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.
