DEAR Tangeni Amupadhi,I have again noted the following in your editorial on page 11 of The Namibian newspaper dated 23 October 2015, and I quote:
“We know Andre Neethling and company enriched themselves with Ongopolo assets using the TCL legacy while doing nothing to repay the workers’ pension money that was misappropriated by TCL.”
1. This article was reprinted on 26 October 2015 in the same newspaper in Oshiwambo on page 13, associated with the article on Kombat and a certain Mr Katti.
2. You were the journalist reporting in the Insight magazine on the “Men who owned Tsumeb” in 2005.
3. Under your management there were a minimum of three “newsletters” published from the “Mangetti Dune” making specific reference to me which was degrading, slanderous and incorrect.
4. Your paper reported approximately two years ago on the outcome of the GIPF investigation and, wrongfully, on the prosecution of some identified individuals including me.
5. You reported on the Ongopolo Environmental Rehabilitation Trust about two months ago. This report was incorrect, creating a negative perception amongst the public and implied the Ongopolo management and me to be untrustworthy and dishonest.
1. I am a proud Namibian working hard for the well-being of many Namibians.
2. Due to perceived political pressure and possibly the outcome of your one-sided article in 2005, you managed to rig up the “media horse” to down another person – just for the sake of good journalism? You were wrong – I was investigated following your “brilliant article” through a forensic audit – nine years ago. Why don’t you publish the outcome?
3. I am aware of power-hungry and vicious individuals out on the gain by spreading a word of wrong against me.
4. Why are they using the media and especially your newspaper for slanderous attacks against me? One thing I can assure you – it does not upset me anymore. I feel pity for those living in the dark even as so-called matured political leaders. Beware my friend, they might swallow you alive soon!
5. On the TCL pension fund: I was not a member of the said fund. I was never exposed to any activity of the fund nor was I a trustee of the fund. I never dealt with the fund. The fund was managed by the TCL liquidators and taken over by the pensioners at the start of Ongopolo. To my knowledge we waived N$35 million of potential revenue to TCL in favour of the pensioners when we started Ongopolo.
The continued allegations and connection to my name are wrong and sickening – please find another whipping boy for your wild accusations. I have ordered my legal adviser to investigate potential acts of character assassination. I further have a good idea who is behind this. Please take care of what you publish – it might have a bearing on you.
6. The GIPF investigation speaks for itself!!
“You can fool some people some time but not all the people all the time.”
