!Aochamub’s acting CEO tenure kicks off at Meatco Justicia Shipena The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) shareholders have seconded Ambassador Albertus !Aochamub to serve as interim chief executive officer. On Tuesday, Meatco confirmed the start of his six-month term, as endorsed by the board of directors. Meatco is yet to appoint a substantive CEO after the contract of former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji was not renewed. In July, acting CEO Patrick Liebenberg was suspended pending an investigation, weeks before his term was due to end. Last month, the board endorsed !Aochamub as interim CEO. At the time, Meatco board’s deputy chairperson Stephanie de Klerk said the board was seeking someone with the “capacity” to address the challenges facing the company. !Aochamub served as Namibian ambassador to France from 2018 until recently, with responsibilities also covering Portugal, Spain, Italy, and UNESCO. He previously worked as director general of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), chief executive of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), and spokesperson for President Hage Geingob. In its statement on Tuesday, Meatco said !Aochamub brings experience in executive leadership, governance, economic diplomacy, value-chain development, and agro-industrial strategy. The board said his vision and insight will be key as the company works toward operational stability and long-term sustainability. Meatco added that his leadership will help strengthen service to local customers while expanding premium Namibian beef into regional and international markets. Previously, analysts warned it could be a disaster for business, saying his diplomatic and political skills do not align with the financial and operational expertise needed to rescue the cash-strapped corporation. Corporate governance expert Johan Coetzee told the Windhoek Observer last month that !Aochamub may be a politically suitable choice but lacks the background required to turn Meatco around. However, economist Josef Sheehama disagreed, welcoming the appointment and arguing that !Aochamub’s diplomatic background gives him an advantage in international markets. Meatco has faced years of mismanagement, theft, and leadership instability. In June, board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned, saying he was pressured to carry out illegal instructions. Around 400 cattle also reportedly disappeared from the Linden Beef Feedlot, with an investigation underway.

#Namibia #Meatco #Leadership #CEO #BusinessNews

Meatco appoints Ambassador Albertus Aochamub as interim CEO The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has announced the appointment of Ambassador Albertus Aochamub as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 02 September 2025. His appointment, for a period of six (6) months, follows a shareholder secondment nomination and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors. Ambassador Aochamub brings extensive experience

#Meatco #CEOAppointment #Namibia #BusinessNews #Leadership

!Aochamub cannot rescue bleeding Meatco’s business – Analysts  Renthia Kaimbi Appointing ambassador Albertus !Aochamub as the new chief executive officer of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) will be a disaster for business, analysts have warned.  They argue that while his diplomatic and political skills are undisputed, they do not align with the urgent business acumen required to rescue the cash-strapped corporation. Corporate governance expert Johan Coetzee said !Aochamub may be a politically suitable choice but lacks the financial and operational background needed to turn Meatco around. On Monday, the Meatco board endorsed !Aochamub as the company’s interim chief executive officer (CEO), a move confirmed by the board’s deputy chairperson, Stephanie de Klerk. The board was reportedly seeking someone with the “capacity” to address the challenges facing Meatco.  On the same day, Namibia Daily News reported that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah had recalled !Aochamub from his ambassadorial post. However, the office of the President dismissed the report, stating that the matter had not been confirmed. “I think he’s the correct person to smoothen political tensions within Meatco… with that, I think he’s the right appointment, but from a business point of view and long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector… I think it will be a disaster,” Coetzee said.  Coetzee said !Aochamub might help ease tensions around the contentious Red Line debate but warned it will not solve the corporation’s chronic unprofitability.  “He is probably better suited for public service and office as compared to business situations. He’s got the skills and experience for political office, but he’ll be another political appointee in a business-related position that will, from a diplomatic and political perspective, smoothen the situation in a very controversial Meatco due to political interference,” Coetzee said. He highlighted years of ministerial interference in board appointments, inefficiencies, and corruption as reasons farmers left to form Savanna Beef.  “The farmers don’t feel that they get market-related prices,” he added.  He said Meatco has consistently failed to use its export quotas and is not generating sustainable profits.  “You cannot appoint a diplomat in such a position if you want business results,” he stated. !Aochamub was appointed Namibian ambassador to France in 2018.  Prior to that, he served as director general of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, chief executive of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), and spokesperson for President Hage Geingob. As ambassador to France, he also extended his responsibilities to Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Economist Josef Sheehama disagreed, welcoming the potential appointment.  “Although ambassador Albertus !Aochamub’s appointment is speculated, if it is true, this should be an excellent appointment because he is extremely good, and I believe he will revolutionise Meatco. This is not his first time as CEO; he has led MTC and NBC,” Sheehama said. He argued that !Aochamub’s diplomatic background gives him an advantage in international markets.  “His selection as ambassador will make a significant contribution by focusing on preserving and cultivating links between trade countries since he has worldwide exposure and a better understanding of international trade, as well as the ability to catch those countries that are not buying from us.” Sheehama called the possible appointment a calculated move to use diplomatic skills to boost the economy.  But he cautioned that the CEO must be allowed to operate independently.  “Development planning and implementation from short-term to long-term should not be politicized,” he warned. Meatco has faced years of financial strain. Between 2020 and 2022, its cattle slaughter numbers fell by 68% and revenue dropped by 58%.  A partial recovery came in 2024 with 65 427 cattle slaughtered, generating N$1.2 billion in revenue. Still, losses continue. In the 2022/23 financial year, Meatco recorded a N$118 million loss. The government has spent around N$730 million bailing out Meatco over the past four years. Of this, N$519 million went to repay Development Bank of Namibia loans, while N$211 million supported operations. The company has also been hit by mismanagement, theft and leadership instability.  In July, acting CEO Patrick Liebenberg was suspended pending an investigation, weeks before his six-month term was due to end.  His suspension followed the board’s earlier decision not to renew the contract of former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji. This year, board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned in June, saying he was pressured to carry out illegal instructions. At the back of it, around 400 cattle reportedly disappeared from the Linden Beef Feedlot. 

#Meatco #Namibia #BusinessAnalysis #CorporateGovernance #Leadership

Zaamwani learns of Meatco shake-up from the press Justicia Shipena Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says she only officially learnt about the suspension of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco)’s acting chief executive officer, Patrick Liebenberg, on the same day it was reported in the media. “I read it in the newspapers, and I was informed telephonically on the day of the suspension, which was on Tuesday morning I think, 15 July 2025,” Zaamwani told the Windhoek Observer on Friday.  She said no reasons were provided at the time.  “They have not indicated the issue and said they are still investigating.” Meatco suspended Liebenberg on 14 July pending an investigation into the disappearance of 400 cattle, valued at about N$7 million.  His term was weeks from ending.  The suspension came shortly after the resignation of board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua, who stepped down citing interference and pressure to implement unlawful directives.  Zaamwani told Parliament last month that she had personally asked Nghikembua to stay until the ministry could meet with the board. However, his resignation had already been finalised. Since then, the ministries of agriculture and finance, together with the attorney general’s office, have attempted to meet with the Meatco board.  Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah declined to comment on Friday but indicated that a statement would be issued this week. Liebenberg, who also served as an executive for livestock procurement and production, was suspended a month after employees staged a protest.  An internal memo from deputy board chairperson Stephanie de Klerk confirmed that the suspension took effect on 14 July 2025.  The board said an independent investigation was needed and assured whistle-blowers of protection. Kingsley Kwenani has been appointed as acting CEO from 20 July until 31 August 2025 or until an external secondment by the ministry of finance is finalised. The investigation centres on cattle allegedly stolen from a Meatco feedlot operated by contractor David van der Linden, who was responsible for feeding and caring for the animals before slaughter.  Liebenberg had previously said a stock theft case had been opened against Van der Linden. His company, Linden Beef Feedlot, signed a contract with Meatco in 2023 during the term of former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji. The cattle were sourced from communal farmers south of the veterinary cordon fence. Under the contract, Van der Linden was responsible for their care. He was recently arrested in connection with a N$52 million cannabis plantation found at Farm Eendrag, located between Hochfeld and Osire. Earlier this month, Liebenberg denied any employee involvement in the disappearance of the cattle from Linden Beef Feedlot.  Meatco confirmed it had been working with the feedlot since 2023. The facility, located in the Hochfeld area, houses communal cattle until they are transported to Meatco’s Windhoek abattoir. Liebenberg said the partnership functioned well from 2023 until May 2025, with thousands of cattle processed. Monthly biological stock takes were conducted by the livestock procurement and finance departments. These were included in financial reports submitted to the board. Annual physical stock counts and ear tag scans are conducted each year on 31 January by external auditors, finance staff, and livestock production personnel. According to internal reports, stock verifications in February 2023, 2024, and 2025 recorded full counts.  The first sign of missing cattle appeared during an ear tag scan on 1 May 2025. Stock takes between 20 and 23 May confirmed the loss. The matter was reported to the Namibian Police stock theft unit in Okahandja.  Meatco has faced years of controversy over leadership and operations. In April 2025, Cabinet attempted to reinstate former CEO Mushokabanji without board approval.  A 2016 audit report also revealed that Meatco failed to implement strict measures to prevent the loss of approximately 1 440 cattle valued at N$8.2 million. Meatco, a state-owned meat-processing and marketing company, was established to sell meat products on behalf of Namibian farmers both locally and internationally.

#Meatco #Agriculture #Namibia #CattleFarming #BusinessNews

Meatco gives Liebenberg the chop Hertta-Maria Amutenja Patrick Liebenberg’s short-lived term as acting chief executive officer of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has come to an abrupt end, just weeks before his six-month tenure was set to expire. The Meatco suspended Liebenberg with effect from 14 July, pending an independent investigation.  This was detailed in an internal memo issued to staff by Meatco board deputy chairperson Stefanie de Klerk. Liebenberg, who also served as executive for livestock procurement and production, was appointed acting CEO in February after the board opted not to renew the contract of former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji. “The Meatco board of directors hereby informs all employees of the corporation that it has resolved to place the acting CEO/executive: livestock procurement & production, Mr Patrick Liebenberg, on suspension with effect from 14 July 2025, pending an investigation, during which process the corporation will accord whistle-blowers the necessary protection,” the memo read. The board appointed Kingsley Kwenani as interim acting CEO starting 15 July until 31 August 2025, or until the ministry of finance finalises the appointment of an external acting CEO. “The foregoing interim arrangement is necessitated by the need for an independent investigation to be undertaken while safeguarding business continuity at the corporation,” stated the memo. De Klerk urged staff to fully cooperate with investigators, maintain confidentiality, and support the interim leadership. Last week, Liebenberg confirmed to Windhoek Observer that his term would end in July and that he had not sought an extension.  At the time, De Klerk said the recruitment of a permanent CEO was ongoing and remained the board’s responsibility. The suspension follows recent turbulence at the corporation, including the reported disappearance of about 400 cattle from the Linden Beef Feedlot.  Liebenberg previously said the matter was criminal in nature and unrelated to Meatco staff. Governance tensions have also surfaced. Former board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned in June, claiming he was pressured to implement unlawful directives.  Agriculture minister Ingwe Zaamwani said she tried to convince Nghikembua to stay on until a meeting with relevant ministries could take place, but he declined. When contacted, Liebenberg acknowledged receipt of queries and indicated that he had referred the matter to the deputy chairperson of the board for a response. Efforts to reach De Klerk for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication.

#Meatco #Namibia #CEO #BusinessNews #Livestock

Meatco Suspends Acting Chief Executive Patrick Liebenberg [Namibian] The Meat Corporation of Namibia's board of directors has suspended its acting chief executive, Patrick Liebenberg, pending ongoing investigations.

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Meatco suspends acting CEO pending investigation Meatco suspends acting CEO pending investigation NBC Online Tue, 07/15/2025 - 09:24

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Meatco board fails to appoint CEO as acting term expires Hertta Maria Amutenja The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is heading into August without a substantive chief executive officer.  Acting CEO Patrick Liebenberg confirmed to Windhoek Observer that his six-month term will end this month. “I only will serve my six months, which will end at the end of July. Not been extended; I didn’t ask for an extension. The recruitment process is handled by the board because management doesn’t have any input into the recruitment process,” Liebenberg said on Wednesday. Liebenberg was appointed in February after the board decided not to renew the contract of former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji.  At the time, Meatco said it had started advertising the position, but the vacancy was later withdrawn. Deputy board chairperson Stefanie de Klerk confirmed that the recruitment process is still ongoing.  “The process of recruiting a CEO or member of the executive is a long-standing and accepted labour- and governance-statute-principled process. The process is well within the skill set and capabilities of the Board; thus, the Board is seized with making the requisite arrangements to ensure that the operations of Meatco continue in line with its strategy, notwithstanding any ongoing or anticipated recruitment process,” she said. She added that the board continues to engage the ministry of finance.  “Our joint efforts remains to ensure that Meatco delivers on its mandate to improve the Namibian socio-economic environment, through maximising producer returns,” said de Klerk. In April, reports emerged that Cabinet was attempting to reinstate Mushokabanji as CEO, despite a legal opinion by the attorney general stating that only the board has the authority to appoint a CEO. The controversy led to internal tensions. Former board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned in June, citing pressure to carry out unlawful directives.  Agriculture Minister Ingwe Zaamwani told Parliament on June 18 that she had tried to convince Nghikembua to stay, but he had already finalised his resignation. Meatco is also facing governance issues after the reported disappearance of about 400 cattle from the Linden Beef Feedlot.  In a report dated 25 June, Liebenberg informed the ministry of finance that the matter was criminal and did not involve Meatco staff. Secretary to Cabinet Emilia Mkusa later wrote to finance executive director Michael Humavindu, calling for an urgent briefing and warning of a potential breakdown in corporate controls.  She stated that the disappearance of such a large number of cattle under the care of a state-owned entity is “wholly unacceptable”. The board has not given a timeline for the appointment of a new CEO.

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Meatco denies involvement in missing 400 cattle Herrtta-Maria Amutenja The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has denied that any of its employees were involved in the disappearance of about 400 cattle from the Linden Beef Feedlot.  Acting Meatco chief executive officer Patrick Liebenberg described the incident as a criminal matter involving external stock theft. In a report submitted to the Ministry of Finance last week, Liebenberg explained that Meatco’s internal controls and procedures, in place for the past three years, were functioning properly and consistently verified.  He said the missing cattle were removed without authorisation. “The May 25 lost cattle incident is a criminal matter with no involvement of Meatco personnel. It is a clear case of stock theft and the unauthorised removal of Meatco cattle from the registered establishment,” he stated. Meatco has had a feeding contract with Linden Beef Feedlot since 2023.  The facility, located in the Eendrag Hochfeld area, houses communal cattle bought south of the veterinary cordon fence.  These cattle are fed until slaughter and transported to Meatco’s Windhoek abattoir. The report said the partnership functioned without issue from 2023 until May 2025, with thousands of cattle processed. He said Meatco’s livestock procurement and finance departments conduct monthly biological stock takes to verify cattle numbers.  These reconciliations are included in financial reports submitted to the board.  Annual physical stock counts and ear tag scans are also performed each 31 January by external auditors, finance staff, and livestock production personnel. According to the report, the February 2023, 2024, and 2025 verifications recorded 100% stock counts. The first sign of missing cattle was noticed during an ear tag scan on 1 May 2025.  Stock takes between 20 and 23 May confirmed the shortage. The matter was reported to the Namibian Police stock theft unit in Okahandja. The report said Meatco met with feedlot operator David van der Linden, who is now in custody at Okahandja prison pending legal proceedings. Meatco is seeking legal support through its audit and risk committee. Proposed actions include court interdicts to stop further cattle removals, asset attachment of the operator, and police supervision during cattle recovery.  The remaining stock is still at the Eendrag feedlot, but plans are underway to relocate the animals for safekeeping. The incident has drawn public attention, with the secretary to the Cabinet, Emilia Mkusa, writing to the executive director of the ministry of finance, Michael Humavindu.  She expressed concern about the disappearance of the cattle at a state-owned enterprise. “Given Meatco’s strategic role in the livestock and meat industry and its oversight relationship with your ministry, the reported incident has triggered serious public concern relating to corporate accountability at Meatco,” Mkusa said. She called the incident “wholly unacceptable.” The letter followed the resignation of Meatco board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua, who cited interference and pressure to implement unlawful directives. Since then, the ministry of agriculture, together with the ministry of finance and the office of the attorney general, has attempted to meet with the Meatco board.  A date has not yet been agreed upon. Agriculture Minister Ingwe Zaamwani told Parliament on 18 June that she personally asked Nghikembua to remain in his position until the meeting could happen, but his resignation had already been finalised. The troubled Meatco has been rocked with mismanagement issues and also chaos regarding a substantive CEO position.  In April 2025, the Cabinet attempted to reinstate former Meatco CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji, bypassing the board.

#Meatco #CattleTheft #Namibia #BeefIndustry #Agriculture

Cabinet acted unlawfully in Meatco ceo saga – legal opinion THE Cabinet’s decision to ask the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) board to renew the contract of its former chief executive, Mwilima Mushokabanji, was unlawful, says a legal opinion the board got on 9 April. The opinion comes while key figures, including president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, recently backed Mushokabanji’s return. “Cabinet and the minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform issued the directive that Meatco must renew the contract of employment of Mwilima Mushokabanji. They acted unlawfully in that they have no powers in law to make such directives,” the legal opinion from lawyer Norman Tjombe’s firm, Tjombe Incorporated, says. He argues that Cabinet has no role to play in the chief executive’s appointment or contract renewal. “Simply put, the Cabinet and the minister prefer a different course of action – that the process of the recruitment of a chief executive officer (CEO) be halted and that the contract of employment of the previous CEO be renewed. “However, the preferences of the Cabinet and the minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform remain preferences, and are not law,” the opinion reads. Yesterday, former Meatco board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned from the board, citing unlawful government directives that are not in the best interest of the state owned meat company. ‘WITHDRAW DIRECTIVE’ The legal opinion further argued that Meatco did not act unlawfully when it did not renew the contract of employment of Mushokabanji or when it resolved to commence the process of recruiting a CEO. “The options to Meatco are to attempt to convince Cabinet and the minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform of the lawfulness of the position of Meatco and seek the withdrawal of the directive, failing which Meatco should carefully consider to approach the High Court of Namibia for an order to review and set aside the directive as being unlawful and contrary to the law. “Further, the non-renewal of the contract of employment of the former CEO of Meatco is not contrary to the contractual rights of the former incumbent or his rights under the Labour Act,” the opinion says. Mushokabanji was let go on 31 January after the board of Meatco resolved to appoint Patrick Liebenberg as acting CEO for a period of six months, or until a substantive CEO has been appointed. Liebenberg’s appointment was effective from 1 February. ‘MISMANAGEMENT, DISAPPEARING CATTLE’ However, there appears to be a campaign to oust Liebenberg, following an investigation into his alleged role in the disappearance of 400 cattle. This onslaught is allegedly being led from within Meatco. Liebenberg is also facing allegations including discriminatory practices and mismanagement, according to an internal letter dated 10 June. The letter was handed over by Joseph Kambala, shop steward chairperson, on behalf of Meatco employees. “There is growing alarm over the mismanagement of Meatco’s assets, particularly within the Livestock Procurement Department. Reports indicate that more than 400 cattle have gone missing in the hands of the acting CEO and friends,” the letter says. Kambala said such negligence threatens the company’s integrity and financial stability, which may affect the employees, stakeholders and the broader future of the company. He said employees want Liebenberg to be sent on leave to allow for a fair investigation. PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE The Meatco matter has also raised debate in parliament, with some members asking agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi not to consider the Cabinet’s decision to renew the contract. Some said they are disappointed in the manner in which the government is interfering in the matter, which is supposed to be solved by the board. Zaamwani-Kamwi yesterday in parliament said the government as a shareholder has the right to give its entities certain directives. “This directive was linked to the turnaround strategy which was financed by Meatco, and the approval and financing therefore had certain conditions to be made. “My predecessor wrote a letter to the board regarding this particular issue, and that is the meeting we’ve been trying to convene, but availability was a problem on both sides, and that has not taken place,” she said. “On the issue of the Cabinet directive influencing how public enterprises are governed: There is a Public Enterprise Governance Act that governs the operations public enterprises. “The only intervention of the shareholder is to appoint the board and the chairperson, so there is no intervention or involvement in the public enterprise,” the minister said. AWARE OF OPINION Namibian Sun recently reported that both president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her predecessor, Nangolo Mbumba, were made aware of a legal opinion of attorney general Festus Mbandeka, stating it is unlawful for the Cabinet to compel the Meatco board of directors to reappoint Mushokabanji. Despite this, former agriculture minister Mac Hengari instructed the Meatco board to suspend its ongoing recruitment process and reinstate Mushokabanji as CEO, raising concerns of executive overreach. The legal opinion was commissioned by former public enterprises minister Iipumbu Shiimi, with the blessing of then-president Mbumba, after the Cabinet had instructed him to compel the Meatco board to offer Mushokabanji a new contract. At the time, the board had decided not to automatically renew Mushokabanji’s contract after conducting an internal assessment. Instead, it chose to advertise the position and invite applications from other qualified candidates. The post Cabinet acted unlawfully in Meatco ceo saga – legal opinion appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #Cabinet #Mushokabanji #LegalOpinion

Meatco Board Chair Sakaria Nghikembua resigns Meatco Board Chair Sakaria Nghikembua resigns NBC Online Thu, 06/19/2025 - 18:13

#Meatco #Agriculture #SakariaNghikembua #Resignation #Namibia

Omunashipundi waMeatcoa fiya po oilonga Sakaria Nghikembua okwa fiya po oilonga younashipundi wonguduwiliki yehangano lonyama laNamibia ledina Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) vati molwomalombwelo ehe li paveta epangelo oo ehe li mouwa wehangano lonyama lepangelo. Efiyepo laye loilonga ole ya pefimbo loikonga yokutaataya omukulunhuwiliki waMeatco ta vatele Patrick Liebenberg eshi ta ningilwa omakonakono shi na sha neengobe di li 400 da kana. Nghikembua okwa lombwela oThe Namibian kutya okwa fiya po oilonga Etitano ashike okwaanya okuyandja ouyelel we lixwa po. “Nefimaneko linene shiiva kutya kandi li vali monguduwiliki yaMeatco, okutameka Etitano noilyo ikwao yonguduwiliki okwa li ya lombwelwa Etivali,” Osho a ti ngaho. Omikanda odo da monika koThe Namibian oda holola kutya Nghikembua okwa shangela minista weliko Ericah Shafudah momafiku 13 Juni a tambule ko omukanda waye wefiyepo loilonga. “Pakutala koukwatya wepangelo kombinga yaMeatco, omo elelo la teelelwa li tule moilonga oinima ihe li paveta oyo ihe li mouwa wehangano, kandi wete ngee ohandi dulu ngaa okuweda vali ongushu moinima tai dulu okutwala ongeshefa ei komesho,” Osho a ti ngaho. “Ondi li apa ndi yandje omukanda wange wokuxulifa po oilonga ongomunashipundi waMeatco, meendelelo ngaashi tashi dulika. Onda fimaneka omhito oyo nda kala ndi na yokukufa ombinga melundululo laMeatco oule weedula 21 da pita,” Nghikembua osho a weda po ngaho. “Oidjemo yeenghendabala edi otai ka monika meuyonawa liwa olo tali ka hololwa komikanda doshimaliwa dodula oyo ya xula momafiku 31 Januali 2025, ngee omavalulo a pu, onguduwiliki newiliko laMeatco, ova pondola okutwala ehangano komesho.” Nghikembua okwa kala umwe womoilyo yonguduwiliki yaMeatco oyo ya kala nokwaanya elidopemo okudja kOkabinete oko ka kala nokukondjifa omukulunhuwiliki Mwilima Mushokabanji aaluke, oo ta lundilwa kutya okwa dopa okwaamena ehangano lonyama lepangelo liha mbangolote. OWA TAMBULWAKO Mokunyamukula, Shafudah okwa tambula ko efiyepo loilonga laNghikembua.“Ponhele yoministili nepangelo laNamibia, ohandi tambula ko exulifepo loilonga,” Osho a ti ngaho, ta pandula Nghikembua molwekufombinga laye keyopombada laMeatco. “Tambula ko omapandulo ange molwonghandangala oyo wa dana mokukwatela komesho ewilikongudu nosho yo omayakulo oye awa pefimbo loshikako shoye,” Osho a ti ngaho. Opaife eshi Nghikembua a fiya po oilonga, okwa talwa vali komukulunhuwiliki ta vatele Liebenberg. MuJanuali Nghikembua okwa li a pandula euliko laLiebenberg. Paife, okwa fa ta ningilwa omaponokelo shi na sha neengobe di li 400 da kana. Omaponokelo aa vati okukwetelwe komesho kovanhu vomeni laMeatco. Pakuweda poimuna oyo ya kana, Liebenberg natango okwa taalela omapopyo okatongotongo nokukwata oinima nai. Ovanailonga oshinima eshi ove shi popya momukanda oo wa yandjwa kuLiebenberg momafiku 10 Juni. The post Omunashipundi waMeatcoa fiya po oilonga appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #Fleischindustrie #NamibischeWirtschaft #Agrarwirtschaft

Govt left in the dark as Meatco turmoil deepens Hertta-Maria Amutenja The ministry of agriculture, water and land reform says it has been unable to secure a meeting with the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) board for months.  The ministry said this is despite repeated efforts involving the ministry of finance and the office of the attorney general. This came just days before Meatco board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned.  He stepped down on Friday, citing alleged unlawful government directives. His resignation was confirmed by agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani in the National Assembly on Wednesday. “Up until yesterday, we were looking to confirm the time with the Board of Directors for this coming Friday. We were therefore disappointed to receive the resignation letter of the chairman,” Zaamwani told lawmakers. She said the three government offices had been trying to meet with the Meatco board to discuss national issues. However, no engagement took place. Zaamwani said the ministry remains committed to Meatco’s turnaround strategy.  “The Ministry remains committed to supporting the turnaround and sustainability of Meatco so it may continue to deliver on its clear mandate,” she said. She did not comment on the allegations of interference raised against the government. Nghikembua’s resignation follows months of friction between the Meatco board and the government.  Earlier this year, the Cabinet came under fire for reportedly interfering in the appointment of a new CEO.  The board had chosen not to renew the contract of former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji and was set to advertise the post.  However, the Cabinet allegedly instructed the board to reinstate him and halt the recruitment process. Governance experts warned that such interference could undermine proper management of state-owned enterprises.  They argued that CEO appointments fall under the board’s authority. In July last year, the ministry of finance appointed a new Meatco board, effective 1 September 2024.  Nghikembua was named chairperson. Other members included Joseph Andreas, Adolf Makanga Muremi, Hilbert Martin Joachim Paul, Stephanie Melisant Larney De Klerk, Cyprianus Khaiseb, Petterseon Tjipueja, Patricia Olivier, Diana L. van Schalkwyk, and Abiud Tjipangandjara. The ministry of agriculture did not say when a new board chairperson would be appointed.

#Meatco #Namibia #Agriculture #Government #Leadership

Meatco rocked by board resignation, allegations of interference - The Namibian - Meatco rocked by board resignation, allegations of interference  The Namibian -

#Meatco #Namibia #BoardResignation #CorporateGovernance #BusinessNews

Epangelo ola longifa eemiliyona N$730 mokukulila mo Meatco momudo 2020 Epangelo laNamibia ola longifa eemiliyona di li lwopoN$730 mehangano lonyama laNamibia ledina Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) moule weedula nhee da pita, omo oshimaliwa shihapu sha longifwa okufuta eengunga dehangano. Ehangano ledina Foster Digital Education ola ti, eepelesenda di li 71, di fike peemiliyona di li N$519, okwa li sha longifwa okufuta omikuli, omanga eepelesenda di li 29, ile eemiliyona N$211, kwa li oshimaliwa sha yandjwa okuyambidida oilonga yaMeatco. “Eemiliyona di li N$519 oda futa omikuli mbali odo kwa li da kufwa kuMeatco kombaanga yomayambulepo nokwa li nee da futwa kepangelo momudo 2024,” Omundjadjukununi woimaliwa Fimanekeni Mbodo osho a ti ngaho. Ehangano lepangelo lokulonga onyama ola kala la taalela oupyakadi wopashimaliwa eedula edi, unene ngaa shaashi eengobe dokutoma oda kala tadi ningi dishona noiyemo otai ningi ishona. Pokati komudo 2020 no2022, omwaalu weengobe daMeatco dokutoma owa li wa wa edu fiyo opeepelesenda 68, omanga oiyemo ya shuna pedu fiyo opeepelesenda 58. Momudo 2024 okwa li ngaa a fa te ya xwepo omo a toma eengobe di li 65 427, odo da eta oiyemo i fike pobiliyona imwe oshinghwanyu mbali. Oshinima eshi osha holola eyopombada okudja peengobe di li 38 075 odo kwa li da tomwa momudo 2023 nokwa li da eta oiyemo yeemiliyona di li N$765, Mbodo osho a ti ngaho. Okwa ti kutya momudo 2020 eemwalu odo inadi monika nale dashuna pedu okwa li da etwa konghalo yoshikukuta oyo kwa li ya fininika ovanafaalama va kale vehe na oimuna ya wana. “Omwaalu u li pombada wekano momudo 2020 okwa li wa etwa konghalo yoshikukuta ya nyaika oyo kwa li ya fininika ovanafaalama va kale vehe na oimuna ya wana, osho kwa li sha kuma neenghono omwaalu weengobe noiyemo,” Mbodo osho a ti ngaho. Nande onghalo oya alukila kouwa, Meatco okwa twikila nokukana eedula edi. Momudo 2022 okwa li ashike a mona oiyemo yeemiliyona N$205, omangakwa li inai shuna vali pedu fiyo opeemiliyona N$68 momudo 2024. Okwa ti elongifo loimaliwa lehangano, ola twikila nokutula moudjuu oimaliwa yalo. Ovanailonga noilandomwa oyo kwa li ya monika kutya otai longifa oimaliwa ihapu neenghono osho a ti ngaho, oipumbiwa oyo aike momudo 2020 okwa li ya ya pombada neepelesenda 34 okudja peemiliyona 61 okuya peemiliyona N$82 momudo 2024. “”Pefimbo opo oimaliwa oyo hai longifwa movanailonga, kakwa li naana ye linyenga oya kala ngaashi i li,” Mbodo osho a ti ngaho. Eengunga nado oda ninga dihapu moMeatco. Momudo 2023 eepelesenda di li 92 doshimaliwa okwa li da longifwa moinima oyo ihe na oiyemo tai kufa po ashike ndee itai eta po omanga kwa li inadi shuna pedu peepelesenda di li 67 momudo 2024. “Eliko laMeatco alishe nalo ola kala nokushuna pedu efimbo molwokuhaninga oiyemo kwa shikulafana. Eyopombada leliko olo la monika momudo 2024 ola etwa koimaliwa oyo ya dja kepangelo nokufuta omikuli,” Mbodo sho a ti ngaho. Okulandifa kondje yoshilongo okwa fimana unene koiyemo yehangano eli, shaashi okulandifa kwopaunyuni okwa eta eepelesenda di li 79 doiyemo momudo 2024. “Eepelesenda di li 42 doiyemo ohadi di koEuropean Union, kwa landula Norway neepelesenda 17 naSouth Africa neepelesenda 8,” Mbodo osho a ti ngaho. The post Epangelo ola longifa eemiliyona N$730 mokukulila mo Meatco momudo 2020 appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #NamibiaEconomy #Livestock #Agriculture

Govt spends N$730m on Meatco bailouts since 2020 The Namibian government has spent around N$730 million on the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) over the past four years, with most of the funds going towards settling the company’s debts. According to Foster Digital Education, 71% of the funding, equivalent to N$519 million, was used to repay loans, while the remaining 29%, or N$211 million, was allocated as grants to support Meatco’s operational costs. “The N$519 million for settled loans covers two Development Bank of Namibia loans that were taken out by Meatco and eventually paid by the government in the 2024 financial year,” said financial analyst Fimanekeni Mbodo. The state-owned meat processor has faced sustained financial strain in recent years, largely due to declining cattle slaughter volumes and fluctuating revenues. “Cost of sales consistently consumed approximately 97% of revenue across all years, resulting in extremely thin margins that prevented profitability despite revenue fluctuations,” Mbodo explained. Between 2020 and 2022, Meatco’s cattle slaughter numbers dropped by 68%, while revenue fell by 58%. A partial recovery followed, with 65 427 heads of cattle slaughtered in 2024, generating N$1.2 billion in revenue. This marked an improvement from the 38 075 heads of cattle processed in 2023 according to Mbodo, which brought in N$765 million. He noted that the unusually high figures in 2020 were due to severe drought conditions that forced many farmers to destock. “The high figures in 2020 were driven by severe drought conditions that forced farmers to destock their herds, creating an abnormal spike in both cattle supply and revenue,” Mbodo said. Despite the rebound, Meatco remained loss-making throughout the period. Losses peaked at N$205 million in 2022, before narrowing to N$68 million in 2024. The company’s cost structure, he said, has continued to exert pressure on its finances. Employee and finance costs were identified as the largest expenses he noted, with finance costs alone rising by 34% from N$61 million in 2020 to N$82 million in 2024. “Employee costs, the largest individual expense, remained relatively stable throughout the period,” said Mbodo. Debt has also weighed heavily on Meatco’s balance sheet. In 2023, liabilities peaked at 92% of total assets before falling to 67% in 2024. “Meatco’s total assets also declined over time due to equity erosion from repeated losses. The increase in total assets observed in 2024 is attributed to government grants and loan repayments,” Mbodo added. Export markets have remained critical to the company’s revenue stream, with international markets contributing 79% of revenue in 2024. “The European Union remained the top destination with 42% of total revenue, followed by Norway at 17% and South Africa at 8%,” said Mbodo. The post Govt spends N$730m on Meatco bailouts since 2020 appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #GovernmentSpending #EconomicSupport #Agriculture

Meatco Board Member Demands Probeinto Colleagues [Namibian] A Board member of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is calling for an investigation into alleged irregular and potentially corrupt board appointments at the state-owned meat exporter.

#Namibia #Meatco #Corruption #Investigation #BoardAppointments

Meatco board member demands probeinto colleagues A Board member of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is calling for an investigation into alleged irregular and potentially corrupt board appointments at the state-owned meat exporter. Joseph Andreas, a Grootfontein businessman with close links to Swapo’s top leadership, is known to be pushing for the reinstatement of former Meatco chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji. Mushokabanji’s employment contract ended in January. He was at the centre of controversy after Meatco posted a pre-tax loss of N$206 million last year, prompting a government bailout of N$200 million. According to a Cabinet source, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa last year accused then-finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi of defying a Cabinet directive related to Mushokabanji, warning that the matter could cost the ruling party support in the Zambezi region. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is reportedly among those supporting Mushokabanji’s return. In his letter, Andreas demands a full investigation into what he describes as a flawed selection process that led to the appointment of current board members, including Sakaria Nghikembua, Martin Hilbert, Adolf Muremi, and Cyprianus Khaiseb. “It is essential that the integrity of Meatco Namibia, as well as the trust of our shareholders, be upheld,” he writes. Andreas is known for his business interests in the beef market. He also shared the letter with finance minister Ericah Shafudah and the director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Paulus Noa. He urges a thorough investigation. In the letter, Andreas questions the appointments of Nghikembua, Hilbert, Muremi and Khaiseb. He alleges that the interview process for board members was flawed, stating that Nghikembua and Hilbert were interviewed a week after other candidates, and that these interviews were conducted online. “This preferential treatment raises questions about the impartiality of the process and suggests a violation of our governing principles,” he says. Furthermore, Andreas claims the advertisement for board vacancies specified eight positions, yet Hilbert and Muremi were both appointed to serve in the same position. QUALIFICATIONS He also questions the qualifications of Nghikembua and director Khaiseb, saying the board positions require a master’s degree in agricultural economics. Andreas says neither Nghikembua and Hilbert qualify to serve in that position. According to a media release from the Ministry of Finance dated 19 July last year, Nghikembua holds a master’s degree of science in finance economics from the University of London. Andreas in his letter suggests that these appointments may have been made with “ulterior motives”, potentially related to privatisation and the misuse of public funds. Khaiseb referred The Namibian to the Ministry of Finance, which he said made the appointment. Hilbert did not answer calls to his cellphone and did not respond to a text message sent to him either. Muremi was not reachable when called yesterday. Nghikembua yesterday said Andreas’ letter intends to injure his name and reputation, and those of the other listed directors, for his own interest. “I have requested the line minister to independently and professionally investigate these. Allegations of directors being appointed for ulterior motives and to drive a privatisation agenda are baseless and incomprehensible,” Nghikembua said. He said the board has never discussed the privatisation of Meatco. “This false narrative is, therefore, driven to cast aspersions on individuals appointed to the board, by casting them as someone’s puppets merely appointed to privatise Meatco,” Nghikembua said. He said he brings critical experience in turning around troubled businesses. “For the past 20 years, I have served as chief executive of significant businesses in Namibia, some of which required serious business turnaround. I have led these businesses successfully,” he said. Nghikembua said he was interviewed virtually on a date that aligned with his availability, as agreed with the ministry. “There is nothing wrong with a virtual interview,” he said. The post Meatco board member demands probeinto colleagues appeared first on The Namibian.

#Meatco #Namibia #Corruption #BoardAppointments #BusinessNews

Meatco - Cabinet Overreach Threatens Constitutional Order [Namibian] A reported directive by the Cabinet to reinstate former Meatco CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji - after the board chose not to renew his contract - has ignited a firestorm.

#Namibia #Meatco #CabinetOverreach #ConstitutionalOrder #MwilimaMushokabanji

Meatco: Cabinet Overreach Threatens Constitutional Order A reported directive by the Cabinet to reinstate former Meatco CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji – after the board chose not to renew his contract – has ignited a firestorm. It represents a fundamental breach of the principles of administrative justice, legal accountability and the constitutional separation of powers. The Cabinet’s interference in the issue is not merely inappropriate, it does not align with the Meat Corporation of Namibia Act of 2001. If left unchecked, it risks eroding the very foundation of Namibia’s constitutional democracy. THE LAW IS CLEAR The legislation governing the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is not ambiguous. The Meatco Act states that the appointment of the chief executive officer (CEO) is the sole responsibility of the board, not the Cabinet. The provision reads: “The board shall appoint a person (other than a director) as chief executive officer of the corporation.” It is not a suggestion. It is a statutory mandate. Furthermore, the act (section 12) reinforces that only the board has the authority to remove a CEO, and only after that CEO has been given an opportunity to be heard. These safeguards are not procedural niceties, they are constitutional guarantees flowing directly from the Namibian Constitution, which ensures that all administrative action must be lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. THE PRINCIPLE OF LEGALITY The Cabinet is reportedly attempting to compel the new Meatco board to reappoint Mushokabanji, a move that not only undermines the board’s independence but also tramples on the foundational principle of the rule of law. This is not governance, it is executive overreach. It must be understood that Namibia is governed by constitutional supremacy, not executive supremacy. Any action taken by any organ of state must conform to it or it is invalid. Cabinet intervention, unless supported by a lawful process initiated and led by the board, falls short of this requirement. The principle of legality, a cornerstone of administrative law, dictates that all exercises of public power must be authorised by law. If the Cabinet attempts to ‘dictate’ an appointment outside the framework provided by legislation, it acts ultra vires, beyond its legal authority. LEGAL PRECEDENT CAN’T BE IGNORED Namibian courts have consistently affirmed this position. In Government of Namibia v Sikunda, the Supreme Court held that the right to administrative justice (under article 18) is not merely a common law privilege but a fundamental constitutional right. In Chairperson of the Immigration Selection Board v Frank, the court reaffirmed that public bodies must act within the bounds of their statutory powers. Meatco’s board is an independent statutory body. It is not a rubber stamp for political instructions. The Cabinet cannot legally compel it to appoint a specific individual without breaching the law and the Constitution. Furthermore, the Public Enterprises Governance Act of 2019 does not give the Cabinet the power to appoint CEOs. It allows for the Cabinet to approve board recommendations, not to initiate or impose them. It is a crucial distinction. What we appear to be witnessing is a Cabinet that seemingly appears to believe it can override statutory procedures because it prefers a different outcome. That amounts to unlawful interference. If allowed to proceed, it will set a dangerous precedent. It sends a message that board decisions can be overridden on political whim, which undermines principles of corporate governance and accountability. More troubling, it creates a perception that political loyalty, not legal procedure or merit, determines leadership in public institutions. If challenged in court, the Cabinet’s directive is likely to be struck down as unlawful. A MOMENT OF RECKONING What we face is not just a legal question but a democratic one. Do we still honour the separation of powers? Do we still believe in the rule of law, where no one, not even the Cabinet, is above legal constraints? Or are we willing to let political convenience erode our legal institutions? The answer to these questions will define not only the outcome at Meatco but the future of administrative integrity in Namibia. The silence from parliament, civil society and legal watchdogs is deafening. If the public does not demand accountability now, we risk allowing this potential constitutional breach to become a political norm. The Meatco board must stand its ground. It must defend its statutory mandate – not only for the sake of Meatco, but for the credibility of every board overseeing a public institution in Namibia. The Cabinet must withdraw its directive. It must follow the law, initiate a new recruitment process, submit his candidacy like any other applicant, and allow the board to make a decision in accordance with the law. LITMUS TEST FOR DEMOCRACY The rule of law is not optional. It is the bedrock of Namibia’s constitutional democracy. The only path that respects both the rule of law and the dignity of governance is one where the Cabinet respects the autonomy of the board and upholds the Constitution. The board must assert its legal mandate even if it means resisting political pressure. Civil society must speak up and demand transparency. This moment is a litmus test for Namibia’s democracy. The way forward is clear: We must reinforce a culture where power is exercised, not as privilege but as duty under law. * Brian Ngutjinazo is a final-year LLB Student at the University of Namibia. The post Meatco: Cabinet Overreach Threatens Constitutional Order appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #ConstitutionalLaw #AdministrativeJustice #Governance

Govt Moves to Clear Meatco's N$212-Million DBN Debt [Namibian] The Ministry of Finance and Social Grants Management has proposed an allocation of N$212 million in the 2025/26 financial year to settle the Meat Corporation of Namibia's (Meatco) outstanding loan with the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and to enhance the corporation's operational liquidity.

#Namibia #Meatco #DBN #Finance #SocialGrants

Govt moves to clear Meatco’s N$212-million DBN debt The Ministry of Finance and Social Grants Management has proposed an allocation of N$212 million in the 2025/26 financial year to settle the Meat Corporation of Namibia’s (Meatco) outstanding loan with the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and to enhance the corporation’s operational liquidity. Finance minister Ericah Shafudah, presenting the budget motivation in parliament, said the funding is aimed at stabilising Meatco’s financial position. “The allocation is intended to fully settle Meatco’s obligation with DBN and strengthen its operational liquidity,” said Shafudah. In addition to the loan settlement, Meatco is set to receive a further N$100 million in direct funding to support its operations. “Meatco is set to receive N$100 million, which provides liquidity for operational needs, enhances competitiveness, and improves market access in the meat and agricultural sector,” the minister said. Shafudah said the government’s intervention seeks to improve Meatco’s performance in the agricultural value chain. “This support aims to enhance competitiveness and improve market access in the meat and agricultural sector,” she added. The ministry has earmarked a total of N$2.5 billion in the upcoming financial year for statutory transfers, capital injections to selected public enterprises, and the establishment of a national youth fund. This latest intervention comes after Meatco secured a N$200-million loan facility from DBN in 2023, backed by a government guarantee. At the time, Meatco was reportedly unable to pay 245 commercial livestock farmers a combined N$320 million for cattle supplied to its abattoirs — an issue flagged in an organisational review conducted by consultancy firm Ombu Capital. Former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi had explained that the loan was intended to allow Meatco to meet its obligations to farmers and contribute to growth in the agriculture sector. In the 2024/25 budget, the government similarly allocated N$212 million to Meatco to settle contingent liabilities and support its financial stabilisation. Over the past four years, the state has channelled over N$1 billion in subsidies to Meatco. However, concerns continue to mount over the viability of the meat processor’s turnaround strategy, developed in 2023. Shiimi last year voiced the government’s dissatisfaction with the strategy, insisting that Meatco must become self-sustaining. “As a commercial entity, Meatco is expected to generate its own revenue and should not rely indefinitely on state subsidies,” he said at the time. The post Govt moves to clear Meatco’s N$212-million DBN debt appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #Finance #Agriculture #EconomicGrowth

Cabinet criticised for Meatco chief executive recruitment interference Cabinet has been criticised for influencing the recruitment process for the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) chief executive. This comes after revelations that Cabinet halted the vacancy advertising process to influence the board of the company to reinstate former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji. Experts argue that Cabinet’s decision to override the board’s earlier decision to not extend Mushokabanji’s contract undermines corporate governance and “reeks” of interference. Corporate governance expert Steve Galloway says it is unwise for Cabinet or line ministers to give instructions to boards on anything beyond policy. “Appointments, renewals or dismissals of chief executives are the prerogative of the board, as are most decisions involving strategy and the direction of the enterprise. . . shareholders should only intervene in the case of extreme emergency or board failure,” Galloway says. He says over the years Cabinet or line ministers have interfered with or overruled public enterprise boards, sometimes giving illegal instructions. Galloway says the recent consolidation of ministries and return of public enterprises to line ministries offers focus and efficiency but also poses governance challenges due to concentrated authority. “Adoption of modern, outcome-based governance codes by all organisations is critical to a culture of ethical and effective governance. Legislated centralised control or unfettered authority by individuals should be guarded against,” Galloway says. Mushokabanji, who was appointed as chief executive in 2020, has been criticised for failing to take the state-owned meat corporation out of financial ruin, leaving it heavily reliant on government bailouts. Meatco board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua yesterday said Meatco is yet to meet with line ministries and government officials to discuss the way forward. “The consultations have not taken place yet,” Nghikembua said. Another corporate governance expert, Ntelamo Ntelamo, says major decisions are the preserve of the board of directors. “Some laws require that a shareholder minister approves or concurs with the appointment recommendation by the board of directors. I am yet to find where Cabinet directs the appointment of a chief executive of a public enterprise. It sounds quite irregular that a shareholder minister should have untrammeled powers to order this or that appointment,” Ntelamo says. He says this type of interference may set the wrong precedent in public enterprises. “Those desperate for appointment or re-appointment will be camping at Cabinet’s doors until they are assisted,” Ntelamo says. Meanwhile, Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu says the party is concerned by the decision of Cabinet to reinstate the former chief executive after his contract had lawfully come to an end. “This abrupt U-turn not only undermines corporate governance and transparency but reeks of political interference and factional favouritism. The NEFF views this action as a blatant insult to the principles of meritocracy and independence in the management of state-owned enterprises. “The role of the Cabinet is not to micromanage or handpick leadership in parastatals to suit their narrow political agendas. It is to provide oversight and support good governance,” Iipumbu says. Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani questions the motives behind the government’s decision to not allow the chief executive recruitment to follow regular procedures. “Why is the political leadership forcing his return? Why is he not being allowed to apply like any other person whose contract has ended? Why is he being headhunted after the failures of over N$1 billion that went missing in that place through losses? Our stance is very clear that the government is interfering; it’s illegal,” Venaani says. The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa says when the autonomy of such an organisation is compromised by the mother body or organisation it may interfere with the expected day-to-day mandates. “It limits the ability to function appropriately,” Simataa says. Independent Patriots for Change shadow finance minister Michael Mwashindange says political interference in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can significantly undermine their ability to operate efficiently and meet public needs. “Political interference in SOEs can lead to dire consequences such as inefficiency as political involvement often leads to prioritising political goals over operational efficiency. This can result in poor resource allocation and mismanagement,” he says. Mwashindange says political interference can reduce the accountability of managers and employees in SOEs. “Since the focus shifts to political agendas, performance metrics may be ignored, leading to a lack of transparency and poor governance. As a party that strongly believes in the rule of law, we see this as not only a breach of the Constitution by the executive but also as a betrayal of trust for the Namibian people,” Mwashindange says. The post Cabinet criticised for Meatco chief executive recruitment interference appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #CorporateGovernance #Leadership #Interference

Schlettwein warns against reappointing Mushokabanji, criticising handling of Meatco finances Former agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein has warned against the reappointment of Mwilima Mushokabanji as chief executive of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco). The parastatal splashed about N$1 billion in taxpayers’ money during his five-year tenure. Schlettwein said this after it emerged that the Cabinet, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa are pushing for Meatco to retain Mushokabanji. “Meatco has a task to reform and it must reform drastically. Whether the incumbent or former chief executive officer (CEO) is able to do that, we will learn with time. “What I can say is that the team, with that CEO, did not manage Meatco for the last five years,” Schlettwein said yesterday. Mushokabanji oversaw a period of continuous bailouts at Meatco, which prompted former finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi to block attempts to give him an extra five years. Nandi-Ndaitwah declined to retain Shiimi, allowing Shaningwa and her ally, Joseph Andreas, to place their man back in the Meatco hot seat. The number of bailouts given to Meatco over the years have, however, exposed Mushokabanji’s management style. Calle Schlettwein For instance, the government pumped N$700 million into Meatco from 2021 to 2023. Between last year and this year, the government pumped in another N$312 million. This totals over one billion. To Schlettwein, those figures are proof of wasteful spending. The former agriculture minister yesterday told The Namibian that Mushokabanji’s reappointment casts a shadow of doubt over his ability to turn around the fortunes of the perennially loss-making entity. “The government is yet again to budget N$100 million or N$150 million to bail it out, so whoever is the board or CEO, that is what they must do [reform], but if we retain the same person, the chances that we achieve our goals are getting slimmer,” he said. Schlettwein accused Meatco’s board and Mushokabanji of getting advice to reform Meatco, but not managing to do so. The former minister said the cost of slaughtering animals under Meatco’s current management model is unsustainably high, contributing to the company’s losses and weakening its competitiveness. That model drove Meatco into a wall, he said. “It became completely uncompetitive and unsustainable. Instead of addressing the core issues, management kept turning to the government for bailouts.” Schlettwein said Meatco urgently needs a structural overhaul of its business model, including a new approach to operational capacity. Albert Kawana George Simataa The former minister said in the past five years, Meatco, which was designed to slaughter 120 000 animals a year, only managed to slaughter around 30 000. “That made it very unprofitable, but little was done to correct that, although they maintained their standard on being an export abattoir. “The cost went up more and more and it became less profitable. There was serious loss-making and the government had to bail it out because of the public interest,” he said. Meatco has struggled due to its failure to pay farmers on time, leading to job losses and cash flow problems. Despite this, a group of ministers and senior government officials seem determined to bring Mushokabanji back to the company. The Namibian has been informed that former home affairs minister Albert Kawana also led the campaign for the former CEO’s unilateral appointment, with Cabinet secretary George Simataa allegedly insisting on the item staying on the Cabinet’s agenda. Kawana yesterday said he is a man of principle, and he cannot divulge what he did in his official capacity as a minister as he took an oath not to do so. “Even those who told you those stories about what happened in the Cabinet . . . I feel pity for them because they are violating the principles of corrective responsibility in terms of Article 40 of the Namibian Constitution,” he said. Kawana said lifting the lid on the matter is equivalent to destroying “this government or participants of this government”. “I cannot be associated with somebody who wants to undermine the current government, the current president, as a member of Swapo. “I will never do that. Anybody who threatens to destroy or undermine this government, I will be among those at the forefront to protect it,” he said. Sophia Shaningwa The Meatco affair has been a hot political topic in the corridors of power. The Namibian understands that Shaningwa allegedly attacked Shiimi in the Cabinet over the Meatco saga last year. She was an invited guest to the Cabinet, yet she is said to have attacked the former finance minister in front of others. Shaningwa accused Shiimi of defying a Cabinet directive, warning that the Mushokabanji saga could cost the party votes in the Zambezi region. Then vice president Nandi-Ndaitwah backed both Shaningwa and Mushokabanji. Although not a Cabinet member, Shaningwa was invited to the meeting as part of efforts to align Swapo’s position with Cabinet decisions. Shiimi declined to comment when approached yesterday. He said by law, the renewal of Meatco’s CEO is the responsibility of the board. The post Schlettwein warns against reappointing Mushokabanji, criticising handling of Meatco finances appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #Agriculture #Finance #CorporateGovernance

Okabinete otaka kondjifa okwaalula omukulunhuwiliki mukulu waMeatco Okabinete vati otaka kondjifa okwaalula omukulunhuwiliki muku waMeatco Mwilima Mushokobanji, oo ta lundilwa kutya okwa dopa okwaamena ehangano lonyama lepangelo liha mbangolote. Mushokobanjig okwaaluka kwaye otashi dulika ku ulike etokolo lakula laNetumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah lOkabinete lokuhatala koupyakadi wepangelo tali hepekele ashike oimaliwa mehangano eli. Ehango lonyama laNamibia oli li lotete tali kondjifwa papolitika mepangelo lipe, pu na nokuli oungudu va yooloka vaavo tava popile epangelo li twikile nokukulila mo ehangano eli naavo ve li ominge nokutwikila kwepangelo kwokukulila mo ehangano eli – ngaashi minista mukulu weliko nomahangano epangelo Iipumbu Shiimi. Minista mukulu vati okwa li a mona eyambidido lopaveta kutya euliko lomukulunhuwiliki waMeatco oshinakuwanifa shewilikongudu ndee kashi fi shOkabinete. Nandi-Ndaitwah vati ota popile Mushokobanji aaluke, ta xwaxwamekwa kuSophia Shaningwa woSwapo nakaume kaye, omunangeshefa Joseph Andreas, oo a kala ta fininike omukulunhuwiliki mukulu waMeatco a shune moilonga. Andreas okushiivike nawa molwohokwe yaye moshikondo shokulandifa onyama. Oikumungu yaMeatco oya kitakana. The Namibian okwa uda kutya oshikando shimwe odula ya dja ko, Shaningwa vati okwa li alundila Shiimi kutya ina landula elombwelo lOkabinete, ta londoda kutya oshikumungu shaMushokobanji otashi dulu okweetela Swapo a kanife omawi koshitopolwahoololo shaZambezi. Eedjo oda ti kutya Nandi-Ndaitwah okwa kufa Shiimi mOkabinete shaashi aanya okuyandja okondalaka imwe kuMushokobanji eshi oshikako shaye kwa li sha xula muJanuali odula ei, shimwe shomomatomeno akwao. Ondunge yokuyandja oshikako shimwe sheedula nanho kuMushokobanji oya kala nokupatanekwa okudja odula ya dja ko. MuAuguste, okabinete okwa li ka yandja elombwelo kuminista weliko opo a yandje okondalaka imwe ipe kuMushokobanji, ashike Shiimi nonguduwiliki ovaanya okutula etokolo eli moilonga. Onguduwiliki yaMeatco, oyo hai lopota kuShiimi, nayo vati oya topauka. Oilyo imwe otai popile etokolo laShiimi, omanga imwe tai popile Andreas. Eedjo di li popepi noshikumungu oda ti omunashipundi waMeatco Sakaria Nghikembua noilyo yewilikongudu ihapu oya lombwela Shiimi kutya nai pewe omhito opo i konge ovanhu vamwe ovo tava dulu okukala va wapalela oilonga oyo, ponhele yokufininikwa yaalule Mushokobanji. Eedjo edi natango oda ti Nghikembua okwa ninga omatilifo okuxulifa po oilonga opo aamene ondjokonona yaye ongomukulunhuwiliki wehangano iha nyanauke pakumonika ko a fa a pitika ewiliko lapuka laMeatco li twikile, ile a monike ko a fa te lidopo moinima. Nghikembua okwa lombwela oThe Namibian Etitatu kutya ewilikongudu itali dulu okutya sha kokwaaluka kwaMushokobanji, shaashi ola teelela “eenghundafana naminista a pewa oshinakuwanifa shoshikumungu eshi kOkabinete, diva ngaashi tashi dulika”. Etitatu Mushokobanji okwa ti oku li moshoongalele noita dulu okutya sha. Mushokobanji okwa kala e li meenghundana domaupyakadi oshimaliwa aMeatco, mwa kwatelwa neemiliyona di li N$206 da kana neemiliyona di li N$200 dokukulila mo ehangano da dja kepangelo. Meatco okwa kala itai komesho shaashi okwa kala nokudopa okufuta ovanafaalama pefimbo, osho sha eta ekanifo loilonga nomaupyakadi oshimaliwa. Nande nee opu na oinima ei, ongudu yeeminista novanambelewa vakula vepangelo otava monika va fa ve na ohokwe ya mana mo yoku mu alulila mehangano. The Namibian okwa lombwelwa kutya minista mukulu woipambele yomeumbo Albert Kawana naye okwa kwatela komesho oshikonga sheuliko laMushokobanji shovanhu ashike vamwe, nahamushanga wOkabinete George Simataa vati ota kondjifa kutya oshikumungu eshi natango oshi li momake Okabinete. Kawana kakwa li nande a kufa po ongodi yaye Etitatu omanga Simataa a ti ekotamhango inali mu pa nande eenghono a tye ko sha komatokolo Okabinete. “Kandi shi nande omupopiliko wepangelo. Popya naminista womauyelele,” Simataa osho a ti ngaho. The Brief odula ya dja ko okwa li a lopota kutya Meatco okwa dopa okufuta ovanafaalama vopangeshefa ve li 245 oshimaliwa shi fike peemiliyona N$320 sheengobe odo kwa li da etwa moutomeno vaye molwoupyakadi woshimaliwa wakula. Eshi okwa li sha dja momakonakono ehangano oo kwa li a ningwa kehangano ledina Ombu Capital. Okwa li kwa lopotwa kutya pefimbo opo Meatco kwa li ashike ta tomo oinamwenyo i li 2 250 keshe omwedi, omwaalu ushona neenghono komwaalu u fike po5000 no6000 oo ehangano la pumbwa. The post Okabinete otaka kondjifa okwaalula omukulunhuwiliki mukulu waMeatco appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #Politics #Mushokobanji #NandiNdaitwah

Cabinet forces ex-Meatco CEO’s return Cabinet is reportedly forcing the return of former Meatco chief executive officer (CEO) Mwilima Mushokabanji, who is accused of failing to rescue the state-owned meat entity from financial ruin. Mushokabanji’s return could signal another key decision by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Cabinet to override concerns about the ongoing injection of state funds into the corporation. The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has become one of the first battlegrounds in the new administration’s political struggle, with factions split between those advocating for continued government bailouts and those opposing further state funding of the struggling parastatal – such as former finance and public enterprises minister Iipumbu Shiimi. The former finance minister had reportedly obtained a legal opinion supporting the view that the appointment of Meatco’s CEO is the sole responsibility of the board and not Cabinet. Nandi-Ndaitwah is reportedly backing Mushokabanji’s return, influenced by Swapo’s Sophia Shaningwa and her ally, businessman Joseph Andreas, who have been pushing to reinstate the ousted Meatco executive. Andreas is known for his business interests in the beef market. Sophia Shaningwa The Meatco affair runs deep. The Namibian understands that at one point last year, Shaningwa allegedly accused Shiimi of defying a Cabinet directive, warning that Mushokabanji’s saga could cost Swapo votes in the Zambezi region. Sources believe that Nandi-Ndaitwah dropped Shiimi from Cabinet for refusing to give Mushokabanji a new contract when his term ended in January this year, among other reasons. The plan to give Mushokabanji another five-year term has been in motion since last year. In August, Cabinet instructed the finance ministry to renew Mushokabanji’s contract, but Shiimi and the board refused to implement the decision. The Meatco board, which reported to Shiimi, was also reportedly divided. Some members backed Shiimi’s stance to refuse, while another faction supported Andreas. Sources close to the matter say Meatco chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua and most board members told Shiimi that they should be given the opportunity to explore other candidates who might be better suited for the role, rather than being forced to retain Mushokabanji. These sources also say Nghikembua threatened to resign to protect his reputation as a solid corporate executive from damage by being seen as having allowed the mismanagement of Meatco to continue, or being seen as open to interference. Iipumbu Shiimi Nghikembua told The Namibian yesterday that the board could not comment on Mushokabanji’s return, as it is waiting for “an engagement with the respective ministers tasked with the matter by Cabinet, at their earliest availability”. Mushokabanji said yesterday that he was in a meeting and unavailable. He promised to respond via text message but had not done so at the time of going to print. Mushokabanji has been in the news for Meatco’s financial struggles, including a reported N$206 million pre-tax loss and a government bailout of N$200 million. Meatco has struggled due to its failure to pay farmers on time, leading to job losses and cash flow problems. Despite this, a group of ministers and senior government officials seem determined to bring him back to the company. The Namibian is informed that former home affairs minister Albert Kawana also led the campaign for the unilateral appointment of Mushokabanji, with Cabinet secretary George Simataa allegedly insisting that the item remain on Cabinet’s agenda. Kawana did not answer calls to his mobile phone yesterday, while Simataa said he was not empowered by the Constitution to comment on Cabinet decisions. “I am not the government spokesperson. Please talk to the minister of information,” Simataa said. The Brief reported last year that Meatco failed to pay 245 commercial livestock farmers N$320 million for cattle delivered to its abattoir due to significant financial challenges. This was according to an organisational review conducted by consultancy firm Ombu Capital. It was reported at the time that Meatco was slaughtering only 2 250 animals per month, far from the 5 000 to 6 000 required for the company to break even. The post Cabinet forces ex-Meatco CEO’s return appeared first on The Namibian.

#Namibia #Meatco #StateOwned #FinancialCrisis #GovernmentFunding

Meatco, TransNamib a cancer – economists Economists are branding companies like Meatco and TransNamib as “a cancer” draining national resources and stalling economic progress. Minister of finance and social grants management Erica Shafudah on Thursday tabled the 2025/26 national budget, allocating N$100 million to the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) and N$320 million to national rail services operator TransNamib in yet another effort to keep the struggling entities afloat. An additional N$350 million has been set aside in the country’s contingency fund for unforeseen emergencies. In the 2024/25 financial year, Meatco has been allocated N$212 million to settle contingent liabilities and stabilise its financial position. TransNamib, facing operational challenges, also received N$300 million to support day-to-day operations and address infrastructure needs. However, experts say this continued financial resuscitation is wasteful and unsustainable. “Taxpayers will be wasting their money on this cancer. Use consequences management, prevent rehiring the same individuals, recruit fresh blood, and refrain from assigning names if we want to see results,” independent economic and business researcher Josef Sheehama says. He says funding loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) comes at a high opportunity cost, diverting scarce resources from priority sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, and job-creation and anti-corruption efforts. “Finding resources to support failing SOEs has skewed monetary policy and financial systems, occasionally exacerbating the macroeconomic crisis,” Sheehama warns. Despite their mandate to contribute to national development and revenue generation, most SOEs, including Meatco and TransNamib, have instead become fiscal burdens, surviving on government bailouts while offering the public little in return. The parastatals received the same money from the national budget last year each. However, economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu questions the efficiency of the allocations, pointing out that past financial support has failed to yield meaningful reforms. “The government commissioned a study looking into Meatco’s finances and sustainability. I’m not sure whether the N$100 million is adequate to achieve the government’s objective of making Meatco a sustainable national meat company,” he says. Meatco incurred substantial losses in 2024, with reports indicating a N$258-million loss. Monthly losses were reported to exceed N$20 million. Liabilities exceed assets by N$133.2 million at the time of an Ombu Capital report. The Ombu Capital report, which analyses Meatco’s situation, concludes that the company is faced with an existential threat. The report says Meatco’s operational existence and the livestock sector, which sustains over 60% of Namibia’s livelihoods, are at risk. Kakujaha-Matundu calls on the government to be transparent about how the funds align with the recommendations of the Ombu report. Kakujaha-Matundu is equally sceptical about TransNamib. “The N$320 million clearly falls short of the close to N$2 billion needed to refurbish the railroad. Little money thrown at big problems often does little to solve them,” he says. He warns that any funds allocated must not be lost to corruption or maladministration. “Let those entities so bailed out try to do more with less,” he says. The post Meatco, TransNamib a cancer – economists appeared first on The Namibian.

#Economics #Namibia #Meatco #TransNamib #NationalBudget

FriGay!!! Off to the gym in my new #meatco #jockstrap #vpl #bulge