SHELLEYGAN PETERSEN and ELIASER NDEYANALEThe Office of the Speaker of the National Assembly has confirmed that an E200 Mercedes-Benz was dropped off for Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani at the National Assembly (NA).
The director within the speaker’s office, Simon/Uirab, told The Namibian yesterday that the Mercedes-Benz is currently parked at the NA.
“The Mercedes is here in the parking lot of the NA,” /Uirab said.
This comes after president Hage Geingob during the state of the nation address said Venaani received “a black car” after he asked for it.
“You were asking for a black car to look official. You didn ‘t want drivers from the government and we conceded you can choose your own driver and security,” Geingob said to Venaani.
Venaani, however, responded to the president to say that he had not received the vehicle.
The chairperson of the Public Office-Bearers Commission (POBC), judge Sylvester Mainga, said Venaani has a sedan but requested an additional vehicle.
“The way I understand it, he has a sedan vehicle but he wants an off-road vehicle,” he said.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Venaani said he does not have an official vehicle.
“I don ‘t have any official vehicle at my disposal. The POBC asked me to choose a vehicle. I refused the Benz and opted for a second-hand Toyota double cab off-road,” he said.
“My driver and security are only appointed now. How could I have had a vehicle without drivers who were supposed to drive? People want to cover up for their weaknesses. It’s an official lie.”
PDM yesterday dismissed a letter addressed to the POBC in which Venaani allegedly informed the commission that he opted for a Mercedes Benz E-Class 200. The letter is dated 23 September 2021.
“This letter was never penned by our office. It is nothing more than sensationalism and is done with malicious intent in an effort to discredit the leader of the official opposition and his office,” Venaani’s spokesperson, Roberto Dirkse, said.
However, three party members of parliament assert that the letter is genuine.
Venaani is entitled to a vehicle as a benefit of the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition.
Two years ago, Geingob approved the establishment of the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition, which allows for Venaani to have an official vehicle, with a dedicated driver and office personnel.
Venaani responded to issue on Twitter, saying that when he asked for a black car, he was referring to a more affordable option.
“Herewith, my choice of a Toyota second-hand car, colour preference black, as I engaged the Public Office-Bearers Remuneration and Benefits Commission.
“Even while I was entitled to two cars, I chose the cheapest. This is who I am, not what others want to portray me to be.
“Let’s fight for a better Namibia,” he said.
Venaani also addressed Geingob’s claim that he has never written private letters on matters of national interest.
“It was said by the president that I have never written letters in private to him, but about my black Merc apparently.
“Herewith letters on homeless families, the South West Africa territorial force saga, the Government Institutions Pension Fund corruption saga, and genocide, among many.
“Fact, not fiction,” he said.
