Renthia Kaimbi
The National Collaborative Board of Namibia (NCBN) and its president, Ingashipola Lucas, face allegations of misusing donor funds, faking documents, and covering up internal corruption.
An internal letter seen by the Windhoek Observer details claims that millions meant for youth programmes were diverted for personal gain.
The letter alleges that senior leadership misused donor funds, forged documents, and engaged in a cover-up.
Lucas, who previously served as National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo)’s regional branch administrator in Ohangwena and Oshana, resigned from the party in April.
In the same month, he also withdrew his candidacy for the upcoming local authority elections.
At that time, he cited “cultural shock and ongoing internal conflicts.”
The letter states that NCBN received a N$4 million grant from the US-based Lantos Foundation to fund youth programmes.
The sources who spoke on conditions of anonymity with Windhoek Observer allege the money was diverted for personal enrichment and to reward loyalty.
“If these funds are misused, it will damage the reputation of our organization and betray the trust of our donors and the communities we serve.”
Some of the allegations relate to an international youth summit in Bangladesh held from 13 to 14 January 2025.
The letter noted that the board approved funding for three senior leaders, the president, the secretary general, and the chairperson to attend.
Each received N$35 000 for travel, accommodation, and fees.
But members claim they saw the leaders in Windhoek bars and gatherings on those dates.
When asked for proof of attendance, the leaders allegedly said they were absent from summit photographs because they refused to sign a consent form.
“This explanation seems weak and unconvincing, and appears to be an attempt to avoid providing proof,” the letter reads.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Lucas denied the allegations.
“The thing is that, we are currently not just discussing about such allegations, we are trying to take it up legally in court…against the person that told you we are eating organizational money. That is why we cannot just reveal evidence,” he said.
Furthermore, the organisation admitted to a clerical error that cost N$119 600.
During an event for 46 members, a finance officer mistakenly paid N$2 600 each in transport allowance instead of the intended N$26.
Most members said they had already spent the money and could not repay it.
Lucas confirmed the funds had not been recovered, describing the incident as an administrative failure.
The members also questioned Lucas’s lifestyle, noting his recent purchase of a “new Toyota vehicle” despite no known full-time employment.
“I am not only the president of the organisation, I am also a businessman…these people think when you are shining and having resources, that you are using organizational money. The organization is being audited every year,” Lucas said.
The internal letter further accuses leadership of stifling accountability.
A disciplinary hearing held on 5 April 2025 was described as a “sham” because Lucas chaired the committee despite being implicated.
“Many members were afraid to speak openly because they had been given positions or fake testimonials in exchange for silence or loyalty,” it reads.
The claims also point to that leaders used copies of IDs from unsuspecting volunteers when applying for sponsorships and funding, shielding themselves from responsibility while exposing volunteers to risk.
Windhoek Observer has also seen a letter from the Nigerian-based Global Nation Open University conferring an honorary doctorate on Lucas.
He has since styled himself as a “doctor,” although the letter states the “honorary degree of Doctor of Civic Education (Honoris Causa) (D.Ed)…will formally be issued on December 24, 2025.”
Attempts to verify the institution led only to a website offering “How to Apply for a Honorary Doctorate?”
