’s One-on-One presenter, Dr Ben Mulongeni in what seemed a backlash against Kazenambo’s resistance against the tribal witch-hunt and ostracism of suspected Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) members in Government.
The steely Deputy Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development, Kazenambo did not fear to risk his Ministerial career after he publicly lashed out at his Minister, Jerry Ekandjo for allegedly orchestrating a purge against Kwanyama speaking civil servants in his Ministry who are suspected to be RDP.
Following the Deputy Minister’s public disapproval of his Minister’s tribal witch-hunt, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) appears to have set him up, questioning his anti-systemic ideology, including his call for a non-Oshiwambo President.
The One-on-One interview, ironically, created a huge public appeal, attracting a large Facebook following, with some describing Kazenambo as “a man of dignity.”
“That man... I like his character as a man of dignity, honesty, very straightforward. They thought they can (disclose) to the nation. Guess what! Kazenambo was just one step ahead. I enjoyed last night and wish they can repeat the interview,” said one Facebook fan.
Said another fan, “I can prognosticate the future by seeing honourable Kazenambo Kazenambo being the first non-Oshiwambo President.”
“Hmm... Eish then we would see and hear freedom of speech at its best,” replied another fan.
In an interview with Informanté, Kazenambo criticised Mulongeni and told him “to keep his nonsense to himself”.
Kazenambo threatened to quit his Deputy Ministerial post after clashing with Ekandjo over a tribal witch-hunt targeting civil servants suspected to be Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) supporters.
“I have three heritages, I am Kazenambo Kazenambo. I am Namibian by descent and I am a Swapo member. Nobody can push me out of this party. I volunteered to join Swapo and I will voluntarily leave Swapo. Mulongeni did not give me my citizenship. If he came into the interview to put me in a tight spot and paint this bad boy picture of me, he failed.
“I didn’t beg to be a Namibian citizen. I am no puppet of anyone and I am not buying my citizenship. Mulongeni must keep his nonsense to himself. My Swapo heritage, I didn’t beg it from Mulongeni,” Kazenambo lashed out at Mulongeni.
In an apparent reference to Ekandjo, Kazenambo said the blackmail, witch hunts, lack of respect and selfishness must stop in Namibia.
“We must not treat each other through dirty manoeuvres, witch hunts but must respect each other, have the spirit of sharing, not denying each other opportunities. Let us wake up and treat each other, have mutual respect to co-exist well,” he said.
Commenting on the support he has received from the public following the interview, Kazenambo said the public was in solidarity with the principles he stands for.
“They were not in solidarity with Kazenambo Kazenambo as an individual but the principles I stand for that speak against calling other people names, blackmailing and putting other people in tight spots,” he said.
When contacted for comment, Mulongeni said he was good friends with Kazenambo saying he was not out there to crucify him.
“I will take on everybody regardless of who that person is. I was not out to put him down. It’s nothing to do with him. You should ask the NBC. They are the ones whose production team prepared those questions I asked Kazenambo.
If I managed to make somebody speak out during the interview then I am joyful. This programme has achieved its intended objective; that of getting people to talk. My guests should remain calm and answer questions not ask me questions. This programme is not a debate. It has got nothing to do with me.”
Thursday, 25 February 2010
STEADFAST Swapo MP Kazenambo Kazenambo has hit out at the state broadcaster’s One-on-One presenter, Dr Ben Mulongeni in what seemed a backlash against Kazenambo’s resistance against the tribal witch-hunt and ostracism of suspected Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) members in Government.
The steely Deputy Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development, Kazenambo did not fear to risk his Ministerial career after he publicly lashed out at his Minister, Jerry Ekandjo for allegedly orchestrating a purge against Kwanyama speaking civil servants in his Ministry who are suspected to be RDP.
Following the Deputy Minister’s public disapproval of his Minister’s tribal witch-hunt, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) appears to have set him up, questioning his anti-systemic ideology, including his call for a non-Oshiwambo President.
The One-on-One interview, ironically, created a huge public appeal, attracting a large Facebook following, with some describing Kazenambo as “a man of dignity.”
“That man... I like his character as a man of dignity, honesty, very straightforward. They thought they can (disclose) to the nation. Guess what! Kazenambo was just one step ahead. I enjoyed last night and wish they can repeat the interview,” said one Facebook fan.
Said another fan, “I can prognosticate the future by seeing honourable Kazenambo Kazenambo being the first non-Oshiwambo President.”
“Hmm... Eish then we would see and hear freedom of speech at its best,” replied another fan.
In an interview with Informanté, Kazenambo criticised Mulongeni and told him “to keep his nonsense to himself”.
Kazenambo threatened to quit his Deputy Ministerial post after clashing with Ekandjo over a tribal witch-hunt targeting civil servants suspected to be Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) supporters.
“I have three heritages, I am Kazenambo Kazenambo. I am Namibian by descent and I am a Swapo member. Nobody can push me out of this party. I volunteered to join Swapo and I will voluntarily leave Swapo. Mulongeni did not give me my citizenship. If he came into the interview to put me in a tight spot and paint this bad boy picture of me, he failed.
“I didn’t beg to be a Namibian citizen. I am no puppet of anyone and I am not buying my citizenship. Mulongeni must keep his nonsense to himself. My Swapo heritage, I didn’t beg it from Mulongeni,” Kazenambo lashed out at Mulongeni.
In an apparent reference to Ekandjo, Kazenambo said the blackmail, witch hunts, lack of respect and selfishness must stop in Namibia.
“We must not treat each other through dirty manoeuvres, witch hunts but must respect each other, have the spirit of sharing, not denying each other opportunities. Let us wake up and treat each other, have mutual respect to co-exist well,” he said.
Commenting on the support he has received from the public following the interview, Kazenambo said the public was in solidarity with the principles he stands for.
“They were not in solidarity with Kazenambo Kazenambo as an individual but the principles I stand for that speak against calling other people names, blackmailing and putting other people in tight spots,” he said.
When contacted for comment, Mulongeni said he was good friends with Kazenambo saying he was not out there to crucify him.
“I will take on everybody regardless of who that person is. I was not out to put him down. It’s nothing to do with him. You should ask the NBC. They are the ones whose production team prepared those questions I asked Kazenambo.
If I managed to make somebody speak out during the interview then I am joyful. This programme has achieved its intended objective; that of getting people to talk. My guests should remain calm and answer questions not ask me questions. This programme is not a debate. It has got nothing to do with me.”
President Pohamba humiliated at Ya France’s funeral
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 25 February 2010
PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba was allegedly humiliated at the funeral of the late Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) board chairman and Swapo Member of Parliament Ponhele ya France when he was denied the opportunity to address mourners and his presence never acknowledged at the funeral.
According to sources who attended the burial of Ya France the event allegedly turned into a Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) party funeral.
The source said Ya France’s nephew Hafeni Nghinamwaami who was number 53 on the RDP’s Parliamentary list and also Master of Ceremony at the burial never acknowledged Pohamba’s presence.
“The organisation of the funeral was taken over by the RDP and we are told that Ya France’s nephew who is an RDP member was the MC at the burial. He never gave the President who was prepared to give a speech the opportunity to do so. The President became hugely embarrassed that if his office knew that the funeral had been turned into an RDP event why didn’t they advise him,” the source said.
Nghinamwaami, when contacted for comment, said Pohamba never approached and asked him for an opportunity to give a speech.
“I received the President twice first on Wednesday and at the funeral. He never asked to give a speech. He did not even bring flowers to place at the grave side and I had to give him. These Swapo people must not try to politicise these issues. This is rubbish. I am sure they are crying foul but why after the way they treated Ya France. If the President was embarrassed he must say so not (through) some bush agencies,” Nghinamwaami said.
He refused to comment on whether Ya France was still a Swapo member when he died or had shifted goal posts.
“Whether he was still a member of Swapo or not, I will not answer. It’s between me and the deceased.”
Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr Albert Kawana refused to comment on the issue saying he did not attend the funeral and so he wasn’t aware of the incident.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba was allegedly humiliated at the funeral of the late Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) board chairman and Swapo Member of Parliament Ponhele ya France when he was denied the opportunity to address mourners and his presence never acknowledged at the funeral.
According to sources who attended the burial of Ya France the event allegedly turned into a Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) party funeral.
The source said Ya France’s nephew Hafeni Nghinamwaami who was number 53 on the RDP’s Parliamentary list and also Master of Ceremony at the burial never acknowledged Pohamba’s presence.
“The organisation of the funeral was taken over by the RDP and we are told that Ya France’s nephew who is an RDP member was the MC at the burial. He never gave the President who was prepared to give a speech the opportunity to do so. The President became hugely embarrassed that if his office knew that the funeral had been turned into an RDP event why didn’t they advise him,” the source said.
Nghinamwaami, when contacted for comment, said Pohamba never approached and asked him for an opportunity to give a speech.
“I received the President twice first on Wednesday and at the funeral. He never asked to give a speech. He did not even bring flowers to place at the grave side and I had to give him. These Swapo people must not try to politicise these issues. This is rubbish. I am sure they are crying foul but why after the way they treated Ya France. If the President was embarrassed he must say so not (through) some bush agencies,” Nghinamwaami said.
He refused to comment on whether Ya France was still a Swapo member when he died or had shifted goal posts.
“Whether he was still a member of Swapo or not, I will not answer. It’s between me and the deceased.”
Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr Albert Kawana refused to comment on the issue saying he did not attend the funeral and so he wasn’t aware of the incident.
Monday, February 22, 2010
RDP’s chief admin accused of “wife bashing”
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 18 February 2010
ESTRANGED Finnish beauty of Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) chief administrator Libolly Haufiku, has accused her husband of assaulting and denying her access to the couple’s bedroom.
It has emerged that Haufiku, who is preparing for a historic legal challenge for his party against Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in the High Court, will be frequenting the same court for bedroom politics.
Haufiku admitted assaulting the wife, Sandra Jakstaite, to an extent that she was hospitalised, in court papers submitted to the High Court.
“Defendant admits that he pushed the plaintiff out of his way when plaintiff unlawfully prevented defendant from leaving the common home for the evening to mix socially with a life long friend of his with whom he had grown up. As a result of the push plaintiff hit her head against the door frame for which she received stitches,” Haufiku wrote in his plea papers.
Haufiku countered that the wife got unruly and elicited unnecessary arguments whenever she had consumed alcohol, throwing a glass at him and at times disrupting him from attending official functions.
He alleges that his wife made it impossible for him to conduct his official duties as honorary consular of Finland by refusing to accompany him to official functions and on occasion locked him out of the house.
On the allegations of insulting Jakstaite, Haufiku admits that he insulted her but pleads that such insults took place during arguments between them where both parties insulted each other.
According to court papers filed at the High Court, Jakstaite accuses Haufiku of denying her conjugal rights, insulting, domineering and failing to communicate with her.
“Defendant emotionally abused plaintiff. Defendant regularly stays away from the common home of the parties without any reasonable explanation and defendant regularly requested plaintiff for a divorce,” she says in her particulars of claim papers.
Jakstaite is also demanding custody and control of their minor children, maintenance of N$2,000 for every child, division of the joint estate and costs of suit if Haufiku fails to restitute conjugal rights.
She accuses him of physically assaulting her on two occasions with the first time having to be admitted in hospital after the bashing.
Haufiku denied that he regularly stays away from home without his wife’s knowledge saying that he would be away from home on business or official functions or duties as honorary consular of Finland.
“Defendant pleads that plaintiff was always aware of his whereabouts and reasons therefore,” Haufiku said.
Jakstaite also wants the court to order Haufiku to pay her N$1,000 for one year after the final order of divorce.
“An order in terms whereof the Defendant pays all medical, dental, pharmaceutical (on doctor’s prescriptions), surgical, hospital, orthodontic, ophthalmological (including spectacles and or/contact lenses) expenses incurred in relation to the minor children,” she claims.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
ESTRANGED Finnish beauty of Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) chief administrator Libolly Haufiku, has accused her husband of assaulting and denying her access to the couple’s bedroom.
It has emerged that Haufiku, who is preparing for a historic legal challenge for his party against Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in the High Court, will be frequenting the same court for bedroom politics.
Haufiku admitted assaulting the wife, Sandra Jakstaite, to an extent that she was hospitalised, in court papers submitted to the High Court.
“Defendant admits that he pushed the plaintiff out of his way when plaintiff unlawfully prevented defendant from leaving the common home for the evening to mix socially with a life long friend of his with whom he had grown up. As a result of the push plaintiff hit her head against the door frame for which she received stitches,” Haufiku wrote in his plea papers.
Haufiku countered that the wife got unruly and elicited unnecessary arguments whenever she had consumed alcohol, throwing a glass at him and at times disrupting him from attending official functions.
He alleges that his wife made it impossible for him to conduct his official duties as honorary consular of Finland by refusing to accompany him to official functions and on occasion locked him out of the house.
On the allegations of insulting Jakstaite, Haufiku admits that he insulted her but pleads that such insults took place during arguments between them where both parties insulted each other.
According to court papers filed at the High Court, Jakstaite accuses Haufiku of denying her conjugal rights, insulting, domineering and failing to communicate with her.
“Defendant emotionally abused plaintiff. Defendant regularly stays away from the common home of the parties without any reasonable explanation and defendant regularly requested plaintiff for a divorce,” she says in her particulars of claim papers.
Jakstaite is also demanding custody and control of their minor children, maintenance of N$2,000 for every child, division of the joint estate and costs of suit if Haufiku fails to restitute conjugal rights.
She accuses him of physically assaulting her on two occasions with the first time having to be admitted in hospital after the bashing.
Haufiku denied that he regularly stays away from home without his wife’s knowledge saying that he would be away from home on business or official functions or duties as honorary consular of Finland.
“Defendant pleads that plaintiff was always aware of his whereabouts and reasons therefore,” Haufiku said.
Jakstaite also wants the court to order Haufiku to pay her N$1,000 for one year after the final order of divorce.
“An order in terms whereof the Defendant pays all medical, dental, pharmaceutical (on doctor’s prescriptions), surgical, hospital, orthodontic, ophthalmological (including spectacles and or/contact lenses) expenses incurred in relation to the minor children,” she claims.
Tonata Shiimi fired from The Southern Times
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 18 February 2010
LOCAL business man, Tonata Shiimi, has been fired as General Manager of the Southern Times after he allegedly went on an unauthorised trip with President Hifikepunye Pohamba early this month.
President Pohamba attended the Africa Investment Forum in Accra Ghana where he was accompanied by 50 local business people.
Informanté has it on good authority that Shiimi allegedly demanded special rates in subsistence and travel (S&T) rates when he attended the Forum netting an extra US$200 a day claiming that since it was a Presidential trip he had to get higher allowances.
He also allegedly lied that the Forum would end on Saturday in order to get more S&T allowances when in actual effect it ended Wednesday.
Shiimi had earlier this year embarked on another trip to Ghana when Air Namibia launched its new route to Accra and allegedly “demanded” S&T with both trips gobbling around N$70,000 from The Southern Times coffers.
According to impeccable sources within the weekly regional newspaper co-owned by the Namibian and Zimbabwean Governments, Shiimi was sent packing this Tuesday when the Board met and his contract was terminated with immediate effect.
“The Board was not happy with his unauthorised trip to Ghana where he demanded unsanctioned Travel and Subsistence rates. He was still on probation and for him to go on that trip to Ghana which is not in southern Africa when The Southern Times’ mandate is to only cover this region, he needed authority from the board,” one source said.
According to another source who spoke to Informanté on condition of anonymity, Shiimi, who was appointed General Manager on 1 December 2009, allegedly demanded to be addressed as the Chief Executive Officer of The Southern Times.
“Shiimi was not CEO his title was general manager but he insisted, or should I say demanded, to be addressed as CEO and referred to himself as such. In some correspondence he preferred to sign off as managing director, a non-existent title at the organisation,” the source said.
Acting board chairperson of NamZim, Dr Paul Chimedza, confirmed Shiimi’s sacking.
“It’s true he was fired. He was on probation, so the board felt he is not the right person for the job. However, it’s not the end of the world for him and we are grateful he showed interest in working for the organisation,” Chimedza said.
However, Chimedza refused to reveal the reasons why Shiimi was fired.
“That’s very confidential information maybe we will be able to reveal the details later but now is not the best time,” Chimedza said.
When contacted for comment Shiimi refused to comment telling Informanté that he would get in touch after he gets into his office which he found locked.
However, he never got back and subsequent efforts to get in touch with him proved fruitless as his mobile phone went unanswered and was later answered by a man who said Shiimi was in a meeting and he could not disturb him.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
LOCAL business man, Tonata Shiimi, has been fired as General Manager of the Southern Times after he allegedly went on an unauthorised trip with President Hifikepunye Pohamba early this month.
President Pohamba attended the Africa Investment Forum in Accra Ghana where he was accompanied by 50 local business people.
Informanté has it on good authority that Shiimi allegedly demanded special rates in subsistence and travel (S&T) rates when he attended the Forum netting an extra US$200 a day claiming that since it was a Presidential trip he had to get higher allowances.
He also allegedly lied that the Forum would end on Saturday in order to get more S&T allowances when in actual effect it ended Wednesday.
Shiimi had earlier this year embarked on another trip to Ghana when Air Namibia launched its new route to Accra and allegedly “demanded” S&T with both trips gobbling around N$70,000 from The Southern Times coffers.
According to impeccable sources within the weekly regional newspaper co-owned by the Namibian and Zimbabwean Governments, Shiimi was sent packing this Tuesday when the Board met and his contract was terminated with immediate effect.
“The Board was not happy with his unauthorised trip to Ghana where he demanded unsanctioned Travel and Subsistence rates. He was still on probation and for him to go on that trip to Ghana which is not in southern Africa when The Southern Times’ mandate is to only cover this region, he needed authority from the board,” one source said.
According to another source who spoke to Informanté on condition of anonymity, Shiimi, who was appointed General Manager on 1 December 2009, allegedly demanded to be addressed as the Chief Executive Officer of The Southern Times.
“Shiimi was not CEO his title was general manager but he insisted, or should I say demanded, to be addressed as CEO and referred to himself as such. In some correspondence he preferred to sign off as managing director, a non-existent title at the organisation,” the source said.
Acting board chairperson of NamZim, Dr Paul Chimedza, confirmed Shiimi’s sacking.
“It’s true he was fired. He was on probation, so the board felt he is not the right person for the job. However, it’s not the end of the world for him and we are grateful he showed interest in working for the organisation,” Chimedza said.
However, Chimedza refused to reveal the reasons why Shiimi was fired.
“That’s very confidential information maybe we will be able to reveal the details later but now is not the best time,” Chimedza said.
When contacted for comment Shiimi refused to comment telling Informanté that he would get in touch after he gets into his office which he found locked.
However, he never got back and subsequent efforts to get in touch with him proved fruitless as his mobile phone went unanswered and was later answered by a man who said Shiimi was in a meeting and he could not disturb him.
Siyauya hits back at Kaaronda over Unam
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 18 February 2010
SWAPO Youth League national executive member Charles Siyauya has accused National Union of Namibian Workers Secretary General, Evilastus Kaaronda of being a tribalist over his allegations that University of Namibia Vice Chancellor, Prof Lazarus Hangula, had embezzled N$5m.
Responding to the story carried in Informanté last week where Kaaronda also accused Prof Hangula and his administration of employing expatriates ahead of Namibians, Siyauya, whose letter was addressed to Swapo Youth League Secretary General, Dr Elijah Ngurare as well as prominent youth league members Paulus Kapia and Arimas Amukuyu, says Kaaronda is using the NUWN position to further his Herero empire at Unam.
In the letter dated 15 February 2010 in possession of Informanté, Siyauya says ‘the Herero empire is being nurtured by a few but very strong self selected Herero speaking Namibians at Unam and Windhoek in particular to make sure that all key positions are occupied by Herero speaking Namibians because Windhoek is Otjimuise and Otjimuise is Hereroland as such they deserve to dominate key positions’.
Siyauya, who is also Unam co-ordinator for International Relations and Personal Assistant to Prof Hangula, claims that Kaaronda is a tribalist because he failed to mention the names of his fellow Herero speaking Namibians who were appointed by Hangula without responding to internally or externally advertising.
“These are Assistant Bursar, the previous Dean of Economics and Management Sciences before the current one, director CPST, senior Staff Development Officer, Head Accommodation. Why is Kaaronda mute about them. The answer is simply because they are all Hereros and he is also Herero or what justification does Cde Kaaronda has for his deliberate omission? This pains me a lot Comrades,” Siyauya wrote.
Siyauya states in his letter that the bone of contention between him and Kaaronda was not about irregularities, financial maladministration at Unam and lack of confidence in its management as claimed by Kaaronda in his letter to Unam Chancellor Dr Sam Nujoma but the recent appointment of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Finance, who is a Mufwe speaking Namibian from Kanono Village.
“This position was previously occupied by a Herero speaking Namibian and one of the applicants who happen to be Herero speaking was not short shortlisted for the interview by the Unam Council (and not Unam senior management) he later resorted to media sympathy, political mobilisation and now Kaaronda campaigns to assist him to secure this position which is already filled.”
Siyauya ends his letter by claiming that Kaaronda phoned him demanding that he withdraw his accusations of calling him a tribalist but he refused.
When contacted for comment Kaaronda said he has not seen Siyauya’s letter and he does not know what tribalism is about.
“Those who are tribalists have the inclination to look at everything from a tribalist point of view. The issues at hand are clear, procedures were not followed and it’s our duty to call for investigations where we feel public funds were misused. That’s why we wrote to the Founding Father.
“I don’t understand where the issue of tribalism is coming from. However, it goes without saying that those who are quick to label others tribalists are the ones who are tribalists,” Kaaronda said.
Siyauya admitted writing the letter but refused to comment on the issue saying as a disciplined Swapo cadre he can’t divulge more information to the media because he does not know how the media got the letter since it’s a an internal Swapo matter.
Ngurare refused to comment on the matter.
However, Informanté has it on good authority that he called for a meeting between the feuding parties to try and find a solution to the impasse with more meetings expected since the first meeting yielded no results.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
SWAPO Youth League national executive member Charles Siyauya has accused National Union of Namibian Workers Secretary General, Evilastus Kaaronda of being a tribalist over his allegations that University of Namibia Vice Chancellor, Prof Lazarus Hangula, had embezzled N$5m.
Responding to the story carried in Informanté last week where Kaaronda also accused Prof Hangula and his administration of employing expatriates ahead of Namibians, Siyauya, whose letter was addressed to Swapo Youth League Secretary General, Dr Elijah Ngurare as well as prominent youth league members Paulus Kapia and Arimas Amukuyu, says Kaaronda is using the NUWN position to further his Herero empire at Unam.
In the letter dated 15 February 2010 in possession of Informanté, Siyauya says ‘the Herero empire is being nurtured by a few but very strong self selected Herero speaking Namibians at Unam and Windhoek in particular to make sure that all key positions are occupied by Herero speaking Namibians because Windhoek is Otjimuise and Otjimuise is Hereroland as such they deserve to dominate key positions’.
Siyauya, who is also Unam co-ordinator for International Relations and Personal Assistant to Prof Hangula, claims that Kaaronda is a tribalist because he failed to mention the names of his fellow Herero speaking Namibians who were appointed by Hangula without responding to internally or externally advertising.
“These are Assistant Bursar, the previous Dean of Economics and Management Sciences before the current one, director CPST, senior Staff Development Officer, Head Accommodation. Why is Kaaronda mute about them. The answer is simply because they are all Hereros and he is also Herero or what justification does Cde Kaaronda has for his deliberate omission? This pains me a lot Comrades,” Siyauya wrote.
Siyauya states in his letter that the bone of contention between him and Kaaronda was not about irregularities, financial maladministration at Unam and lack of confidence in its management as claimed by Kaaronda in his letter to Unam Chancellor Dr Sam Nujoma but the recent appointment of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Finance, who is a Mufwe speaking Namibian from Kanono Village.
“This position was previously occupied by a Herero speaking Namibian and one of the applicants who happen to be Herero speaking was not short shortlisted for the interview by the Unam Council (and not Unam senior management) he later resorted to media sympathy, political mobilisation and now Kaaronda campaigns to assist him to secure this position which is already filled.”
Siyauya ends his letter by claiming that Kaaronda phoned him demanding that he withdraw his accusations of calling him a tribalist but he refused.
When contacted for comment Kaaronda said he has not seen Siyauya’s letter and he does not know what tribalism is about.
“Those who are tribalists have the inclination to look at everything from a tribalist point of view. The issues at hand are clear, procedures were not followed and it’s our duty to call for investigations where we feel public funds were misused. That’s why we wrote to the Founding Father.
“I don’t understand where the issue of tribalism is coming from. However, it goes without saying that those who are quick to label others tribalists are the ones who are tribalists,” Kaaronda said.
Siyauya admitted writing the letter but refused to comment on the issue saying as a disciplined Swapo cadre he can’t divulge more information to the media because he does not know how the media got the letter since it’s a an internal Swapo matter.
Ngurare refused to comment on the matter.
However, Informanté has it on good authority that he called for a meeting between the feuding parties to try and find a solution to the impasse with more meetings expected since the first meeting yielded no results.
Health says Okahandja State Hospital careless in rotting babies’ issue
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 11 February 2010
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services says the Okahandja State Hospital pathetically handled the delegation of mortuary and incinerator duties that led to the rotting of more than 10 foetus over the last four months. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Gladys Kamboo blamed lack of communication on the part of the hospital management, poor tracing of relatives and lack of consent as contributing factors for the delay in cremating the foetus some of which have been stuck in the mortuary from June 2009.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledges the fact that there was weak delegation of mortuary and incinerator duties. The delay in incineration of the foetus was confirmed,” Kamboo said.
The Ministry also blamed the delay on the mortuary work-hand who went on leave the whole of December 2009 until 17 January 2010.
However, this does not explain why the majority of the foetus were stuck in the mortuary since June 2009 when the hospital, on admission of expectant mothers, took down contact details of their next of kin.
The Ministry also denied that there were 20 foetuses stuck in the mortuary but eight only.
“A visit to the Okahandja Mortuary was conducted by the hospital management team. Retained products of conception were noted in the mortuary cabinet at the time of the visit. There were no fully formed babies, but products of conception. At the time of the Informanté photographing, the foetuses (sic) in the mortuary were eight and not 20 as reported in your news article,” Kamboo said.
Two weeks ago Informanté reported that bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja Hospital had been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities. The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary. A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Thursday, 11 February 2010
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services says the Okahandja State Hospital pathetically handled the delegation of mortuary and incinerator duties that led to the rotting of more than 10 foetus over the last four months. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Gladys Kamboo blamed lack of communication on the part of the hospital management, poor tracing of relatives and lack of consent as contributing factors for the delay in cremating the foetus some of which have been stuck in the mortuary from June 2009.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledges the fact that there was weak delegation of mortuary and incinerator duties. The delay in incineration of the foetus was confirmed,” Kamboo said.
The Ministry also blamed the delay on the mortuary work-hand who went on leave the whole of December 2009 until 17 January 2010.
However, this does not explain why the majority of the foetus were stuck in the mortuary since June 2009 when the hospital, on admission of expectant mothers, took down contact details of their next of kin.
The Ministry also denied that there were 20 foetuses stuck in the mortuary but eight only.
“A visit to the Okahandja Mortuary was conducted by the hospital management team. Retained products of conception were noted in the mortuary cabinet at the time of the visit. There were no fully formed babies, but products of conception. At the time of the Informanté photographing, the foetuses (sic) in the mortuary were eight and not 20 as reported in your news article,” Kamboo said.
Two weeks ago Informanté reported that bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja Hospital had been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities. The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary. A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Unam VC accused of corruption
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 11 February 2010
UNIVERSITY of Namibia, Vice Chancellor Professor Lazarus Hangula and his senior management allegedly embezzled N$5-million meant for the Masters Programme in Public Administration and are allegedly employing expatriates at the expense of equally or better qualified Namibians.
The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Secretary General Evilastus Kaaronda who made the allegations also accused Unam of unprocedurally employing people in senior management positions.
Efforts to get a comment from Unam proved fruitless as the university’s public relations officer, Utaara Hoveka, said it was impractical for Informanté to get a response from them yesterday (Wednesday) as they needed time to consult.
Hangula was said to be out of office until next week with his mobile going on voice mail.
In his damning letter to Unam Chancellor and Namibia’s Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma dated 4 February 2010, Kaaronda alleges NUNW “independently confirmed that the university management had failed to account for about N$5-m lost in the MPPA program”.
“We are informed and have independently confirmed that the university management had failed to account for about N$5 million lost in the MPPA program. While some committed Namibians employed by the University including the director of this program had requested for a forensic audit so as to help bring those found wanting to book, the University management in a very suspicious and dubious manner only chose to pay back the money to the donor instead of heeding the advice of the director and others,” Kaaronda wrote to Nujoma.
He further alleged that money used by the University management to pay back the stolen funds was allegedly taken from the coffers of the university short changing Namibian students in the process.
“It is apparent that the Vice Chancellor is either not interested to properly serve our people with the required sense of diligence and care,” Kaaronda wrote.
In the same letter, Kaaronda states that the university recorded a deficit of approximately N$12 million in 2006 and the situation has been deteriorating ever since.
Kaaronda claims Unam management has over the years continued building and constructing projects without subjecting them to tender.
He also accused Unam senior management of filling six senior positions without either advertising the vacant positions internally or externally.
“These positions are a) director: human resources b) director: estate services c) director language centred) director Unam central consultancy bureau e) Unam legal advisor. Other two positions which were appointed in a similar fashion are those of special advisor to the vice chancellor and that of strategic planner. To further buttress our point on administrative discretion used to achieve the wrongs ends, we wish to point out a case that relates to the Registrar of the University who in addition to his office responsibilities was appointed to act as the director of the Computer Centre, a position for which he is not trained or qualify to hold ,” Kaaronda wrote.
The NUNW leader also queried why expatriate contracts are extended in contravention of the immigration requirements guiding appointments and retention of foreign workers.
“The Vice Chancellor has repeatedly overruled relevant committees of the university to promote expatriates of professors in situations where they failed to fulfil the university criteria as set out in the Unam promotions policy.”
Unam Governing Council chairperson, Filemon Amaambo refused to comment on the issue saying he was not comfortable in conducting telephone interviews and that he does not respond to rumours.
Kaaronda admitted writing the letter to the Founding Father after NUNW was approached by the Namibia National Teachers Union.
“Yes it’s true we were approached by NANTU and we communicated our concerns to the Chancellor.”
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Alfred Ilukena, said his office has not yet received or heard about the letter written to Nujoma or any of the allegations being levelled against Hangula.
The Founding Father’s personal assistant John Nauta confirmed that Nujoma received the letter but refused to comment on the issue saying he was out of the country last week
Thursday, 11 February 2010
UNIVERSITY of Namibia, Vice Chancellor Professor Lazarus Hangula and his senior management allegedly embezzled N$5-million meant for the Masters Programme in Public Administration and are allegedly employing expatriates at the expense of equally or better qualified Namibians.
The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Secretary General Evilastus Kaaronda who made the allegations also accused Unam of unprocedurally employing people in senior management positions.
Efforts to get a comment from Unam proved fruitless as the university’s public relations officer, Utaara Hoveka, said it was impractical for Informanté to get a response from them yesterday (Wednesday) as they needed time to consult.
Hangula was said to be out of office until next week with his mobile going on voice mail.
In his damning letter to Unam Chancellor and Namibia’s Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma dated 4 February 2010, Kaaronda alleges NUNW “independently confirmed that the university management had failed to account for about N$5-m lost in the MPPA program”.
“We are informed and have independently confirmed that the university management had failed to account for about N$5 million lost in the MPPA program. While some committed Namibians employed by the University including the director of this program had requested for a forensic audit so as to help bring those found wanting to book, the University management in a very suspicious and dubious manner only chose to pay back the money to the donor instead of heeding the advice of the director and others,” Kaaronda wrote to Nujoma.
He further alleged that money used by the University management to pay back the stolen funds was allegedly taken from the coffers of the university short changing Namibian students in the process.
“It is apparent that the Vice Chancellor is either not interested to properly serve our people with the required sense of diligence and care,” Kaaronda wrote.
In the same letter, Kaaronda states that the university recorded a deficit of approximately N$12 million in 2006 and the situation has been deteriorating ever since.
Kaaronda claims Unam management has over the years continued building and constructing projects without subjecting them to tender.
He also accused Unam senior management of filling six senior positions without either advertising the vacant positions internally or externally.
“These positions are a) director: human resources b) director: estate services c) director language centred) director Unam central consultancy bureau e) Unam legal advisor. Other two positions which were appointed in a similar fashion are those of special advisor to the vice chancellor and that of strategic planner. To further buttress our point on administrative discretion used to achieve the wrongs ends, we wish to point out a case that relates to the Registrar of the University who in addition to his office responsibilities was appointed to act as the director of the Computer Centre, a position for which he is not trained or qualify to hold ,” Kaaronda wrote.
The NUNW leader also queried why expatriate contracts are extended in contravention of the immigration requirements guiding appointments and retention of foreign workers.
“The Vice Chancellor has repeatedly overruled relevant committees of the university to promote expatriates of professors in situations where they failed to fulfil the university criteria as set out in the Unam promotions policy.”
Unam Governing Council chairperson, Filemon Amaambo refused to comment on the issue saying he was not comfortable in conducting telephone interviews and that he does not respond to rumours.
Kaaronda admitted writing the letter to the Founding Father after NUNW was approached by the Namibia National Teachers Union.
“Yes it’s true we were approached by NANTU and we communicated our concerns to the Chancellor.”
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Alfred Ilukena, said his office has not yet received or heard about the letter written to Nujoma or any of the allegations being levelled against Hangula.
The Founding Father’s personal assistant John Nauta confirmed that Nujoma received the letter but refused to comment on the issue saying he was out of the country last week
Monday, February 8, 2010
PM Slams Kuleni
Written by Patience Nyangove and Tirivangani Masawi
Thursday, 04 February 2010
PRIME Minister, Nahas Angula has slammed the GIPF board of trustees for forming an offshoot company within the pension fund without Government’s knowledge.
Angula who is also chairperson of the State Owned Enterprise Governance Council (SOEGC ) described the formation of the controversial Kuleni Fund Administrators PTY Ltd as a non-event claiming that the GIPF board of trustees do not have the mandate to form a company without Government’s blessings.
“There is no company called Kuleni within GIPF. Whatever is happening there the Government is not aware and has not been formally informed. We have never heard of the formation of parallel structures within GIPF,” said Prime Minister Angula.
The Prime Minister’s sentiments comes barely a week after Informanté broke the story on the formation of Kuleni spearheaded by the current GIPF board and chaired by Helmut Ruppel.
Angula also said any changes effected at GIPF should be conducted through the laid down procedures that also include the participation of Parliament since the company is a public entity.
According to the Premier the board of trustees are better positioned to answer questions about the origins of Kuleni because SOEGC does not recognise the existence of the offshoot company.
Angula dismissed any chances of Kuleni increasing the pension premiums for civil service because the company does not exist as far as the Government is concerned and cannot take over the administration of GIPF.
He said any changes in the GIPF structures should be suctioned by his office or Government as they are the ones responsible for bankrolling the operations of all state owned companies.
“Government is responsible for funding these companies in times of need and also takes care of their day to day financial dealings and this makes government a major stake holder which makes all the decisions,” said Angula.
However, GIPF, CEO Primus Hango made a U-turn from his last week’s statements on the existence of Kuleni claiming that the company has been operational for more than 10 years now in a letter dated 1 February 2010 sent to Informanté.
This contradicts his comment last week when he said, “It is still an idea under consideration and we will contact you when its done.”
“Please take note that Kuleni Fund Administrators (Reg.99/504) has been in existence for more than 10 years having already two funds under administration, namely GIPF Employees Pension Fund and the Members of Parliament and other Office Bearers’ Pension Fund.”
In the letter, Hango also defends the existence of Kuleni saying it’s neither sinister nor illegal.
“Its establishment complies with the Rules of the GIPF that state that “the trustees shall appoint a pension fund administrator” as a service provider to administer the GIPF. Currently, GIPF is self administered, a function that Trustees normally outsource to pension fund administrators,” Hango said.
Thursday, 04 February 2010
PRIME Minister, Nahas Angula has slammed the GIPF board of trustees for forming an offshoot company within the pension fund without Government’s knowledge.
Angula who is also chairperson of the State Owned Enterprise Governance Council (SOEGC ) described the formation of the controversial Kuleni Fund Administrators PTY Ltd as a non-event claiming that the GIPF board of trustees do not have the mandate to form a company without Government’s blessings.
“There is no company called Kuleni within GIPF. Whatever is happening there the Government is not aware and has not been formally informed. We have never heard of the formation of parallel structures within GIPF,” said Prime Minister Angula.
The Prime Minister’s sentiments comes barely a week after Informanté broke the story on the formation of Kuleni spearheaded by the current GIPF board and chaired by Helmut Ruppel.
Angula also said any changes effected at GIPF should be conducted through the laid down procedures that also include the participation of Parliament since the company is a public entity.
According to the Premier the board of trustees are better positioned to answer questions about the origins of Kuleni because SOEGC does not recognise the existence of the offshoot company.
Angula dismissed any chances of Kuleni increasing the pension premiums for civil service because the company does not exist as far as the Government is concerned and cannot take over the administration of GIPF.
He said any changes in the GIPF structures should be suctioned by his office or Government as they are the ones responsible for bankrolling the operations of all state owned companies.
“Government is responsible for funding these companies in times of need and also takes care of their day to day financial dealings and this makes government a major stake holder which makes all the decisions,” said Angula.
However, GIPF, CEO Primus Hango made a U-turn from his last week’s statements on the existence of Kuleni claiming that the company has been operational for more than 10 years now in a letter dated 1 February 2010 sent to Informanté.
This contradicts his comment last week when he said, “It is still an idea under consideration and we will contact you when its done.”
“Please take note that Kuleni Fund Administrators (Reg.99/504) has been in existence for more than 10 years having already two funds under administration, namely GIPF Employees Pension Fund and the Members of Parliament and other Office Bearers’ Pension Fund.”
In the letter, Hango also defends the existence of Kuleni saying it’s neither sinister nor illegal.
“Its establishment complies with the Rules of the GIPF that state that “the trustees shall appoint a pension fund administrator” as a service provider to administer the GIPF. Currently, GIPF is self administered, a function that Trustees normally outsource to pension fund administrators,” Hango said.
//Gowaseb resigns from NamZim, New Era boards
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 04 February 2010
FORMER Namibia Broadcasting Corporation(NBC) acting Director General, Matthew //Gowaseb has resigned from his positions in the NamZim and New Era boards.
Until early this week, //Gowaseb was board chairman at both the NamZim and New Era boards.
According to impeccable sources within the two organisations //Gowaseb resigned early this week, without giving reasons for his sudden resignations.
When contacted for comment //Gowaseb confirmed his resignations at the NamZim and New Era boards.
“I have resigned from NamZim and New Era boards because I enrolled for post graduate studies and I need to study intensively. It’s not only these boards I have resigned from, there are also three others in the private sector because I need to concentrate on my studies,” //Gowaseb said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana refused to comment on the matter referring Informanté to Minister Joël Kaapanda who is said to be out of the country.
“//Gowaseb reported directly to Minister Kaapanda and so the Minister is the best person to comment on this issue,” he said.
//Gowaseb’s resignation from the two boards comes barely a few weeks after he refused to have his contract at NBC renewed protesting the reversal of his staff reshuffle.
His reign at NBC hit the wall when he redeployed Claudia Iikela and Tobias Kandanga in December last year. The two allegedly ran to protest the move to former President and Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma and Minister Kaapanda.
Current Head of Division of Television Programmes at the NBC, Iikela and Kandanga, Acting Head of Radio Services allegedly ran to Nujoma and Kaapanda to protest their redeployment to Radio Services and Otjiwarongo Regional Contribution Centre respectively.
A source within Swapo said //Gowaseb is short tempered and broke the trust within the broadcaster by dealing directly with juniors and overlooking a set management structure.
“There is no political interference. It’s just that //Gowaseb is short tempered and because he associated with juniors such as Lahja Kandongo while overlooking Claudia,” the source said.
Thursday, 04 February 2010
FORMER Namibia Broadcasting Corporation(NBC) acting Director General, Matthew //Gowaseb has resigned from his positions in the NamZim and New Era boards.
Until early this week, //Gowaseb was board chairman at both the NamZim and New Era boards.
According to impeccable sources within the two organisations //Gowaseb resigned early this week, without giving reasons for his sudden resignations.
When contacted for comment //Gowaseb confirmed his resignations at the NamZim and New Era boards.
“I have resigned from NamZim and New Era boards because I enrolled for post graduate studies and I need to study intensively. It’s not only these boards I have resigned from, there are also three others in the private sector because I need to concentrate on my studies,” //Gowaseb said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana refused to comment on the matter referring Informanté to Minister Joël Kaapanda who is said to be out of the country.
“//Gowaseb reported directly to Minister Kaapanda and so the Minister is the best person to comment on this issue,” he said.
//Gowaseb’s resignation from the two boards comes barely a few weeks after he refused to have his contract at NBC renewed protesting the reversal of his staff reshuffle.
His reign at NBC hit the wall when he redeployed Claudia Iikela and Tobias Kandanga in December last year. The two allegedly ran to protest the move to former President and Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma and Minister Kaapanda.
Current Head of Division of Television Programmes at the NBC, Iikela and Kandanga, Acting Head of Radio Services allegedly ran to Nujoma and Kaapanda to protest their redeployment to Radio Services and Otjiwarongo Regional Contribution Centre respectively.
A source within Swapo said //Gowaseb is short tempered and broke the trust within the broadcaster by dealing directly with juniors and overlooking a set management structure.
“There is no political interference. It’s just that //Gowaseb is short tempered and because he associated with juniors such as Lahja Kandongo while overlooking Claudia,” the source said.
Health investigates rotting stillborn babies
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 04 February 2010
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services says it will respond to Informanté’s exposé on the 20 bodies of stillborn and premature babies who were found rotting at the Okahandja State Hospital between June and December 2009, this Friday.
The Ministry’s Public Relations officer, Gladys Kamboo said investigations have been concluded and the Okahandja Hospital staff were asked by the Ministry to write reports on the matter.
“I am in the process of compiling the different reports made on the issue and once I am done by Friday and my supervisor goes over the response I will send the Ministry’s response to you,” Kamboo said.
Two weeks ago Informanté reported that bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja Hospital have been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities.
The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary.
A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea that their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Thursday, 04 February 2010
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services says it will respond to Informanté’s exposé on the 20 bodies of stillborn and premature babies who were found rotting at the Okahandja State Hospital between June and December 2009, this Friday.
The Ministry’s Public Relations officer, Gladys Kamboo said investigations have been concluded and the Okahandja Hospital staff were asked by the Ministry to write reports on the matter.
“I am in the process of compiling the different reports made on the issue and once I am done by Friday and my supervisor goes over the response I will send the Ministry’s response to you,” Kamboo said.
Two weeks ago Informanté reported that bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja Hospital have been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities.
The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary.
A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea that their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Govt. denies 73 students financial assistance
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
Monday, January 25, 2010
20 stillborn babies rot in morgue
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AT least 20-bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja State Hospital have been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities.
The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary.
The mortuary charges N$70 a day for storage and Williams-Neels was initially asked to pay but later the mortician, after consulting his superiors, told her not to pay.
“I want to know why I must pay the mortuary fees which the hospital authorities said is N$70 a day? If they had informed me, I would have buried my babies in November last year.
“I only found out on 13 January that the bodies haven’t been cremated and are still being kept in the hospital’s mortuary. The hospital never informed me that I had to bury my babies.
“I was so confused when I heard about it. I even asked the person which kids she was referring to. I then went to the hospital to enquire. I was told that the bodies of my babies were still in the mortuary three months after their death,” she complained.
Although Informanté saw six bodies in one tray, William-Neels said there were more babies ‘rotting’ in the mortuary.
“There are between 16 and 20 rotting foetuses in that mortuary and I don’t think the mothers of those babies just like me know that their babies are rotting,” Williams-Neels who was close to tears told Informanté.
A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea that their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Williams-Neels said hospital authorities should own up and apologise.
“All people at the hospital kept quiet when my kids were lying there rotting. Someone must take a stand against these people,” she said.
Williams-Neels said it was traumatising to see her babies’ bodies when she should have gotten over grieving over them.
“It’s like opening old wounds. I feel sorry for those other mothers who will have to go through this ordeal again,” she said.
A funeral parlour employee who collected Williams-Neels’ babies’ bodies said they collected another baby’s body for burial early this month.
Efforts to get comments from the hospital’s authorities were fruitless with the arrogant matron, Pea Kalipi, refusing to give her name or comment. Informanté was able to get her name although she remained adamant not to comment.
“I cannot give information to you. I could have referred you to my supervisor but she is not around,” Kalipi said.
Minister of Health, Dr Richard Kamwi refused to comment on the issue saying he did not have information.
“I know very little. I am just coming from a holiday. This is news to me. I cannot comment. I have never heard of this from anyone,” Kamwi said referring Informanté to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kaijoro Kahuure whose secretary said he was not available.
Deputy Minister of Health, Petrina Haingura, also refused to comment saying she was still on leave.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AT least 20-bodies of stillborn and premature babies who died between June and December 2009 at Okahandja State Hospital have been lying in the mortuary forgotten by the authorities.
The parents were not aware that their babies whose bodies are supposed to be disposed of by the hospital were still in the mortuary months after their deaths.
One of the mothers, Beala Williams-Neels who gave birth to stillborn twins on 7 November 2009 was shocked when a friend asked her if she was failing to give her boys a decent burial. The friend had seen the names of the unburied bodies on the list at the mortuary.
The mortuary charges N$70 a day for storage and Williams-Neels was initially asked to pay but later the mortician, after consulting his superiors, told her not to pay.
“I want to know why I must pay the mortuary fees which the hospital authorities said is N$70 a day? If they had informed me, I would have buried my babies in November last year.
“I only found out on 13 January that the bodies haven’t been cremated and are still being kept in the hospital’s mortuary. The hospital never informed me that I had to bury my babies.
“I was so confused when I heard about it. I even asked the person which kids she was referring to. I then went to the hospital to enquire. I was told that the bodies of my babies were still in the mortuary three months after their death,” she complained.
Although Informanté saw six bodies in one tray, William-Neels said there were more babies ‘rotting’ in the mortuary.
“There are between 16 and 20 rotting foetuses in that mortuary and I don’t think the mothers of those babies just like me know that their babies are rotting,” Williams-Neels who was close to tears told Informanté.
A mortician at the hospital who refused to give his name said the mothers had no idea that their babies’ bodies had not been cremated.
Williams-Neels said hospital authorities should own up and apologise.
“All people at the hospital kept quiet when my kids were lying there rotting. Someone must take a stand against these people,” she said.
Williams-Neels said it was traumatising to see her babies’ bodies when she should have gotten over grieving over them.
“It’s like opening old wounds. I feel sorry for those other mothers who will have to go through this ordeal again,” she said.
A funeral parlour employee who collected Williams-Neels’ babies’ bodies said they collected another baby’s body for burial early this month.
Efforts to get comments from the hospital’s authorities were fruitless with the arrogant matron, Pea Kalipi, refusing to give her name or comment. Informanté was able to get her name although she remained adamant not to comment.
“I cannot give information to you. I could have referred you to my supervisor but she is not around,” Kalipi said.
Minister of Health, Dr Richard Kamwi refused to comment on the issue saying he did not have information.
“I know very little. I am just coming from a holiday. This is news to me. I cannot comment. I have never heard of this from anyone,” Kamwi said referring Informanté to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kaijoro Kahuure whose secretary said he was not available.
Deputy Minister of Health, Petrina Haingura, also refused to comment saying she was still on leave.
One Africa in dire straits?
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AFTER the merger with e-TV which is one of Africa’s most interesting stations, Namibia’s private television station One Africa has not been spared by the economic slump.
The station that started airing e-TV programmes since last year November has shed its staff and lost some to greener pastures.
One Africa’s General Manager, Holger Sirchoulomb admitted this week that they had to retrench 10 people.
Responding to reports that his company had lost 40% of its workforce, Sirchoulomb said, “Last year was a tough financial year for us just like any other business. But it’s not true that 40% of our work force went to join the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. Although we have reduced our work force by only 10 people it can’t be said it’s 40%.” He also refuted reports that the television station goes off air sometimes because it had not paid for transmission licence.
“Yes we are some times off air but its weather related. Our Windhoek transmitter is affected by the weather that’s why we go off air sometimes,” he said.
However, an employee at the station said, “Most of our colleagues have quit the station for alternative jobs in the market because the management is not keen on addressing our remuneration concerns. Our work conditions are also not the best as compared to our competitors,” said the inside source.
According to an inside source within the broadcaster, staff at the station are frustrated with the issue of poor remuneration forcing them to seek employment at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) especially.
He however admitted that last year was a difficult year for them just like any other business in the country because of the economic recession.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
AFTER the merger with e-TV which is one of Africa’s most interesting stations, Namibia’s private television station One Africa has not been spared by the economic slump.
The station that started airing e-TV programmes since last year November has shed its staff and lost some to greener pastures.
One Africa’s General Manager, Holger Sirchoulomb admitted this week that they had to retrench 10 people.
Responding to reports that his company had lost 40% of its workforce, Sirchoulomb said, “Last year was a tough financial year for us just like any other business. But it’s not true that 40% of our work force went to join the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation. Although we have reduced our work force by only 10 people it can’t be said it’s 40%.” He also refuted reports that the television station goes off air sometimes because it had not paid for transmission licence.
“Yes we are some times off air but its weather related. Our Windhoek transmitter is affected by the weather that’s why we go off air sometimes,” he said.
However, an employee at the station said, “Most of our colleagues have quit the station for alternative jobs in the market because the management is not keen on addressing our remuneration concerns. Our work conditions are also not the best as compared to our competitors,” said the inside source.
According to an inside source within the broadcaster, staff at the station are frustrated with the issue of poor remuneration forcing them to seek employment at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) especially.
He however admitted that last year was a difficult year for them just like any other business in the country because of the economic recession.
‘Backyard service station operator’ denies allegations
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
MINISTRY of Finance employee, Luca Nghipopilwa, whose backyard service station’ at Hosea Kutako International Airport was exposed last week says Informanté set him up.
Nghipopilwa who works at HKIA stays at house number BM34/6 just metres away from the airport sold five litres petrol for N$60 to an Informanté crew last week.
A Ministry of Finance employee at the airport who refused to give out his name, but referred to himself as the chief leader denied that Nghipopilwa was employed by the Finance Ministry.
“We don’t have a man called Luca here,” the man said.
In his statement which he left at Informanté offices last week, Nghipopilwa denied operating a ‘backyard service station’. He said the fuel he sold was siphoned from car that was parked at his house.
“This (sic) (three people) employees of Informanté approached me on the street closer to our house at H.K.I airport, the man was driving the car a (grey-condor) with two ladies inside told me that they’re looking for a house were there’s somebody selling petrol, I were (sic) wondering without any ideas for the matter (sic) and I told him that, maybe you are wrong directed (sic), it’s not here and him the driver as his eyes were so faster than his hands,(sic) he saw the car parked in our yard and than(sic) started demanding me to give him at least a 5 litres petrol (sic) from that car’s petrol tank,” he wrote.
However, contrary to Nghipopilwa’s statement the Informanté crew stumbled on the “backyard service station “ almost two weeks ago when looking for a service station at the airport. Guards at the gate indicated that petrol was being sold at a house in the Namibian Airports Company Limited compound.
The crew was on its way to Windhoek from Gobabis around 06h00 Sunday. Three small girls found at Nghipopilwa’s neighbours led the crew to his house. The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Nghipopilwa, told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre.
Disguised as stranded motorists, a separate crew went back to the airport Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel.
Although the security guards seemed to have no idea, a NAC employee directed them to Nghipopilwa’s house.
Nghipopilwa has threatened unspecified action against the Informanté crew.
“I’ll take my time, with three of them slowly by swally (sic), not, now, not next year but, I’ll, I promise I’ll deal with them personal, in a diplomat way as a full mature person with open eyes, they should be told that, I am not selling petrol,” he wrote.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
MINISTRY of Finance employee, Luca Nghipopilwa, whose backyard service station’ at Hosea Kutako International Airport was exposed last week says Informanté set him up.
Nghipopilwa who works at HKIA stays at house number BM34/6 just metres away from the airport sold five litres petrol for N$60 to an Informanté crew last week.
A Ministry of Finance employee at the airport who refused to give out his name, but referred to himself as the chief leader denied that Nghipopilwa was employed by the Finance Ministry.
“We don’t have a man called Luca here,” the man said.
In his statement which he left at Informanté offices last week, Nghipopilwa denied operating a ‘backyard service station’. He said the fuel he sold was siphoned from car that was parked at his house.
“This (sic) (three people) employees of Informanté approached me on the street closer to our house at H.K.I airport, the man was driving the car a (grey-condor) with two ladies inside told me that they’re looking for a house were there’s somebody selling petrol, I were (sic) wondering without any ideas for the matter (sic) and I told him that, maybe you are wrong directed (sic), it’s not here and him the driver as his eyes were so faster than his hands,(sic) he saw the car parked in our yard and than(sic) started demanding me to give him at least a 5 litres petrol (sic) from that car’s petrol tank,” he wrote.
However, contrary to Nghipopilwa’s statement the Informanté crew stumbled on the “backyard service station “ almost two weeks ago when looking for a service station at the airport. Guards at the gate indicated that petrol was being sold at a house in the Namibian Airports Company Limited compound.
The crew was on its way to Windhoek from Gobabis around 06h00 Sunday. Three small girls found at Nghipopilwa’s neighbours led the crew to his house. The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Nghipopilwa, told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre.
Disguised as stranded motorists, a separate crew went back to the airport Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel.
Although the security guards seemed to have no idea, a NAC employee directed them to Nghipopilwa’s house.
Nghipopilwa has threatened unspecified action against the Informanté crew.
“I’ll take my time, with three of them slowly by swally (sic), not, now, not next year but, I’ll, I promise I’ll deal with them personal, in a diplomat way as a full mature person with open eyes, they should be told that, I am not selling petrol,” he wrote.
Notables tumble in Pohamba’s mock Govt.
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 21 January 2010
WHEN President Hifikepunye Pohamba appoints his new Government this time around it will be a question of whether to balance it with the old guard, the so called “dead wood” and the “young turks”, the mafikizolos. According to an inside source within Swapo’s upper hierarchy who provided a mock Government to Informanté that might be appointed by President Pohamba as the final Government, the President’s predicament now is on who to pick or drop.
“It’s hard for him, these dead wood are people his own age and they have been together for a long time hence it’s so hard for him to part with them.”
The source said President Pohamba’s dilemma has been worsened by the fact most “mafikizolo” are occupying top position on the Swapo Parliamentary list with a majority of the “deadwood” occupying bottom positions. “Its difficult to dump them, you can feel sorry for him. There are so many new people on the Parliamentary list and many of these faces appear to have gone above the dead wood, and its hard for Pohamba to pick on the deadwood which is on the bottom list leaving the new guys.”
The issue of tribal considerations is reportedly also giving President Pohamba a headache.
“He is in a tough position because whoever he drops will feel discriminated (against),” the source said.
Below is the mock Government provided to Informanté which if it is to be anyway near President Pohamba’s final Government will see notable figures like Swapo Secretary General, Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana appointed as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister with either Hage Geingob or Theo-Ben Gurirab coming back as Prime-Minister. Geingob as deputy President of Swapo is number two on the party parliamentary list and Iivula-Ithana as Secretary General is number three.
1. Hifikepunye Pohamba President
2. Hage Geingob/Theo-Ben Gurirab Prime Minister
3. Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana Deputy Prime Minister
Nahas Angula Speaker of National Assembly
Doreen Sioka Deputy Speaker
4. Loide Kasingo Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration
Steve Mogotsi Deputy Minister
5. Martin Andjamba Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pohamba Shifeta Deputy Minister
6. Charles Namoloh Minister of Veterans Affairs
Erastus Uutoni Deputy Minister
7. Nangolo Mbumba Minister of Presidential Affairs
8. Dr Albert Kawana Attorney General
9. Utoni Nujoma Minister of Justice
Tommy Nambahu Deputy Minister
10. John Mutorwa Minister of Education
Lucia Witbooi Deputy Minister
11. Isak Katali Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture
Paulus Kapia/Theo Diegaardht Deputy Minister
12. Jerry Ekandjo MRLGHRD
John Walenga Deputy Minister
13.Petrina Haingura Minister of Gender Equality
Lempy Lucas Deputy Minister
14. Immanuel Ngatjizeko Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
Alpheus Muheua Deputy Minister
15. Kazenambo Kazenambo Minister of Environment and Tourism
Billy Mwanyengange Deputy Minister
16. Tjekero Tweya Minister of Trade and Industry
Juliet Kavetuna Deputy Minister
17. Dr Richard Kamwi Minister of Health, Social Services
Alexia Manombe-Ncube Deputy Minister
18. Alfeus !Naruseb Minister of Lands and Resettlement
Elifas Dingara Deputy Minister
19. Paulus Kapia Minister of Works and Transport
Willem Isaaks Deputy Minister
20. Marco Hausiku Minister of Agriculture, Water
and Forestry
Peya Mushelenga Deputy Minister
21. Benard Esau Minister of Mines and Energy
Angelika Maharukua Deputy Minister
22. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah Minister of Minorities
Eveline Nawases-Taeyele Deputy Minister
23. Peter Iilonga Minister of Safety and Security
Henock yaKasita Deputy Minister
24. Martin Shalli Minister of Defence
Frans Kapofi Deputy Minister
25. Dr Abraham Iyambo Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Alfeus Muheua Deputy Minister
26. Joel Kaapanda Minister of information and Communication Technology
Col Kolokwe Deputy Minister
27. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Minister of Finance
Piet Van Der Walt Deputy Minister
28. Prof. Peter Katjavivi DG National Planning Commission
29. Errki Nghimtina DG Namibia Central Intelligence Service
30. Sebastian Ndeitunga Inspector General of the Namibian Police
Thursday, 21 January 2010
WHEN President Hifikepunye Pohamba appoints his new Government this time around it will be a question of whether to balance it with the old guard, the so called “dead wood” and the “young turks”, the mafikizolos. According to an inside source within Swapo’s upper hierarchy who provided a mock Government to Informanté that might be appointed by President Pohamba as the final Government, the President’s predicament now is on who to pick or drop.
“It’s hard for him, these dead wood are people his own age and they have been together for a long time hence it’s so hard for him to part with them.”
The source said President Pohamba’s dilemma has been worsened by the fact most “mafikizolo” are occupying top position on the Swapo Parliamentary list with a majority of the “deadwood” occupying bottom positions. “Its difficult to dump them, you can feel sorry for him. There are so many new people on the Parliamentary list and many of these faces appear to have gone above the dead wood, and its hard for Pohamba to pick on the deadwood which is on the bottom list leaving the new guys.”
The issue of tribal considerations is reportedly also giving President Pohamba a headache.
“He is in a tough position because whoever he drops will feel discriminated (against),” the source said.
Below is the mock Government provided to Informanté which if it is to be anyway near President Pohamba’s final Government will see notable figures like Swapo Secretary General, Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana appointed as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister with either Hage Geingob or Theo-Ben Gurirab coming back as Prime-Minister. Geingob as deputy President of Swapo is number two on the party parliamentary list and Iivula-Ithana as Secretary General is number three.
1. Hifikepunye Pohamba President
2. Hage Geingob/Theo-Ben Gurirab Prime Minister
3. Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana Deputy Prime Minister
Nahas Angula Speaker of National Assembly
Doreen Sioka Deputy Speaker
4. Loide Kasingo Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration
Steve Mogotsi Deputy Minister
5. Martin Andjamba Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pohamba Shifeta Deputy Minister
6. Charles Namoloh Minister of Veterans Affairs
Erastus Uutoni Deputy Minister
7. Nangolo Mbumba Minister of Presidential Affairs
8. Dr Albert Kawana Attorney General
9. Utoni Nujoma Minister of Justice
Tommy Nambahu Deputy Minister
10. John Mutorwa Minister of Education
Lucia Witbooi Deputy Minister
11. Isak Katali Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture
Paulus Kapia/Theo Diegaardht Deputy Minister
12. Jerry Ekandjo MRLGHRD
John Walenga Deputy Minister
13.Petrina Haingura Minister of Gender Equality
Lempy Lucas Deputy Minister
14. Immanuel Ngatjizeko Minister of Labour and Social Welfare
Alpheus Muheua Deputy Minister
15. Kazenambo Kazenambo Minister of Environment and Tourism
Billy Mwanyengange Deputy Minister
16. Tjekero Tweya Minister of Trade and Industry
Juliet Kavetuna Deputy Minister
17. Dr Richard Kamwi Minister of Health, Social Services
Alexia Manombe-Ncube Deputy Minister
18. Alfeus !Naruseb Minister of Lands and Resettlement
Elifas Dingara Deputy Minister
19. Paulus Kapia Minister of Works and Transport
Willem Isaaks Deputy Minister
20. Marco Hausiku Minister of Agriculture, Water
and Forestry
Peya Mushelenga Deputy Minister
21. Benard Esau Minister of Mines and Energy
Angelika Maharukua Deputy Minister
22. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah Minister of Minorities
Eveline Nawases-Taeyele Deputy Minister
23. Peter Iilonga Minister of Safety and Security
Henock yaKasita Deputy Minister
24. Martin Shalli Minister of Defence
Frans Kapofi Deputy Minister
25. Dr Abraham Iyambo Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Alfeus Muheua Deputy Minister
26. Joel Kaapanda Minister of information and Communication Technology
Col Kolokwe Deputy Minister
27. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Minister of Finance
Piet Van Der Walt Deputy Minister
28. Prof. Peter Katjavivi DG National Planning Commission
29. Errki Nghimtina DG Namibia Central Intelligence Service
30. Sebastian Ndeitunga Inspector General of the Namibian Police
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tonata accused of defrauding Swapo
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 14 January 2010
THE ruling Swapo party has allegedly been defrauded of at least N$100,000 by A-Z Investments, an advertising company owned by Tonata Shiimi.
Shiimi was recently appointed the General Manager of the Southern Times a weekly regional newspaper co-owned by the Namibian and Zimbabwean Governments but the appointment could not be confirmed by the NamZim Board Chairperson, Matthew //Gowaseb who was not picking up his phone.
According to available documents, Swapo contracted A-Z Investment Holdings during the run up to the Presidential and National Assembly elections last year to produce 270 campaign artworks and mount the posters in 14 selected towns across the country but it is alleged that the company produced only 110 .
The alleged fraud came to light after one of the A-Z Investment Holdings workers, John Ackim Pedzisai, who had not been paid spilled the beans.
Ackim-Pedzisai together with another employee of the company have since lodged their case with the Labour Court against Shiimi.
“In Okahandja, Gobabis, Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop we placed 10 posters in each town while in Tsumeb we placed 20 among others and in total we only erected 110 posters instead of the 270 paid for by Swapo,” Ackim Pedzisai said.
He further alleged that Shiimi allegedly took advantage of the fact that the Swapo party was busy with the elections and did not have time to verify whether all the 270 posters they had paid for with N$183,000 were mounted.
A letter in possession of Informanté written by Shiimi on 23 November 2009 claims that A-Z Investment Holdings placed 20 posters in Rundu, Katima 20, Tsumeb 20, Ondangwa 20, Okahandja 10, Okahao 20, Ongwediva 20, Oshikango 10, Helao Nafidi 20, Tsumeb 30, Eengela 20, Keetmanshoop 20, Gobabis 20 and Rehoboth 20.
A senior Swapo official in the finance department privy to the issue who agreed to speak to Informanté on condition of anonymity confirmed that the party was defrauded.
“We contracted A-Z to print and post 270 posters across the country. However, as we are unearthing now they never fulfilled the contract. The other time I went to Rundu and they were supposed to be 20 posters in the town but to my surprise only 10 had been erected. When I contacted Shiimi he gave me the excuse that they had erected the other 10 in Grootfontein. However, when I drove past the town there were no posters at all.
“It was very difficult for us to know what was transpiring in all towns because we are in Windhoek, but now we understand that some towns never had posters erected at all,” the Swapo official said.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being Pedzisai’s cousin and that he did not discuss his business in the press.
“I have been doing business with Swapo for many years. If Swapo has a complaint, they should come to me. They have never complained. I deal with them on a daily basis. There is no truth in this. If your uncle comes to you with baseless allegations you write the story,” he said.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
THE ruling Swapo party has allegedly been defrauded of at least N$100,000 by A-Z Investments, an advertising company owned by Tonata Shiimi.
Shiimi was recently appointed the General Manager of the Southern Times a weekly regional newspaper co-owned by the Namibian and Zimbabwean Governments but the appointment could not be confirmed by the NamZim Board Chairperson, Matthew //Gowaseb who was not picking up his phone.
According to available documents, Swapo contracted A-Z Investment Holdings during the run up to the Presidential and National Assembly elections last year to produce 270 campaign artworks and mount the posters in 14 selected towns across the country but it is alleged that the company produced only 110 .
The alleged fraud came to light after one of the A-Z Investment Holdings workers, John Ackim Pedzisai, who had not been paid spilled the beans.
Ackim-Pedzisai together with another employee of the company have since lodged their case with the Labour Court against Shiimi.
“In Okahandja, Gobabis, Rehoboth, Keetmanshoop we placed 10 posters in each town while in Tsumeb we placed 20 among others and in total we only erected 110 posters instead of the 270 paid for by Swapo,” Ackim Pedzisai said.
He further alleged that Shiimi allegedly took advantage of the fact that the Swapo party was busy with the elections and did not have time to verify whether all the 270 posters they had paid for with N$183,000 were mounted.
A letter in possession of Informanté written by Shiimi on 23 November 2009 claims that A-Z Investment Holdings placed 20 posters in Rundu, Katima 20, Tsumeb 20, Ondangwa 20, Okahandja 10, Okahao 20, Ongwediva 20, Oshikango 10, Helao Nafidi 20, Tsumeb 30, Eengela 20, Keetmanshoop 20, Gobabis 20 and Rehoboth 20.
A senior Swapo official in the finance department privy to the issue who agreed to speak to Informanté on condition of anonymity confirmed that the party was defrauded.
“We contracted A-Z to print and post 270 posters across the country. However, as we are unearthing now they never fulfilled the contract. The other time I went to Rundu and they were supposed to be 20 posters in the town but to my surprise only 10 had been erected. When I contacted Shiimi he gave me the excuse that they had erected the other 10 in Grootfontein. However, when I drove past the town there were no posters at all.
“It was very difficult for us to know what was transpiring in all towns because we are in Windhoek, but now we understand that some towns never had posters erected at all,” the Swapo official said.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being Pedzisai’s cousin and that he did not discuss his business in the press.
“I have been doing business with Swapo for many years. If Swapo has a complaint, they should come to me. They have never complained. I deal with them on a daily basis. There is no truth in this. If your uncle comes to you with baseless allegations you write the story,” he said.
Tonata taken to court over wages
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A-Z Investments owner, Tonata Shiimi has been dragged to the Labour Court by two of his employees after he failed to pay them November and December wages.
Shiimi has reportedly started a new job at the Southern Times as General Manager.
Documents from the Labour Court reveal that Shiimi was ordered to appear before a Labour Inspector only identified as M.S Liswaniso on 7 January 2010 on charges laid against him by John Ackim Pedzisai and Ipinge Matala over allegations of non-payment of their salaries.
In the letter dated 5 January 2010, Shiimi was also requested to bring proof of payment of the alleged outstanding salaries and all relevant documents to settle the matter which was later postponed and later moved to January 12 when Shiimi allegedly failed to turn up for the hearing.
Pedzisai and Matala said they were contracted by Shiimi to erect Swapo election campaign posters across the country but after they finished the job, he started evading them.
Matala claims that he is owed N$2,080 for the month of November until December 20 while Pedzisai is owed N$5,850.
“We went to court yesterday (Tuesday) but he (Shiimi) never showed up. It seems he doesn’t have any regard for the Labour Court at all. If we phone him he does not pick our calls,” the two alleged.
Pedzisai also claimed that Shiimi was now allegedly threatening to have him deported to Zimbabwe.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being related to Pedzisai and taking sides with him despite there being “no truth” in the story at all.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A-Z Investments owner, Tonata Shiimi has been dragged to the Labour Court by two of his employees after he failed to pay them November and December wages.
Shiimi has reportedly started a new job at the Southern Times as General Manager.
Documents from the Labour Court reveal that Shiimi was ordered to appear before a Labour Inspector only identified as M.S Liswaniso on 7 January 2010 on charges laid against him by John Ackim Pedzisai and Ipinge Matala over allegations of non-payment of their salaries.
In the letter dated 5 January 2010, Shiimi was also requested to bring proof of payment of the alleged outstanding salaries and all relevant documents to settle the matter which was later postponed and later moved to January 12 when Shiimi allegedly failed to turn up for the hearing.
Pedzisai and Matala said they were contracted by Shiimi to erect Swapo election campaign posters across the country but after they finished the job, he started evading them.
Matala claims that he is owed N$2,080 for the month of November until December 20 while Pedzisai is owed N$5,850.
“We went to court yesterday (Tuesday) but he (Shiimi) never showed up. It seems he doesn’t have any regard for the Labour Court at all. If we phone him he does not pick our calls,” the two alleged.
Pedzisai also claimed that Shiimi was now allegedly threatening to have him deported to Zimbabwe.
When contacted for comment Shiimi who was verbally abusive accused this reporter of being related to Pedzisai and taking sides with him despite there being “no truth” in the story at all.
Backyard service station thrives at Hosea Kutako Airport
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A MINISTRY of Finance employee is running a thriving ‘backyard service station’ at house number BM34/6 some metres from Hosea Kutako International Airport compound.
The employee known only as Lukas who works for the Customs and Excise Department sells the petrol in five-litre containers at N$60 each.
Lukas keeps the fuel in his house which is close to others in the Namibian Airports Company Limited (NAC) compound.
An Informanté crew stumbled on the ‘backyard service station’ early this week when looking for a service station and guards at the gate indicated that petrol was sold at a house in the compound.
The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Lukas had told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre. Disguised as stranded motorists, the crew went back to the airport on Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel. Although the security guards had no idea, a NAC employee directed the crew to Lukas’ house. At the house during the transaction, Lukas said he is in the business to supplement his meagre earnings.
“I am trying to make ends meet. You know the money I get from my job is not enough that’s why I am doing this,” he said.
Lukas said he buys the fuel from service stations in Klein Windhoek and transports it in jerry cans. NAC acting CEO, Advocate Matti Asino, initially said he was not aware that there was such an activity at the airport.
“I have no idea about what you are talking about. But one can’t just sell fuel from a house its very dangerous. This is the first time I am hearing of this,” Asino said.
However, he later contacted Informanté saying the Ministry of Finance would deal with Lukas.
“He works for Customs and they are the ones responsible for him,” he said. The Namibia Airports Company is in charge of all airports in the country.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A MINISTRY of Finance employee is running a thriving ‘backyard service station’ at house number BM34/6 some metres from Hosea Kutako International Airport compound.
The employee known only as Lukas who works for the Customs and Excise Department sells the petrol in five-litre containers at N$60 each.
Lukas keeps the fuel in his house which is close to others in the Namibian Airports Company Limited (NAC) compound.
An Informanté crew stumbled on the ‘backyard service station’ early this week when looking for a service station and guards at the gate indicated that petrol was sold at a house in the compound.
The crew could, however, not buy petrol after Lukas had told them that he was selling it at N$12 per litre. Disguised as stranded motorists, the crew went back to the airport on Tuesday and asked security guards at the airport gate where one could refuel. Although the security guards had no idea, a NAC employee directed the crew to Lukas’ house. At the house during the transaction, Lukas said he is in the business to supplement his meagre earnings.
“I am trying to make ends meet. You know the money I get from my job is not enough that’s why I am doing this,” he said.
Lukas said he buys the fuel from service stations in Klein Windhoek and transports it in jerry cans. NAC acting CEO, Advocate Matti Asino, initially said he was not aware that there was such an activity at the airport.
“I have no idea about what you are talking about. But one can’t just sell fuel from a house its very dangerous. This is the first time I am hearing of this,” Asino said.
However, he later contacted Informanté saying the Ministry of Finance would deal with Lukas.
“He works for Customs and they are the ones responsible for him,” he said. The Namibia Airports Company is in charge of all airports in the country.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
GRN suspends employee over presidential mercs
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
A Ministry of Works and Transport employee suspected of allegedly leaking information about the new N$10million Presidential motorcade exposed in Informanté two weeks ago was suspended.
Julius Ngweda was suspended after a witch-hunt by Government for employees who could have leaked documents about the purchase of two state-of-the-art S600L Mercedes Benz vehicles to be part of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s motorcade.
Minister of Works and Transport, Helmut Angula has confirmed that the ministry’s spokesperson, Ngweda, was suspended over the motorcade issue.
“Yes, he was suspended because the ministry had suspicion that he is the one who leaked the documents to you. The truth would be established when he is called for a disciplinary hearing and whatever outcome the disciplinary committee will decide on the appropriate action to take,” Angula said.
According to Insight Magazine, Ngweda was suspended without pay on November 30.
Insight Magazine writes that Ngweda found his office doors locked before he was served with a letter of suspension.
Director of the Legal Assistance Centre, Norman Tjombe described Government’s reason to suspend Ngweda as appalling.
“If there is a lawful reason to suspend an employee, then it would only be fair that the person is suspended with his or her normal salary and benefits and that any investigation and disciplinary inquiry be conducted without delay, which will bring the matter to some conclusion, without disrupting anyone’s life unnecessary,” Tjombe said.
Tjombe added that the suspension without salary and other benefits is certainly very harsh and possibly unlawful as it is not only against the Labour Act but also contrary to the provisions of the Public Service Act.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
A Ministry of Works and Transport employee suspected of allegedly leaking information about the new N$10million Presidential motorcade exposed in Informanté two weeks ago was suspended.
Julius Ngweda was suspended after a witch-hunt by Government for employees who could have leaked documents about the purchase of two state-of-the-art S600L Mercedes Benz vehicles to be part of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s motorcade.
Minister of Works and Transport, Helmut Angula has confirmed that the ministry’s spokesperson, Ngweda, was suspended over the motorcade issue.
“Yes, he was suspended because the ministry had suspicion that he is the one who leaked the documents to you. The truth would be established when he is called for a disciplinary hearing and whatever outcome the disciplinary committee will decide on the appropriate action to take,” Angula said.
According to Insight Magazine, Ngweda was suspended without pay on November 30.
Insight Magazine writes that Ngweda found his office doors locked before he was served with a letter of suspension.
Director of the Legal Assistance Centre, Norman Tjombe described Government’s reason to suspend Ngweda as appalling.
“If there is a lawful reason to suspend an employee, then it would only be fair that the person is suspended with his or her normal salary and benefits and that any investigation and disciplinary inquiry be conducted without delay, which will bring the matter to some conclusion, without disrupting anyone’s life unnecessary,” Tjombe said.
Tjombe added that the suspension without salary and other benefits is certainly very harsh and possibly unlawful as it is not only against the Labour Act but also contrary to the provisions of the Public Service Act.
Govt. denies 73 students financial assistance
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
Thursday, 17 December 2009
THE bad blood between the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Ministry of Education has left 73 students with a bleak future after government denied them funding.
The affected students are studying bachelor degrees in Applied English (30), communication (30) and entrepreneurship (13) which are not recognised by Government.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Vitalis Ankama, accused the Polytechnic administration of “grabbing” courses and introducing them without making consultations.
“The Polytechnic came into being after an act of Parliament and it should cover certain programmes and they (Polytechnic administration) should not do what they want. It’s the University of Namibia which should offer those programmes not them and what the Polytechnic seems to have done is to grab any courses they want.
“We can’t have an institution grabbing anything it wants, they should have a terrain they abide by,” Ankama said.
He also accused the Polytechnic administration of misleading the nation that the institution was now a university when its request to have its status upgraded with the National Council on Higher Education is still pending.
“They went on to publish that they are now a university when the Ministry had referred their request to the National Council on Higher Education which is still carrying out consultations,” Ankama said.
The PS said because of the fallout between the Polytechnic administration and the Ministry, the students are suffering.
“Unfortunately, clearly the students are the victims. They won’t get any financial support because Government doesn’t recognise those courses they are studying.”
The Polytechnic Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, said they do not understand why Government was denying to fund the students when the same courses were being funded elsewhere.
“To our understanding, these are the only programmes which were refused bursaries while being funded elsewhere and we do not understand why except for misinterpretations of our intentions and goals. We still believe there is a great need for qualified practitioners of English and Communication and Entrepreneurship.
“In fact Entrepreneurship is funded as a course in high school (senior secondary) and it baffles one why it isn’t funded at university level. Aren’t we all talking about creating a successful economy with qualified entrepreneurs?” Tjivikua questioned.
He said it was unfair for Ankama to blame the Polytechnic for introducing new programmes without the Ministry’s blessings because in the annual development plans of institutions - strategic or operational - there is no policy or standardised procedure for consultation or approval of new programmes between the institutions and the Ministry.
“This is not the fault of the Polytechnic. Since 1996, we have addressed national development needs without necessarily obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education as per set procedures. Yet, there has never been a complaint before and all programmes have been funded, however without a scientific formula justifying the subsidy or lump sum allocations or bursaries,” Tjivikua hit back at Ankama.
National Youth Council secretary general, Mandela Kapere said the Polytechnic of Namibia is a reputable and well ran institution and he is surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised by the education ministry.
“I know the Polytechnic is a well run, reputable institution and I am very surprised to hear that it offers courses that are not recognised. It’s high time stakeholders in the education system talk directly so that students don’t end up victims here.
“I have also heard institutions complaining that Government is not paying in time the grants, there is a problem somewhere and stakeholders need to sit down and sort these problems.”
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