Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 12 November 2009
FORMER Walvis Bay CEO, Augustinus Katiti is suing The Namibian newspaper for N$300,000 for injuring his dignity, feelings, self esteem, self respect and reputation after the paper published an article on 21 November 2007 headlined Katiti charged for theft.
In his particulars of claim Katiti listed Free Press of Namibia that published The Namibian as first defendant, editor of the daily, Gwen Lister as second defendant, third defendant as Adam Hartman, the author of the story and the fourth defendant as Regina Cynthia Kotchanova for communicating the allegations contained in the article.
Katiti claims that because of the story which alleged that he had been charged with theft after he allegedly breached a contract he signed early 2007 when the Remax franchise was sold to him and his business, Beauhomes Real Estate.
The Namibian quoting Kotchanova reported that Katiti as per the sale agreement would buy and take over the business with all the equipment and furniture as from 1 June 2007 and pay the last instalment of N$775,000 in September.
Kotchanova in the story claims that Katiti failed to pay her because she owed the Receiver of Revenue money.
The story also alleged that Katiti had sold office equipment and furniture valued at about N$100,000.
In his claim Katiti said the story was understood by readers to mean that he had been charged of theft; was being criminally prosecuted; he is a thief and an alleged criminal; that he does not honour his contractual obligations and is therefore an amoral and untrustworthy person.
He further said the story was understood by readers to mean that he illegally sold office equipment and furniture which did not belong to him for personal gain and that he would be possibly be facing further legal action as a result.
“The aforesaid report, alternatively article, alternatively comments are per se defamatory and injurious to the Plaintiff...” Katiti said.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Education splashes tax-payers’ money defending Chinese scholarships
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 12 November 2009
IN another bid for the umpteenth time to explain why only children and relatives of high ranking Government officials benefited from the Chinese Government scholarships the Ministry of Education this week Monday placed an N$6,000 advert.
The advert is a reproduction of a speech Education Minister, Nangolo Mbumba made last week Monday at another press conference where he tried to explain to the nation over the “Chinese Scholarships saga”.
An advertising sales rep at The New Era where the colour double page advert was placed said the advert cost N$6, 689.14 in tax payer’s money.
At the press conference Mbumba who was flanked by Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana and Information and Communication Technology Minister Joël Kaapanda said it was not his responsibility to say whether those who received the scholarships are morally wrong.
“As for morality only a priest can talk about that,” Mbumba said responding to a question whether it was morally right or wrong for senior Government officials to “grab” scholarships at the expense of students from less privileged families.
Two weeks before, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Vitalis Ankama’s had called for another press conference where he denied the ministry had anything to do with the 22 children and relatives of the top brass who got the Chinese scholarships.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Namibia’s Secretary General, Gert Jansen said Mbumba together with other Government Ministers had failed to provide the nation with the relevant answers they needed.
“Hon. Mbumba and all the other Swapo Government ministers have unfortunately not addressed the real issue and it is obvious that, as is frequently the case, they are trying to mislead the Namibian nation.
“The issue here is the fact that the Chinese government made bursaries available, one would assume for those students whose families cannot afford to pay for their studies, but then the bursaries were allocated amongst others to the daughter of the President, the one person who most definitely should be able to afford to finance the education of not only his daughter, but a number of other students.
“The Hon Minister can carry on trying to defend the allocation of the Chinese bursaries much as he wants, but what is wrong is wrong,” he said.
Among the high flying Government officials whose children and relatives have benefitted are Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni.
Others are President, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter Ndapanda Pohamba, Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son.
On the list is also Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
IN another bid for the umpteenth time to explain why only children and relatives of high ranking Government officials benefited from the Chinese Government scholarships the Ministry of Education this week Monday placed an N$6,000 advert.
The advert is a reproduction of a speech Education Minister, Nangolo Mbumba made last week Monday at another press conference where he tried to explain to the nation over the “Chinese Scholarships saga”.
An advertising sales rep at The New Era where the colour double page advert was placed said the advert cost N$6, 689.14 in tax payer’s money.
At the press conference Mbumba who was flanked by Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana and Information and Communication Technology Minister Joël Kaapanda said it was not his responsibility to say whether those who received the scholarships are morally wrong.
“As for morality only a priest can talk about that,” Mbumba said responding to a question whether it was morally right or wrong for senior Government officials to “grab” scholarships at the expense of students from less privileged families.
Two weeks before, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Vitalis Ankama’s had called for another press conference where he denied the ministry had anything to do with the 22 children and relatives of the top brass who got the Chinese scholarships.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Namibia’s Secretary General, Gert Jansen said Mbumba together with other Government Ministers had failed to provide the nation with the relevant answers they needed.
“Hon. Mbumba and all the other Swapo Government ministers have unfortunately not addressed the real issue and it is obvious that, as is frequently the case, they are trying to mislead the Namibian nation.
“The issue here is the fact that the Chinese government made bursaries available, one would assume for those students whose families cannot afford to pay for their studies, but then the bursaries were allocated amongst others to the daughter of the President, the one person who most definitely should be able to afford to finance the education of not only his daughter, but a number of other students.
“The Hon Minister can carry on trying to defend the allocation of the Chinese bursaries much as he wants, but what is wrong is wrong,” he said.
Among the high flying Government officials whose children and relatives have benefitted are Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni.
Others are President, Hifikepunye Pohamba’s daughter Ndapanda Pohamba, Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son.
On the list is also Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma.
Tough time for top cops as political pressure piles
Written by Patience Nyangove, Max Hamata in Windhoek and Merja Iileka in Oshakati
Thursday, 05 November 2009
POLITICAL pressure is piling up on the Namibian Police to clampdown on the force’s top cops believed to be sympathetic to the opposition party, Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP).
This comes in the wake of recent death and transfer threats on the Oshana and Wanaheda police chiefs.
The latest police political casualty is Wanaheda Police head, Chief Inspector Andreas Nelumbu, who is facing an impending transfer from Namibia’s largest police station on suspicion of being an RDP sympathiser.
Although it is not clear why several death threats have been levelled against the Oshana Regional Commander, Chief Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa, it is suspected that the threats are of a political nature.
With a few weeks remaining before the National Assembly and Presidential elections kick off, there has been mounting pressure on Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga to whip some of his top cops into towing the ruling party’s line.
Sources within the upper police echelons told Informanté that Ndeitunga is under undue political pressure to move some of his level-headed top cops in areas mainly viewed as political battlefronts between the Swapo Party and the RDP.
Ndeitunga has, however, told Informanté that he is not aware of Nelumbu’s transfer saying if he was going to be transferred, it would not be political.
“I don’t dictate or investigate which political party members of the force should (one) be aligned to as long as they don’t bring politics into their work. Nelumbu is a hardworking police officer and if he is being transferred it’s not linked to politics,” Ndeitunga said.
Nelumbu said he was aware of some senior government people who were linking him to the RDP and that he knows the people behind the smear campaign but refused to divulge their names.
“I have heard of those rumours. I am aware of it all. I have names of those who are behind that. I will dwell on that at the appropriate time,” Nelumbu said.
However, reliable sources have linked the issue of Nelumbu’s transfer to the arrest of a senior Swapo member (name provided) for drunken driving on two occasions by Wanaheda police.
They also say the transfer was a revenge on Nelumbu for the May 2008 disruption of an RDP branch meeting by Wanaheda Police when several RDP supporters were driven to their homes for fear they might be assaulted by Swapo activists.
A source close to the issue who spoke to Informanté on condition of anonymity said it was so bad that Nelumbu, whom he described as a level headed and hard working police officer, was being treated in such a way.
“These people are seeking revenge and it’s not nice the way they are crucifying Nelumbu.”
Thursday, 05 November 2009
POLITICAL pressure is piling up on the Namibian Police to clampdown on the force’s top cops believed to be sympathetic to the opposition party, Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP).
This comes in the wake of recent death and transfer threats on the Oshana and Wanaheda police chiefs.
The latest police political casualty is Wanaheda Police head, Chief Inspector Andreas Nelumbu, who is facing an impending transfer from Namibia’s largest police station on suspicion of being an RDP sympathiser.
Although it is not clear why several death threats have been levelled against the Oshana Regional Commander, Chief Ndahangwapo Kashihakumwa, it is suspected that the threats are of a political nature.
With a few weeks remaining before the National Assembly and Presidential elections kick off, there has been mounting pressure on Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga to whip some of his top cops into towing the ruling party’s line.
Sources within the upper police echelons told Informanté that Ndeitunga is under undue political pressure to move some of his level-headed top cops in areas mainly viewed as political battlefronts between the Swapo Party and the RDP.
Ndeitunga has, however, told Informanté that he is not aware of Nelumbu’s transfer saying if he was going to be transferred, it would not be political.
“I don’t dictate or investigate which political party members of the force should (one) be aligned to as long as they don’t bring politics into their work. Nelumbu is a hardworking police officer and if he is being transferred it’s not linked to politics,” Ndeitunga said.
Nelumbu said he was aware of some senior government people who were linking him to the RDP and that he knows the people behind the smear campaign but refused to divulge their names.
“I have heard of those rumours. I am aware of it all. I have names of those who are behind that. I will dwell on that at the appropriate time,” Nelumbu said.
However, reliable sources have linked the issue of Nelumbu’s transfer to the arrest of a senior Swapo member (name provided) for drunken driving on two occasions by Wanaheda police.
They also say the transfer was a revenge on Nelumbu for the May 2008 disruption of an RDP branch meeting by Wanaheda Police when several RDP supporters were driven to their homes for fear they might be assaulted by Swapo activists.
A source close to the issue who spoke to Informanté on condition of anonymity said it was so bad that Nelumbu, whom he described as a level headed and hard working police officer, was being treated in such a way.
“These people are seeking revenge and it’s not nice the way they are crucifying Nelumbu.”
Wife accuses Deputy Minister of adultery
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Namibians deserve underpayment, they are lazy – Chinese manager
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 29 October 2009
A Chinese manager with Jiangsu Zhengtai Construction Group operating in the country says Namibians are lazy and they do not deserve to be paid highly.
“They cannot sustain the production level we want and are not experienced,” David Wang whose company has several construction jobs said yesterday.
According to copies of agreements Wang’s company availed to Informanté, they are underpaying workers by about N$45 per day.
The agreements show that the workers are paid N$25 per day working nine hours for five and half days per week. This is far less than the N$72 per day stipulated by Government.
Namibia’s minimum hourly rate is N$9,30 but Zhengtai Construction Group and several other Chinese companies pay N$2,78 per hour.
Apart from underpayment, most Chinese companies have been accused of ignoring safety measures at work by failing to provide protective clothes such as overalls, safety belts and shoes as well as helmets.
The Chinese have also been allegedly firing workers who would have joined trade unions to enable them to effectively collectively bargain for better wages.
Workers employed by Chinese companies say they are being denied access to loans, training schemes and employment schemes and disability pension.
It is also alleged they do not have valid Affirmative Action Compliance Certificates in breach of the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act of 1998.
Chinese businesses are allegedly breaching six Namibian laws that include the Labour Act: Act 6 of 1992, the Labour Act: Act 11 of 2007, the Collective Agreement, the Social Security Act, the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act 29 of 1998; the Foreign Investment Act, Act 24 of 1993 and in the process the Foreign Investment Act, Act 24 of 1993.
General secretary of the Metal and Allied Workers Union (Manwu) Bernard Milinga accused Chinese contractors of deliberately refusing to adhere to the country’s laws.
“But to our surprise they are the ones who are getting the tenders,” Milinga said.
He also said the majority of workers employed by the Chinese contractors are not registered with the Namibian Building Workers Pension Fund despite Government in a 1990 ruling that all workers in the construction industry must be registered with the pension fund.
“We are trying to engage Government, however the answer we got from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we are not happy with it. They say we should go with our grievances to the Ministry of Labour and yet they are the ones facilitating these people to get work permits without first meeting the country’s laws.
“The Government should also involve us in the Tender Board so that we ensure they meet conditions that benefit the Namibian worker otherwise we are sitting on a burden. I have never heard of any worker being trained by the Chinese, the Affirmative Action law is only on paper.”
Labour Resource and Research Institute, Senior Researcher Herbert Jauch confirmed that the Chinese were breaking the country’s laws with the Government doing nothing about it.
“The Government must step up its oversight function and monitor what is happening at those companies. When laws are violated these companies should be severely punished,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Petrus Iilonga said while Chinese are not angels, they were not any worse than other local contractors.
Iilonga accused some white owned construction companies of embarking on a campaign to discredit the Chinese when they were also breaking the same Namibian laws.
He also blamed the Namibian workers for allowing the Chinese to underpay and ill-treat them by not being united amongst themselves.
“If you find that you are not being given money you want, why are you continuing to work? They should stop going to work and those Chinese will change. Workers are also not organised. They must not just complain without taking action.”
Wife accuses Deputy Minister of adultery
Written by Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
DEPUTY Defence Minister Victor Simunja is embroiled in a messy divorce with his wife in which he is accusing her of sexually starving him over a long period of time while she counter-claims that he was a player.
Margret DikeingeSimunja neeShilongo countered that the Deputy Defence Minister denied her conjugal rights (the rights, especially to sexual relations, regarded as exercisable in law by each partner in marriage) and disrespected her by calling her a witch.
In his claim papers Simunja also accuses his wife offailing to respect him both at home and outside by swearing and insulting him in the presence of the couple’s children and acquaintances.
Simunja says that Shilongo doesnot play her role as a parent and as a result fails to provide for the children at home, is violent and ever inviting confrontations and deserting him.
The lawmaker also accuses his wife of maliciously and falsely tarnishing his name by causing negative stories that were published in The Namibian of 19 December 2004 and Informanté of 8 September 2006 and that of 25 January 2007.
“The Defendant has since indulged and engaged in inviting media personnel to come and take photographs of our common home including the inside, which actions endangerthe plaintiff’s life and evades his privacy,” Simunja said in the court papers.
Simunja also accuses his wife of removing almost 75% of utensils and other goods for reasons unknown to him.
However the case was struck off the court roll after Simunja failed to turn up for court on Tuesday.
In her counter claim papers submitted at the High Court where Simunja is seeking restitution of conjugal rights or a decree of divorce Shilongo accuses the Defence Deputy Minister of having an adulterous relationship with one Maria Texteira during December 2003, which was still persisting.
Shilongo accuses Simunja of having other extra-marital relationships with various other women.
Simunja’s wife accused him of denying her marital privileges, demonstrating no love and affection towards her, assaulting her physically on various occasions in which criminal cases have been laid with the Namibian Police and also failing to communicate with her.
“The Plaintiff, insulted, belittled and swore at the defendant on various occasions in the presence of the minor children and other persons,” she says.
Shilongo claims that Simunja stays away from home for long periods of time without providing a reasonable explanation to her while showing no interest in continuing the marital relationship.
Shilongo concludes in her counter claim by accusing Simunja of deserting her adding that from their three children the couple had together she must be awarded custody and control.
She has asked the court to grant her a final order of divorce or restitutionof conjugal rights, failure to comply a decree of divorce.
She says the court must order Simunja to pay N$1,000 maintenance for their minor child and N$1,500 for her while also paying school fees and medical aidfor the other children.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Chinese bursary scramble widens
Written by Max Hamata and Patience Nyangove
Thursday, 22 October 2009
THE list of top government officials’ children who have benefited from the Chinese educational scholarships lengthened this week with the unearthing of more names.
It has emerged that Pendukeni Ithana, daughter to Justice Minister Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana; Nathanael Pashto Nghidinwa, son to Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Rosalia Nghidinwa’s who is studying medicine; Ujama Nujoma and Hiskia Asino cousins to Deputy Justice Minister Utoni Nujoma and Selma Utoni daughter to Director of Mines and Energy, Selma Utoni, were beneficiaries of the scholarships from the Chinese government.
Informanté last week revealed that high profile figures ranging from former President and founding Father, Sam Nujoma; current President, Hifikepunye Pohamba; Government ministers overseeing the procurement of multi-million dollar deals with the Chinese Government; senior military and several government officials are snatching scholarships meant to benefit mainly students from less privileged families for their children and relatives.
Among those students who left for China in August this year were Ndapanda Pohamba, the President’s daughter, who commenced studies at the Beijing Language University courtesy of the Chinese government scholarships; Justus Namoloh, the Defence Minister’s son who is studying at the Huazhong Normal University; Ernesto Ndeitunga, the Nampol Inspector General’s son who is also studying at the Huazhong Normal University; and Phillipus N. Esau, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy’s son who is at Tonji University.
On the list too is Lenna Ya Kasita, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Resettlement’s daughter at the Huazhong Normal University, Naukalemo Nghimtina, the Minister of Mines and Energy’s daughter; and Patrick Lungameni Mushimba, a relative of the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma, studying at the Tonji University.
When contacted for comment yesterday over her daughter’s scholarship Ivula-Ithana accused Informanté of abusing the children.
“You are abusing those children at the same time castigating their parents. Informanté is a credible newspaper why are you writing such stories? It’s those children whom you are hurting more than their parents. You wrote this story last week why are you continuing to write about it, what is driving you to do this? There are better stories like that where GIPF lost N$5 billion why can’t you report on that one?”
Ivula-Ithana’s deputy Nujoma after realising he was talking to a journalist from Informanté when contacted for comment hung up before ignoring our phone calls.
However a relative who responded to our phone calls at his Windhoek home confirmed that Ujama and Hiskia are Nujoma’s cousins.
Hiskia is understood to be in China together with his wife Ilona whom Informanté could not establish at the time of going to print whether she was also studying courtesy of the Chinese bursaries or was doing something else.
Hiskia’s brother Mika who is the acting CEO at the Airports Company of Namibia told Informanté that Hiskia was employed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and had accessed the Chinese scholarship to do his postgraduate studies through his employer.
The Home Affairs minister who, besides her son Nathanael who is studying in China, is believed to have another son, Maxwell, studying in Egypt.
Efforts to get a comment from her were fruitless as she was said to be out of the country.
What opposition parties said
Pohamba should take a lead and pay school fees for his daughter and give that scholarship to a deserving child.
The DTA demands that Minister Nangolo Mbumba should resign forthwith. He has failed miserably to meet the expectations of the young people who depend on him and his Ministry to look after their educational well-being.
These bursaries were supposedly meant for the disadvantaged young people of Namibia to further their studies in China. Not for the Swapo elite.
This scam simply reaffirms what the DTA has been saying for 20 years: Swapo leaders abuse their positions and influence in Government to selfishly enrich and benefit themselves and their families at the cost of Namibia’s poor – DTA general secretary McHenry Venaani who also described the scramble as a conflict of interest because the beneficiaries are the ones who award tenders and contracts to Chinese companies.
When we accuse Swapo, people say we are against the ruling party, but that is not true. It’s because the ruling party is not for all. Look at those who benefitted, they are from the Oshiwambo speaking people - UDF president Justus Garoeb also questioned why most of the beneficiaries are Oshiwambo
They are robbing the poor. Those who can afford should pay up fees for their children. Ministers, members of Parliament and the President should do the same. If we pay ourselves we leave the scholarships for the poor - CoD leader Ben Ulenga
The relationship between the Chinese government and the Namibian government was one founded upon and nurtured by corruption – CoD’s Young Democrats Natji Tjirare in a statement this week.
Additional reporting by Renthia Kaukungwa
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