The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has accused the government of rewarding public officials implicated in governance failures by reappointing them to senior positions instead of holding them accountable.
In a statement issued on Thursday, IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says the continued appointment of officials linked to misconduct, negligence or financial irregularities undermines public confidence and weakens governance.
Kalangula alleges that the executive director in the Ministry of Works and Transport was previously implicated in a 2014 Deloitte forensic investigation into Air Namibia, which reportedly found instances of unauthorised contracts, procurement failures and poor contract management.
He claims the official now forms part of the team advising the government on the establishment of Namibia Air.
IPC also raises concerns about the executive director of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, alleging that a 2019 disciplinary inquiry at the Namibia Airports Company found the director guilty of tender collusion, leaking confidential information and attempting to influence procurement processes.
“Despite recommendations for dismissal and referral to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the director continues to advise the ministry on aviation regulation,” he alleges.
Kalangula believes the recycling of officials with questionable records contributes to poor governance, wastage of public funds and weak oversight across state-owned enterprises.
He calls on works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi to review investigation reports involving senior officials in entities under the ministry and implement their recommendations.
Kalangula says the IPC has written to the ACC requesting a progress report on the forensic investigations and is awaiting a response.
The party argues that stricter vetting, accountability and possible blacklisting of officials found guilty of misconduct are necessary to protect public resources and restore confidence in public institutions.
