Swapo Party braai gets the NSHR’s hackles up

THE National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) has called upon the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the alleged abuse of State vehicles.

This comes after the NSHR spotted a large fleet of State vehicles at a fundraising braai at Swapo headquarters. It listed many of the number plates of Government cars seen there.The braai was organised by former President Sam Nujoma to raise funds for the construction of a new N$149 million Swapo headquarters.In attendance were President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who came in a private vehicle, as well various other Government ministers and Swapo dignitaries.The event was “characterised by drinking and meat eating, beginning on 20h00 on Friday and ending at around 01h00 on Saturday morning”, according to the NSHR.When asked for comment, Information and Broadcasting Minister and Swapo Secretary for Information, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said that “the NSHR should clarify what they mean by abused.The ministers are entitled to Government transport when attending functions in their official roles.Former President Nujoma is also entitled to Government transport.”She further said that if the function was indeed a private one, “Ministers will be charged for the private usage of the Government cars.All ministers are paying for the private usage of Government cars.”Regarding the incident, NSHR spokesperson Dorkas Phillemon said: “We urge the ACC to investigate this incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to book.This is a serious challenge and ACC Director Noah must act now or never.”President Pohamba has launched a crackdown on State corruption since his inauguration in March this year.This includes zero tolerance for the abuse of State property.It listed many of the number plates of Government cars seen there.The braai was organised by former President Sam Nujoma to raise funds for the construction of a new N$149 million Swapo headquarters.In attendance were President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who came in a private vehicle, as well various other Government ministers and Swapo dignitaries.The event was “characterised by drinking and meat eating, beginning on 20h00 on Friday and ending at around 01h00 on Saturday morning”, according to the NSHR.When asked for comment, Information and Broadcasting Minister and Swapo Secretary for Information, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said that “the NSHR should clarify what they mean by abused.The ministers are entitled to Government transport when attending functions in their official roles.Former President Nujoma is also entitled to Government transport.”She further said that if the function was indeed a private one, “Ministers will be charged for the private usage of the Government cars.All ministers are paying for the private usage of Government cars.”Regarding the incident, NSHR spokesperson Dorkas Phillemon said: “We urge the ACC to investigate this incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to book.This is a serious challenge and ACC Director Noah must act now or never.”President Pohamba has launched a crackdown on State corruption since his inauguration in March this year.This includes zero tolerance for the abuse of State property.