‘I’m the poorest governor in Namibia’

Nganate defends reappointment amid community resistance

Outoing Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate says he is the poorest governor in Namibia and denies the corruption allegations some community members have levelled against him.

He says if he were corrupt, his house would be painted and his children would attend private schools.

Nganate was responding to community members who are calling on president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah not to reappoint him as governor.

They are accusing him of failing the community during his tenure and blame him for deepening unemployment, poverty and marginalisation – particularly among the San, /Gobanin and generational farming communities.

‘COMMUNITY FIRST’

Nganate yesterday told The Namibian he has put his community first and has served by the book.

“Why are all these allegations being brought today when my tenure is about to end? This is pure politics.

I don’t drive a fancy car, my house is not painted, and l’m the poorest governor in Namibia.

“I’m always putting my people first, my child goes to public school, not even private, because I’m trying to live by the book.

If I had access to all this corruption, I could have enriched myself.

“I live a simple life, and if I’m reappointed, I’ll do what I’m supposed to do for the people of Omaheke,” he said.

MISCONDUCT

In a letter sent to Nandi-Ndaitwah by community activists Ismael Gariseb, Phillip Prinz, and Edla Araes, they accuse Nganate of misconduct, abuse of office and land-related controversies.

“Contrary to claims of inclusive leadership, the /Gobanin and San communities in the Omaheke remain largely landless and have not been adequately integrated into resettlement programmes under Nganate’s stewardship, despite his position as chairperson of the resettlement committee,” the letter says.

The petition raises several allegations of misconduct, including claims that the governor built a homestead on San communal land without proper consent, and that he was involved in an irregular deal involving 250 hectares (almost 250 football fields) of municipal land at farm Nuwehoop.

The land deal allegedly occurred without the necessary approval from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development or the Omaheke Regional Council, as required by law.

“It is widely known within the San community that governor Nganate allegedly acquired and built his homestead on land belonging to the San community without their explicit permission or consent,” the letter says.

Further accusations claim that Nganate misled struggling generational farmworkers by promising them access to farm Yellowbank, only to later put preferred individuals on the land.

“Therefore, with the utmost respect and humility, we earnestly appeal to your excellency to consider these facts and discard the request for governor Pijoo Nganate’s reappointment.

“We firmly believe the sustainable development and prosperity of the Omaheke region and its people require a leader whose integrity is beyond reproach and whose commitment to serving all communities is unwavering and demonstrably impartial,” the letter says.

DENIAL

Nganate has since denied all the allegations.

He said he is not a member of the resettlement committee.

“We have recommended so many people to be resettled, and that has happened successfully.

On the issue of Yellowbank, they were all resettled successfully and their eviction was not affected, and these are generational farmworkers.

“Today, boreholes that were not operational at farm Nuwehoop are now operational, and we also have young people who have been employed there. It is unfortunate that people will ruin someone with unfounded allegations.

“I have been in the government for a long time, and if I had done something, I should have been reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.

‘REAPPOINT NGANATE’

The community was responding to an open letter written by Mandume Vaendwanawa and published two weeks ago, supporting Nganate’s reappointment.

In the letter, Vaendwanawa said Nganate has consistently demonstrated principled, visionary, and people-centred leadership.

“His broad experience places him among the most qualified leaders to guide our region through its current developmental challenges, serving our people.

“I write to you on behalf of concerned citizens and community activists from the Omaheke region to respectfully request the reappointment of Pijoo Nganate as Omaheke governor.

With the utmost humility, we appeal to you to allow him to continue his critical leadership in the region,” he said.

According to Vaendwanawa, two significant social initiatives were established under Nganate’s leadership.

“One to combat child malnutrition and another to assist children living on the streets. These initiatives, led by task forces he set up, exemplify his deep commitment to addressing the most pressing issues affecting our communities.

“Despite limited support from some local leaders, Nganate has remained steadfast in his service, often working in isolation to fulfil his mandate.

Unfortunately, regional progress has been hindered by political division and personal agendas among certain stakeholders, which have undermined a shared commitment to development,” he said.

Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Phillip Prinz, a community activist representing the /Gobanin traditional community, acknowledged having sent the letter to Nandi-Ndaitwah.

He said the community had written more than 50 letters to the Office of the President to no avail.

“When it comes to development we are excluded. Most of our children are eating from bins and others in jail because of the suffering,” he said.
He said 95% of Witvlei’s people are unemployed.

When asked if the Office of the President has received the letter and the way forward, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said the letter has not been signed.

“Good day, this appears unsigned,” he said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah will elect remaining governors for office on Thursday.

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