Justicia Shipena
Concerns over procurement at the Social Security Commission (SSC) began when its executive officer, Milka Mungunda, started engaging external individuals without clear documentation.
A request for an internal audit seen by the Windhoek Observer shows that SSC’s general manager for business development, Nambata Angula, submitted an investigation request to internal auditor Kegumbo Ambondo on 13 March.
The concerns relate to procurement processes linked to the National Pension Fund and the National Medical Benefit Fund, which are still not operational.
“The purpose of this submission is to formally request the internal audit function to investigate potential breaches of established procurement processes,” Angula said.
Angula said the issue emerged during meetings held in January and February involving senior officials.
These included Milka Mungunda, Nambata Angula, Benedictus Dundee, Sonja Molebugi and Tersia //Gowases.
The Windhoek Observer understands that during the meetings, project roles were assigned.
The National Medical Benefit Fund was assigned to Angula, the National Pension Fund to Dundee and PSEMAS to Molebugi, while //Gowases handled system requirements.
Angula said problems started when the executive officer engaged external individuals without written confirmation.
“I requested that the request be confirmed in writing for clarity. However, no response was received,” Angula said.
She said this raised concerns about fairness in the procurement process.
A meeting on 16 February, attended by several officials, including members of management and the procurement unit, raised further concerns.
Angula stated that she [Mungunda] suggested using direct procurement for key roles and named specific individuals.
“This raised concerns among attendees regarding the integrity and fairness of the procurement process,” Angula said.
Procurement committee chairperson Lorentha Harases also questioned discussions taking place outside formal structures.
Angula said more issues arose after procurement plans had already been approved.
On 9 March, Angula said changes were made to the plans.
These included reducing contract periods and changing how consultants would be selected.
She said two consultants were removed, leaving only one.
“The revised version removed two of these and retained only Mr Manfred Zamuee,” Angula said.
Angula said Mungunda became directly involved in adjusting procurement documents.
“This issue raises concerns regarding a possible breach of established procurement governance procedures,” she said.
An emergency procurement meeting was held on the same day.
It included members of the procurement committee, the procurement management unit led by Elise Teofelus and Dundee.
Angula said she raised concerns in emails sent on 9 and 10 March 2026.
She copied the procurement policy unit (PPU) at the Ministry of Finance.
“The concerns raised related to possible non-compliance with sections 7 and 25 of the Public Procurement Act,” she said.
She added that section 77 prohibits undue influence over procurement committees.
Angula said the responses received did not clarify roles and responsibilities.
She further noted that responsibilities were later reassigned, with Sonja Molebugi instructed to take over parts of the process from Dundee.
“This instruction created uncertainty within the business development department.”
Angula warned that continued changes to procurement plans could delay implementation of the funds.
“It should be noted that the Executive Officer’s interference… is causing delays in procuring the implementation team,” Angula said.
She has asked the internal audit unit to investigate whether procurement rules were followed, whether there was undue influence and whether the changes comply with the law.
She said the findings should be submitted to the SSC Board of Commissioners for action.
Mungunda’s contract is set to end on 30 June.
