Health procurement issues ‘fuel’ ED transfers
Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The recent reshuffle of executive directors, involving officials previously linked to the ministry of health, has raised concerns about corruption and instability in the public service.
Ben Nangombe who served as executive directors at the health ministry is among those affected by the latest transfers.
Nangombe served as the executive director of the health ministry from 2018 until March this year, before being transferred to the ministry of industries, mines, and energy.
The office of the prime minister announced the changes on Thursday, with effect from 1 August.
This marks the second round of reshuffles in just over four months since the new administration took office. Many of the officials had only recently been appointed, prompting questions about the reasoning behind the swift changes.
The office has not provided any explanation, but sources told the Windhoek Observer that the moves may be linked to longstanding corruption concerns, particularly involving procurement issues at the ministry of health dating back to 2020.
This week, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed it had intensified investigations into the alleged mismanagement of over N$600 million in medicine tenders.
Former suppliers, ministry staff, and a relative of a senior executive are under scrutiny regarding this.
Media reports show that in 2020, former health minister Dr. Bernard Haufiku submitted files alleging inflated drug prices, collusion between staff and suppliers, and irregular procurement practices. It remains unclear whether the allegations were ever investigated.
Three weeks ago, health ministry executive Penda Ithindi told the Windhoek Observer that the health ministry was forced to spend over N$54.8 million through emergency procurement due to delays by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN).
He said slow, tender processes and legal disputes had left the ministry with no option but to use restricted and direct procurement methods.
The reshuffle also includes Nghidinua Daniel, who moves from justice and labour relations to home affairs, immigration, safety, and security. Audrin Mathe shifts from ICT to justice and labour relations. Nangombe moves from industries, mines and energy to the prime minister’s cabinet secretariat.
The changes also affect accounting functions. Erastus Haitengela becomes executive director and accounting officer for education, innovation, youth, sports, arts, and culture.
Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata now handles accounting for agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, while Moses Pakote takes charge of industries, mines and energy.
An acting executive director will be appointed for ICT following Mathe’s departure. These moves also follow the 31 July retirement of Etienne Maritz as the executive director at home affairs.
Political analyst Marius Kudumo said the short time since the last appointments makes the new reshuffle appear premature.
“When these executive directors were appointed this year, their expertise and experience should have been considered carefully for their specific portfolios,” he said.
“There have been cases in the past where conflicts between ministers and executive directors negatively impacted ministry operations and staff morale.”
He said constant changes hurt continuity.
“Both ministers and executive directors need time to settle into their roles and understand ministry operations. Frequent changes prevent this, leading to delays in work and a lack of stability. Perhaps the recently launched sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) launch included an evaluation identifying issues, but without reasonable explanation, the public may lose confidence. Ultimately, people want to see results, urgency, and impact.”
Another analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the frequent reshuffles suggest internal instability.
“My sense is that something is off with this new administration. This string of reshuffles in such a short time points to instability or uncertainty. It doesn’t inspire confidence. Simply moving the same people around, like ‘old wine in new bottles,’ suggests a lack of fresh ideas or direction,” he said.
He added that the reshuffles may be a reaction to internal or external pressure.
“It looks like the prime minister is trying to regain control, fix internal problems, or respond to external pressures. This indicates deeper issues within the ruling party or the public service, which may be struggling to meet rising expectations.”
He warned that service delivery could suffer.
“Transitions require time. Without real reforms or new talent, performance will likely stagnate or worsen.”
Earlier in March, the government had transferred 18 executive directors to improve efficiency.
Daniel had moved from urban and rural development to justice, and Nangombe from health to industries, mines and energy.
Mathe was not moved during that reshuffle. That process was linked to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s directive to fix bottlenecks and meet service delivery deadlines.
At the time, the then secretary to the Cabinet, George Simataa, said executive directors without accounting authority support those with it and report to them.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, political analyst Sam Kauapirura said the recent moves may reflect a push to align leadership with government priorities.
“Some of the rationale may also be administrative streamlining and accountability, assigning specific accounting functions to executive directors,” he said.
He said the reshuffle shows the executive’s desire for efficiency, financial oversight, and better service delivery.
“One reason could be an attempt to break from the past, especially where key individuals from the previous government still hold positions that may not align with current priorities,” he said.
He added that reshuffles may be used to maintain accountability and pressure.
Kauapirura believes the reshuffle follows internal reviews, including a 100-day assessment that may have highlighted performance concerns. “This government wants more speed in delivery. It wants real impact.”
Kauapirura said more reviews could follow in March next year, when the administration reaches its one-year mark.
“By then, the budget would have passed, and execution must begin. This reshuffle is meant to make sure the machinery is ready.”
Kauapirura said that the redeployment of officials, including one who was sent to the prime minister’s office without accounting authority, shows that the appointing authorities made specific considerations.
He warned that public trust may be at risk.
“Senior government officials should know they’re not in their chairs for the next five years by default. They’ll be kept under a microscope. And the executive will act when there’s poor performance or ethical concerns.”
