Independent Patriots for Change lawmaker Rodney Cloete has challenged Namibia Tourism Board vice chairperson Rachel Nathaniel-Koch’s nomination as Lands Tribunal board chairperson.
He cites alleged financial misconduct and previous removal from a statutory commission.
Cloete yesterday revealed this in his notice of questions to minister of agriculture, fisheries, water, and land reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi in the National Assembly.
The minister last week notified the parliament of the approval of candidates nominated to be appointed and serve as new Lands Tribunal board members.
Cloete claimed Nathaniel-Koch was part of the tourism board when about N$3.4 million in public funds was spent on excessive travelling across 21 foreign trips, first-class flights in violation of board policy, and legal fees to dismiss a finance manager who questioned those payments.
“Concerns over elevating to chairperson of a quasi-judicial body an individual implicated in financial misconduct, previously removed from a statutory commission, and holding only non-practicing legal status would undermine public confidence in the Lands Tribunal and the integrity of land reform . . .
“Noting that this candidate was previously removed as chairperson of the Transportation Commission for failing to meet legal qualification requirements, and describes themselves as “a non-practising lawyer . . ,” he said.
Nathaniel-Koch was appointed to the NTB board of directors in November 2023 until 30 October.
Cloete yesterday asked what steps the minister took to determine whether Nathaniel-Koch is fit to serve the position.
He demanded that the minister present the full vetting report and also asked if the minister would suspend the appointment of any candidate subject to unresolved allegations of the misuse of public funds.
Approached for comment, Nathaniel-Koch yesterday said she was unable to provide a response, as she was not aware that she had been nominated for the Lands Tribunal board chairperson position.
“Thank you for reaching out to me. I was not even aware of it. But let me not jump the gun, since the questions are directed to the minister, nor has my name been mentioned.
“I am more than willing to respond at a later stage if the matter bears my name or if the minister reaches out to me for clarity,” she said.
The Lands Tribunal is expected to operate under a comprehensive new land bill introduced by the minister last year, which includes the establishment of the tribunal and the appointment of authorised officers.
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