Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698938157592.pdf (Namibia)
- 1 - - 318 - Thursday, 7 July 2022 No.

13 - 2022 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS MINISTER: QUESTION NO.

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Prime Minister ............................................................................ 36, 55, 59, 70 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International ............................ 53, 61 Relations and Cooperation Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security ...................... 64 Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister of Finance Minister of Education, Arts and Culture ....................................................... 30 Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Minister of Health and Social Services ......................................................... 65 Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation ..... 69, 74 10.
Minister of Mines and Energy .......................................................... 48, 71, 72 11.

Minister of Justice 12.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development ............................................ 63, 67 13.

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism ........................ 37, 41, 62, 66 14.

Minister of Industrialisation and Trade ........................................................ 68 - 319 - - 106 - 15.
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform ........................................ 73 16.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources 17.

Minister of Works and Transport ................................................................... 12 18.

Minister in the Presidency ............................................................................ 57 19.

Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service .............................................. 29 20.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology 21.

Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation ......................... 47 Question 29 (2022-02-22) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service: What is the status of the failed and postponed Representative Council meeting of the National Youth Council?

My understanding is that the RC meeting should take place once a year as per the National Youth Council Act No.
3 of 2009 particularly section 11 sub-section 1, but I have it on good record that there was no ordinary session for the last two years.
I was broadly informed that the RC meeting which was to take place in December 2021 tax payers money closed to N$ 500 000 was put at waste as only less than 10 people tested positive and the RC Meeting couldn’t proceed, I understand that your Ministry was called by delegates seeking your intervention to ensure that tax payers money is not put into waste but for the meeting to processed as planned.

There were provisions made for those who tested positive to attend the RC virtually but the NYC Board ignored.
1.

I have it on good record that a letter dated the 8th of February was written to you by Mr. Nguvauva, a head of one of the Affiliates, requesting you to step in, but response to that is still to come from you, when do you intend to engage him?

2.

When will the postponed RC reconvene as it was agreed to take place in February but nothing happened?

3.

How does the board and the Executive Chairperson account in absentia of RC.

In actual fact, to whom do they account?


How is it possible, under your watchful eyes as the line Minister that NYC is operating without an Accountant for more than a year now?

Are you aware of that?

4.

Is there check and balance in this institution?

Under whose instructions does the NYC Board operate for the past two years?
_________________ - 320 - - 107 - Question 30 (2022-02-22) Mr. Shuumbwa (APP) asked the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: I rise to voice my concern of Eyambithidho Junior Primary School located in the Oshikoto Region (Iiyamini Village) that has been closed in 2020.

Some of the learners who were enrolled at this school are currently at home now and do not attend school because the next nearest school is 20km from the village and transport is a problem.

1.
1.

Is the Ministry of Education aware of this matter and if yes, what is the Ministry’s plan with the school?

2.

Did the Ministry of Education consider any possible ways for example: Hostel accommodation and transport for those learners that are currently based at home?

_________________ Question 36 (2022-03-01) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Prime Minister: It has come to my attention that the government has spent N$6.5 million on 54 state and official funerals between January and December 2021.
This is N$5 million more and above the budgeted funds for this vote which was N$1.5 million.

This is disheartening to note that most of this departed comrades are well of and can surely take care of their own funerals.

Of course the counter argument will be that they have contributed immensely to this country in different fields, hence they must be rewarded for that.
However, I am of the opinion that they have been rewarded handsomely during their time on mother earth; by occupying many top positions in Government and in the private sectors; why should they be rewarded again in death.

Hence the following questions: 1. Who is a hero and who qualifies for a hero or state funeral?

2.

Can this practice not be abandoned all together of using state funds for this burials as this exercise does not add any value to the rest of Namibians?

3. Who determine who is a hero?

4.


Why did your office overspent with a whopping N$5 million last year?

_________________ - 321 - - 108 - Question 37 (2022-03-01) Mr. Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: I have picked up a very disturbing news about a certain Mr Elias Namandje Amunime.

Information at my disposal indicate that Mr Namandje Amunime was a warden at Etosha National Park.
He was then convicted for attempted murder, he was found guilty and served 12 months sentence.

He served six months in prison and he has since then resumed his work as a warden at Etosha National Park soon after being released from prison.

My questions hence: 1.

Is it true that Mr Elias Namandje Amunime was convicted of attempted murder?

2.

Is it true that while he was in prison he continued to receive his full salary and all benefits while he was in prison for 6 months?

3.
3.

Is it true that he is back at work at Etosha National Park as a warden?

If indeed the above is true, what does this reflect on the Ministry’s policy towards convicted persons to still be in the employee of the Ministry?

_________________ Question 41 (2022-03-01) Mr. Van Wyk (PDM) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: The print and social media continue to report on the alleged selling of wild animals to foreign countries.
It is alleged that about twenty three (23) elephants is about to be transported to Dubai.

It is further suspected that this transaction or the transportation of the elephants takes place under strict conditions that raises various questions.

The “Gulf TODAY” reported on 18th February 2022 that El Sharhaj African Theme Park is the world’s largest Safari Park outside Africa, and home to over 50,000 animals, with herds and flocks of over 120 species.
Tourist are now invited to come to Dubai and experience Africa it its best.

I shall therefore ask the following: 1.

Could the Minister enlightened this august house, and the nation on allegations that a cargo plane from Kazakhstan has landed at the Hosea Kutako Airport last night (1 March 2022) to transport elephants to Dubai, and the EI Sharhaj African Theme Park in particular?

2.

Is it true that the “deal” was sealed during your last visit, attending the launch of the Dubai Expo?
If your answer is in the affirmative, would you please inform the nation about the details of the transaction and disclose the amount involve?

3.

Minister, if all procures were followed, why the secrecy with regard to the movement of the animals from the buitepos area via Gobabis to the HKIA and why should it take place at night?.

- 322 - - 109 - 4.
- 322 - - 109 - 4.

Is it true that these animals will be a point of attraction at an event in Dubai in the next few days, boosting attempts by Namibia to attract more buyers, to sell off “Namibian Resources” 5.

Would you agree, that the export of African animals to foreign countries, in the long term would divert the interest tourist may have in Africa to other destinations such as Dubai, resulting in Namibia and Africa losing out on the much needed revenue?
_________________ Question 48 (2022-03-17) Mr. Kavekotora (RDP) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: Minster I would assume that you might recall that since 2017 I have been following development in and around NAMDIA and posed questions to you and your predecessor.
I was informed without proof that the changes to the agreement with De Beers and the subsequent establishment of NAMDIA are anticipated to have a positive impact on the economy of local diamond cutting and polishing factories thereby ensuring a sustainable cutting and polishing industry for the next decade and beyond.

It is also stated that NAMDIA was established as a sovereign vehicle through which to check the prices of our rough diamond in the international markets.
To that effect NAMDIA was to receive a purchase entitlement from NDTC of 15% or a minimum of US$ 115 million of diamond per annum of the total NAMDIA production US$ 115 million is about N$ 2 billion in today’s exchange rate.

Thus I ask: 1.

Since NAMDIA has been in existence for a number of years now, can you provide this august House and the public with a price comparison between NDTC and what NAMDIA fetch for our rough diamond?

2.

What is the relationship between NAMDIA and C- Sixty?
3. Who are the directors of C-Sixty and what process was followed to select C -Sixty?

4.

What activities are or were to be performed by C-Sixty in this relationship with NAMDIA and or the Ministry of Mines Energy?

5.

Can the Minister quantify the value added as a result of the relationship between NAMDIA and C-Sixty?

6.

Can the Minister provide proof to this House and the public that the option your Ministry or NAMDIA took to acquire the services of C-sixty was the best possible option available?

7.
7.

What technical expertise did C-Sixty demonstrate to your Ministry or NAMDIA to justify their appointment?

8.

Minister, can you confirm or deny recent media reports that close to N$ 120 million was paid out to three individuals linked to C-Sixty?
_________________ - 323 - - 110 - Question 53 (2022-06-09) Mr. L. N. Iipumbu (NEFF) asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperations: I hereby give notice that on Thursday, 16 June 2022, I shall ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperations.

1.
1.

The economic foreign policy of China is known to be that of striking major capital projects deals in Africa and other parts of the world where governments are weak and enrich the treasury of the reigning Chinese Communist Party.

China’s one-belt- one-road project has been interpreted to be part of the expansive foreign policy agenda of Xi Jing Pin meant to increase his global footprint of global domination.

While China’s policy in Africa is clearly cut out, what is our policy on China as Namibia?

2.
2.

When our people seek to be granted visas in order to go and work abroad, in countries like Britain, they are required to take a short English language test.

This is to ensure that people are able to demonstrate that they will be able to communicate once they arrive in the hosting country.

Yet here in Namibia, we have opted to take in Chinese nationals most of whom have demonstrated to not be able to be conversant in our official language.

Why is this so?

3.
Why is this so?

3.

When the NEFF mounted a revolutionary onslaught on Chinese business, our activists and leaders were arrested and are currently in detention for daring to be brave to confront every-day oppressors without fear and favor.

When shall the government come to its senses and realize that Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma are political prisoners of conscience who have been punished for standing up for the majority of our people?

4.
4.

Until when shall this regime continue to seek to silence and severely punish its own children to protect the children of another nation which is many miles away from us?

5.

The NEFF took note of the high-level security detail that was dispatched to the Chinese embassy the day the party carried out its revolutionary programme against the proliferation of Chinese counterfeit goods.
Equally, Namibians bore testimony to the tight security which was offered to notorious business tycoon Stina Wu when she came to receive the people’s petition.

Can the minister come out in the clear to tell us whether the special protection offered to the Chinese by Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga is still in place or not.

6.
6.

Can the minister equally inform the public why this special protection was offered only to the Chinese in a sovereign country such as Namibia where other foreigners are also resident?

7.

From the very day that the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters, along with other progressive young activists and ordinary citizens marched against the continued exploitation of the Namibians at the hands of their Chinese employers, the relentless dehumanizing of our people by Chinese employers has not slowed down.
Just a few days ago, one of our citizens had to go through the agonizing humiliation of being splashed with urine.

Why is this behavior allowed to continue?

- 324 - - 111 - 8.

While the independence of Namibia was necessitated by a protracted battle to rid the country of the influences of colonial imperialism, it is perplexing that those that fought against our historical former colonial overloads have not been able to identify the increasing global economic colonial influence of China.
It is equally astounding to note that some of us who fought to free this country from those that had sold it out to the oppressor are today selling it.

9.

Finally, is it not time to renegotiate the terms under which the Government brought Chinese businesses here?
_________________ Question 55 (2022-06-14) Ms. Dienda (PDM) asked the Prime Minister: The SWAPO Party think tank has reportedly recommended that the government should introduce a N$50 monthly levy for everyone who earns more than N$5000 monthly for contribution toward the provision of national healthcare.

In 1994, Parliament passed the Social Security Act 34.

Within this Act, Section 32 talks about the Establishment of National Medical Benefit Fund.
(1) There is hereby established a fund to be known as the National Medical Benefit Fund; (2) The Fund shall be a juristic person; (3) There shall be paid into the Fund; (a) the prescribed contributions payable to the Fund; (b) moneys appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Fund; (c) any interest or dividend earned in terms of section 16; (d) any fines paid by virtue of penalties imposed under this Act in respect of an offence involving the Fund; (e) any other moneys which may accrue from any other source; (4) The Fund shall, subject to the provisions of this Act , be applied to provide medical benefits to every employee who is a member of the Fund by virtue of subsection (1)(b) of 21 and who has complied with the other provisions of that section.
Thus, I ask: 1.

Hon.

Prime Minister, are you aware of the existence of this provision?

2.

If so, why has the National Medical Benefit not been established?

- 325 - - 112 - 3.

What is the difference between the proposed national healthcare by the SWAPO Party think tank and the National Medical Benefit Fund as provided for by Section 32 of the Social Security Act?

4.

How has the N$50 levy been detennined and how will this levy help improve national healthcare?
_________________ Question 57 (2022-06-14) Mr. McHenry Venaani (PDM) asked the Minister in the Presidency: As the leader of the Official Opposition, I am in support of the World Economic Forum Meetings and deliberations that continuously embody the philosophy of collaborative, multi-stakeholder impact, providing a unique collaborative environment in which to reconnect, share insights, gain fresh perspectives, and build problem-solving communities and initiatives.
Against a backdrop of deepening global frictions and fractures, the forum is a starting point for a new era of global responsibility and cooperation.

Thus, I ask: 1.

Minister, the invitation the World Economic Forum stipulated a number of delegates that would obtain free access to the forum.

Why were there extra delegates beyond this number that travelled to the forum?

the President for free access to to 2.


What was the total cost for transport, accommodation and related expenses of these additional delegates?

3.

How much was spent to set up the Namibia House?

4.

What is the expected return on investment to Namibia from the fruitful deliberations at the World Economic Forum?

5.

What was the formal agreement?

What agreements where completed by the Namibian delegation?
_________________ Question 59 (2022-06-15) Mr. McHenry Venaani (PDM) asked the Prime Minister: ReconAfrica through its Namibian subsidiary company, Reconnaissance Energy Namibia, donated resources to aid Namibian students affected adversely by the war in Ukraine.

Thus, I ask: 1.

Minister, how many Namibian students underwent trauma counselling and rehabilitation?

- 326 - - 113 - 2.

How many students were successfully placed in other institutions of higher learning?

3.
3.

Lastly, what is the total value of the resources utilized to date and on what were these resources utilized outside the function of trauma counselling and rehabilitation and the placing of students in different institutions of higher learning?
_________________ Question 61 (2022-06-22) Mr. Auchab (UDF) asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: The time has come that the African Countries stop partnering with industrial and emerging powers base on the past, ideology and leaders’ personal connections.

Rather they need to prioritize their domestic development and democratic and peace interest in such diplomatic relations.
May the Honourable Minister appraise this August House about the stand of Namibia in this Russia’s war against Ukraine where Namibia also supporting Russia like other nineteen African Countries who perceived to have supported Russia base on the past support of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for African independence and liberation movements during the Anti-Apartheid and anti-Colonial struggles.
_________________ Question 62 (2022-06-22) Mr. Auchab (UDF) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: Namibia is one of the African Countries that signed a declaration to lift the ban on the ivory trade to avoid losing roughly N$232 million per year due to trade restrictions on ivory.

1.
1.

May the Minister enlighten Members of and the public about the Hwange statement demands, and non-interference from CITES on domestic trade, the sovereignty of states and their rights to monetize local wildlife decisions, influence by non-affected nations and animals welfare organizations, and how these statement is affecting or beneficial for our stand on the ivory trade a acountry?
august House this _________________ Question 63 (2022-06-22) Ms. Hengari (PDM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: The employees of NHE have decided to start a peaceful demonstration to narrate their frustrations and concerns on how the institution is managed by the Shivute and Mukulu administration.

- 327 - - 114 - Thus, I ask: 1.

Minister are you aware of the gross underperformance of NHE below targets set in the NHE’s strategic plan?

2.
2.

Why is NHE in contravention of the NHE Act which requires the Minister to table financial reports in the National Assembly 6 months after the end of each financial year.

3.

Honorable Minister are you aware of the dismal performance of NHE which will render it unable to pay remuneration to its workers beyond a 2-year period?

4.

Honorable Minister are you aware of the unfavorable spending habits of NHE?

In particular the payment of N$1.3 Million above valuation for plots in Gobabis?
N$500 000.00 paid on consultancy fees for a sub-standard strategic business plan?

Payment of allowances for Acting Executive: Human Capital and Strategy, a position that never existed in the company structure.

5.

Minister are you aware of the unlawful self-enrichment practices currently being advanced by certain executives at NHE?

6.

Why are all non-executive employees getting a 50% cut on all acting allowances while three other executives’ acting allowance were reversed to 100% in September 2021?

7.
7.

Minister are you aware of the unsatisfactory conduct of late coming and absenteeism by certain NHE employees?

8.

Minister do you believe that the current leadership at NHE is fit to successfully carry out NHE’s set objectives into the foreseeable future?

9.

Minister for how long will the continuous unrest raised by the Management and Staff at NHE be unattended to?

10.

When will a new Board be appointed as the current Board’s term has expired after serving two terms?

11.
11.

To conclude, Minister can you assure this august House that NHE is not destined for a future of closure similar to Air Namibia and the Roads Contractor Company?
_________________ Question 64 (2022-06-28) Mr. Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: In one of the rarest spectacles of flagrant abuse of power and attack on a public official, three Namibian police officers viciously handcuffed and arrested the Mayor of Windhoek, Councillor Sade Gawanas, while she was on duty, visiting the community of Okahandja Park informal settlement yesterday 27th June 2022, to inspect the progress in - 328 - - 115 - the construction of houses.
The Mayor introduced herself to the so-called plain clothed police officers but one of the officers said that he does not care who she was.

It is then that the officers seemingly jumped out of the car and grabbed The Mayor by the wrist and handcuffed her.

The Mayor was thrown in the police and was driven around with others wo were in the van already and was only let free after the intervention of Sergeant Swartz from the City Police, who also acts as her driver after producing his positive documentation.
The Mayor opened an assault case against the police officers (number CR789/06/2022) at the Wanaheda Police Station before she went for medical check-up for her bruised knee and wrist as a result of the altercation and unlawful arrest.

I therefore ask the following questions: 1.

Had this happened to a Minister or the President, would the attitude of Nampol or its Public Relations Officer, Kauna Shikwambi be the same?

Would they have listened to the version of the police exclusively?
Or would they have immediately suspended the three police officers and apologized to the Minister or President?

2.

When will the full names of the police officers in question be immediately revealed by the police so that the names are not changed later.

3.

What is the level of training those police officers received and are they allowed to carry automatic rifles in public, or conduct unlawful arrests without any threat of violence?

4.
4.

When will Police officers on patrol begin to carry/use Body Cameras, as an immediate measure to control and reduce uncontrolled and unreported police brutality cases in the country?

5.

When will you as the Minister, or the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Lt.Gen Sebastian Ndeitunga issue a proper and official public apology as you all did in the Phala Phala Farmgate issue implicating President Hage Geingob?

6.
6.

When will NAMPOL PRO Kauna Shikwambi retract her unfortunate statement criminalising the Mayor?

7.

When will the unscrupulous police officers be suspended from their official duties?

8.

Do police reservists also go into the field without any senior/experienced police officers?

9.

Since when do police reservists drive police vehicles?
_________________ Question 65 (2022-06-28) Ms. Moongo (PDM) asked the Minister of Health and Social Services: Despite the fact that rehabilitation is a crucial service provided by the Ministry, it is continuously frowned upon.

State Physiotherapists receive significantly low remuneration for their demanding job descriptions in comparison to related healthcare professions such as Occupational Health Therapy.
This attitude has contributed toward poor employment rates for Physiotherapists in the public sector.

- 329 - - 116 - The Ministry of Health and Social Services currently employs less than 20 physiotherapists, compared to over a hundred in the private sector.

Only two academic hospitals in Namibia being Windhoek Central Hospital and Oshakati Intermediate Hospital received accreditation for Physiotherapy internship training programs, which is a further insult.
Worst of all, the Ministry allows foreign-born therapists, currently making up the bulk of therapists employed in the public sector, practice without being registered with the HPCNA.

The University of Namibia is currently training Namibian physiotherapists; however, due to a shortage of qualified and registered therapists, 9 out of the first 10 graduates this year were accepted into private practices for internships.
Since the NHPCNA is under the care of the Ministry of Health, the Minister should see to it that the council’s regulations are favorable to providing universal health care.

No licensed healthcare provider without the necessary registration with the Health Professions Council whether local or expats should transfer clinical skills to interns.
The Ministry of Health is shooting itself in the foot by hiring professionals who are not registered with the HPCNA, as the majority of this cadre operating with authorization only work for one year to earn quick money before moving to first world countries.

This leaves a severe scarcity of rehab professionals in their wake, let alone Namibian graduates stuck in the public sector for internships, which motivates them to migrate to the private sector for internships and, of course, improved remuneration.
Thus, I ask: 1.

Why does the Ministry of Health and Social Services not improve current salary grades for Physiotherapists in order to attract rehabilitation specialists into the public to remedy the well-known critical shortage of Physiotherapists in the public service?

2.
2.

Why does the Ministry of Health and Social Services allow a cadre of medical rehabilitation specialists with a two-year certificate in basic rehabilitation training to be compensated equally with Physiotherapists with a four-year University degree and further postgraduate credentials?

3.
3.

With a high number of unregistered therapists leaving the Ministry and Namibian Physiotherapy graduates waiting for internship training, why does the Ministry continuously authorize non-nationals in the rehabilitation field?

4.

Most district hospitals lack physiotherapy departments, much less Physiotherapists.

When and how will the Ministry of Health and Social Services enhance working conditions of this profession?
_________________ Question 66 (2022-06-29) Mr. Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: Ohangwena Regional Governor, Hon Walde Ndevashiya, on face value was excited about the five newly drilled boreholes at different villages in the Okongo constituency during his so-called state of the region address.
But what the Governor was unaware of is the deep seated nepotism, corruption, favouritism and conspiracy to defraud state funds and donor funding, especially funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The boreholes - 330 - - 117 - were drilled at Oshikome, Eloolo, Omupanda, Okatope and Otutunda villages.
In this vicinity of Okatope, the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) has spent N$4.8 million on the water infrastructure development projects.

What is suspicious is that the two boreholes were allegedly drilled at the family villages of the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Mr. Teofilus Nghitila on instruction and in collusion with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Environmental Investment Fund Mr. Benedict Libanda.
The Board of the EIF is seized with this uncalled for transaction but is allegedly hampered by your authoritarian and covering up tendencies because all these matters are considered politically sensitive and as it involves the Executive Director Mr. Nghitila has to be solved at your level.

We are also further in the know that there is a vicious cabal triangle of the you, The Minister, The Executive Director and the EIF CEO turning EIF into your personal ATM.
In this instance , the Executive Director used to serve in the Board of the EIF, and has considerable inside knowledge and spearheaded numerous funding opportunities for the EIF amongst others from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

While the Executive Director has known direct links, connections and influence with Swapo Think Tank, the EIF CEO served on this partisan structure until recently.

I therefore pose to you the following the questions: 1.
Can you investigate claims that the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has unduly influenced the EIF CEO in a symbiotic corrupt friendship to drill two boreholes at his families’ villages with funding from the GEF funded project administered by the EIF?

2.

Provide to Parliament the costs of the two boreholes?

3.
3.

Whether the EIF CEO acted outside of his mandate and whether the Review Committee/Technical Committee of the Elf , as well as the Board of the EIF was thoroughly consulted on the fast-tracked prioritization and drilling of the two boreholes?

4.
Whether Mr. Teofilus Nghitila declared his conflict of interest when presiding over the National Project Steering Committee of the GEF project called NILALEG and demanding such boreholes to be drilled on his family’s villages because on 21 April 2022, a request was made by the EIF CEO that Mr. Nghitila form part of the EXCO which is to approve Namibia Integrated Landscape Approach for Enhanced Livelihoods and Environmental Governance to Eradicate Poverty (NILALEG) project funding request under the Small Grants Facility?
5.

Whether UNDP receives regular updates on how their funds are being allegedly misspend and misappropriated by the EIF CEO Mr. Benedict Libanda and Mr. Teofilus Nghitila the Executive Director of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and whether these types of alleged acts and claims by the public, and conspiracies to defraud state and donor funding may not have compromised future funding under Global Environment Facility?

6.
6.

It may be necessary for the MEFT, National Planning Commission and the Treasury to undertake a forensic audit of some sort over donor funded projects implemented by the MEFT?

Persistent reports, allegations and rumours about inappropriate use of donor resources under this Ministry have been coming for quite a long time.

Hon Shifeta, would you be agreeable to such an audit in order to put such rumours to bed once and for all?
_________________ - 331 - - 118 - Question 67 (2022-06-29) Mr. Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Hon.

Minister you and your Deputy Minister, as well as your extra-arrogant Executive Director at the inefficient and ineffective Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) continue to call for meetings in the jurisdictions primarily governed by the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) without any due regard and any consultations with the national leadership of the LPM.
Rather, you primarily consult and prioritize and hold in high esteem the toothless and powerless Governors of Hardap and //Kharas regions.

As the national leadership, we are amazed on how you purposely exclude the national leadership of the LPM from political and development decisions of the regions we democratically govern, with pride and dignity, through a popular mandate.

I therefore ask the following questions; 1.


When shall you recognize the Mayoral and Chairpersons Forum of the Hardap and //Kharas regions as the legitimate and only association of local authority councillors?

Is your reluctance to recognise this Forum born out of denialism that Swapo no longer governs these two regions respectively?

2.

Why do you sidestep the national leadership of the LPM?
Remember that all decisions taken by the Regional Councillors and Local Authority Councillors in these two regions are decided upon by the Political Action Committee of LPM and at LPM Regional and Local Authority Councillors Forum.

It will serve you well to therefore consult the national leadership of LPM too.

3.

Why do you see it fit to work with the toothless governors when it relates to issues of governance?

Or is it because you have vowed to fight us politically?

4.
4.

Why do you delay the approval of developmental projects by Hardap and //Kharas Regional Council Chairpersons in the two regions?

Is it because you have decided to deprive the people of Hardap and //Kharas region of development?

This is tantamount to genocide!

5.


When will you provide correct and proper advice to the Minister of Justice, Chief Magistrate of the Magistrates Commission, Attorney-General and the Executive Director of the National Council to indeed understand and accept that their continued denial of the two LPM Councillors to serve in the National Council is tantamount to abuse of authority and dereliction of their duties?

6.
6.

When will you, the Chairperson of the National Council and the Executive Director of the National Council reinstate two LPM Members of Parliament who were illegally removed from that law-making body?

_________________ Question 68 (2022-06-29) Mr. Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT): Hon.
Minister, among your key responsibilities is to lead sustainable economic development and growth through the promotion of industrialisation to boost productive capacities and diversification of the economy and to provide clear and transparent - 332 - - 119 - investment policy and legislative framework including facilitating a conducive investment environment for a private sector led economic growth and employment creation.
Few days ago, Minister Iipumbu Shiimi has blamed the latest Fitch downgrade of Namibia’s credit rating on multiple droughts and the Covid-19 pandemic.

We all know by now that Fitch last week downgraded Namibia’s credit rating, saying the country is under pressure to continue servicing its mounting national debt.
Since the Minister of Finance is always blaming COVID-19 and drought for our economy’s lackluster growth, what are the sustainable economic recovery plans you have initiated to boost our investment capacity and economic growth.

Hence, the following questions: 1.

When will you table the Franchising Bill?

And what is Namibian Competition Commission doing to stop monopoly franchising in Namibia by transnational corporations?

2.
2.

When will you imposed a moratorium on monopoly franchising in Namibia, for example to KFC, M+Z Motors Namibia and some other monopoly auctioneers in Namibia?

For example, Namibians cannot access KFC International License as such a franchising rights are solely owned by a certain Durban businessman in South Africa, who is refusing to let new entrants enter the market in Namibia.
The KFC Namibia portfolio consists of twenty-one (21) restaurants, seven (7) of which are in the Windhoek area alone, with others spread around the country.

In Botswana, former President Ian Khama gave KFC franchise owner 24 hours to leave the country after he refused to allow Motswana’s to have partnerships and shares in this lucrative fast-food business.

3.
3.

How does your Ministry and Ministry of Justice allow Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to multinational companies determining to a sovereign country what they can do and not?

Are you that weak as a Minister using cover up of free market economy and the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia to hide but during campaigns promising ‘honey and milk’ and how you follow ‘Socialism with Namibian Characteristics?’ 4.
Since all Ministers are blaming COVID-19 and multiple droughts for your incompetence to govern, our economy is in dire straits which results in small and medium enterprises closing down, and that business people are finding the going tough.

When will you introduce a system to deregister SME’s because they are accruing unnecessary debt with the revenue collection agency?
People normally register SME ‘s with a hope of securing tenders, or to do some business but end up not being lucky, and out of frustration do not even bother to deregister their SME’s but end up collecting penalties on tax returns.

Is there not innovative way of dealing with such issues to lessen the burden on especially our youth and women enterprises?
_________________ - 333 - - 120 - Question 69 (2022-06-29) Mr. Katjimune (PDM) asked the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation: The City of Windhoek is running a modern day labour exploitation ring that subjects mostly young and unsuspecting people to the harsh reality of the post-colonial corporate world.

The City of Windhoek employs more than 450 interns out of a staff complement of over 2 700.
These interns are left to take up the bulk of the work that the permanent employees are supposed to perform on measly allowances ranging from N$3 500 to N$3 700.

For the few that are lucky to land a fixed term contract, their allowances can go up to N$10 000.
The disturbing aspect about the internships offered by the City of Windhoek, is that there are bulk of interns who have been working at the city for years with no offer of permanent employment while performing the duties of full-time employees who have made their duty stations part-time while they attend to their own private interests and businesses.
In essence, the City of Windhoek is run by mostly young and poorly paid interns, who often stay there for years with the hope of being offered permanent employment before being dumped out of the City.

These hundreds of interns are offered contracts of up to 6 months which are continuously renewed because the City does not want to offer them permanent employment.

Some of these interns have been at the City for in excess of five years, which is in contravention of our labour laws.
Section 128C (1) of the Labour Act 27 of 2007 states that “An employee is presumed to be employed indefinitely, unless the employer can establish a justification for employment on a fixed term” There is no reasonable justification as to how the City of Windhoek can reasonably keep an intern for more than five years on a continuous renewable 6 months contract without giving them permanent employment.

The role of an internship is to give new entrants into the labour market skills.
You cannot be training someone for more than 5 years, and this clearly presents a contravention of Section 128C (1) of the Labour Act.

I therefore ask: 1.

Is the Minister aware of this grave exploitation of interns at the City of Windhoek?

2.

If yes, what has Honourable Minister done to ensure that this exploitation of interns at the City of Windhoek is stopped, and that due compliance of the Labour Act is observed?

3.
3.

Does the Minister agree that this modus operandi of public and private sector institutions offering internships does not create sustainable jobs, but rather subjects mostly young and unsuspecting people to exploitative labour instruments?

_________________ - 334 - - 121 - Question 70 (2022-06-29) Ms. Dienda (PDM) asked the Prime Minister: According to media reports, the second phase of improvements to Vice President Nangolo Mbumba’s farm will cost taxpayers roughly N$660,000.
The Association of Unemployed Artisans got the tender under special permission to circumvent government procurement rules.

Furthermore, it is unclear what the entire cost of the modifications would be.

Basic expenses for the government’s account include transportation and food for the workers who are on site.

Thus, I ask: 1.

Hon.

Prime Minister, are you aware of the current renovations to the Vice President’s farm?

2.
2.

Why were government procedures circumvented in the awarding of the tender that will be paid with taxpayer’s funds?

3.

Under what statute is it premised for taxpayer funds to be used for renovations to Vice President’s private property?

4.

How much will taxpayers pay in total for the renovations to the Vice Presidents farm?
_________________ Question 71 (2022-06-29) Mr. Smit (PDM) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: The Government of Namibia through NAMCOR has spent N$5.8 billion to erect the national Fuel Storage facility at Walvis Bay to store 75 000 metric tons of fuel products namely: Diesel = 45 000 metric tons; ULP (Unleaded Petrol) = 20 000 metric tons; Jet Fuel = 5 000 metric tons; HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil) = 5 000 metric tons).

This facility was erected on loan funds that are to be repaid.
This facility was commissioned earlier this year.

I now ask: 1.

Is NAMCOR at present utilizing the facility to its full capacity, meaning does NAMCOR source the facility on its own with fuel products?

2.

If not, is this facility leased to a third party or third parties and if so who are these third parties?

3.

What revenue, if any, has NAMCOR earned from the facility to date?
_________________ - 335 - - 122 - Question 72 (2022-06-29) Mr. Smit (PDM) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: Ever since the Fishrot scandal came to light back in 2019, members of the Namibian public have become very alert to any possible signs of corruption at those Government- owned entities that could lend themselves to illegal and self-enriching activities.

Now certain very disturbing information has come to my attention regarding the operations of the diamond-selling entity known as Namdia.
While private investigations are ongoing, I wish to ask some preliminary questions in this regard today.

I believe it is common cause that our Government should not be dealing with convicted criminals when selling our country’s natural resources, including our diamonds.
It is also common knowledge that the notorious Israeli businessman Mr Benny Steinmetz was recently convicted and sentenced in a Swiss court to 5 years imprisonment on charges of corruption and bribery committed in Guinea, (also a diamond producer) and to another 5 years imprisonment in a Romanian court in an organized crime case.

Mr. Steinmetz features very prominently in the now infamous ‘Panama Papers’.

One only needs to google Penford Israel and his name will pop up as being founded by Mr Steinmetz.
I now ask: 1.

Will the Minister inform this August House whether buyers that are not included on the Namdia client list are allowed to purchase rough diamonds from Namdia?

2.

Is a company with the name of Penford Israel on the Namdia client list?

3.

Can the Minister confirm or deny that Penford Israel bought rough diamonds valued at more than N$150,000,000 on 14 June 2022?

4.
4.

Why does Namdia sell to buyers such as Penford Israel that are not on their list, potentially exposing the parastatal and Namibian Government to law suits by clients who paid the registration fees to Namdia?

Some of these clients’ applications were successful; however, others were rejected, but every single one of those potential clients had to undergo a strenuous application process to be given any consideration.
Among those rejected clients were Namibian manufacturers, who could have created jobs in the country, especially for the youth.

5.

Did Penford undergo this process?

If not, why not?

6.

Was any background check or due diligence performed on Penford?

7.

Can Namibia afford another downgrade in its Fitch rating because Namdia was negligent and sold to such a controversial and potentially dubious client?

8.
8.

Moreover, was any consideration given to the effect these dealings could have on Namibia’s status as a respected and founding member of the Kimberly Process?

_________________ - 336 - - 123 - Question 73 (2022-06-30) Mr. Isaaks (LPM) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: Costing N$5.5 billion, the Neckertal Dam is one of the largest capital investments and arguably the largest construction project in size and employment, of the State since independence.
Over five years, since the official commencement of construction work on 11 September 2013, to completion in 2018, a colossal concrete wall rose at 78.5 meters in height and 518 meters in length, at the crest, creating a dam with 40 square kilometers in width with a capacity of 857 million cubic meters or 857 thousand million litres of water.

The enormous engineering project employed directly at its peak some 2500 people and added another 5000 indirect jobs.
The dam displaced a number of communal farmers, and between 40 000 and 80 000 hectares of farmland is covered by water.

In other words, goats, sheep and cattle cannot graze there.

The Neckertal Dam construction was planned over two phases.

The above being the first phase.

The second phase is the irrigation scheme.

So my questions relate to the second phase of the project.
In about the same time as the commencement of construction work the government signed an open-ended purchase agreement with one of the farmers for 1900 hectares of land for the irrigation phase.

That farm being Schlangkopf.

Of course, the Honourable Minister, when answering a question in this house last year around March about the Neckertal Irrigation projects, put it as if government had only then started considering acquiring land at Schlangkopf and two other farms.
However, my sources who are the owners contradict that information.

1.

Honourable Minister, are you aware of the land purchase agreement that is now about 8 years old?

2.

What was the amount offered to the farmer at the time, and 3.

Why the deal not concluded, and the purchase made?


The President, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates and later yourselves as the Minister of Agriculture appeared to have promoted the Neckertal dam or the Neckertal Irrigation project as investment opportunities to the Arabs.

4.

How did you anticipate a deal to be structured, which would have caused Arab investment in the Neckertal Dam Irrigation Project, particularly as it relates to land ownership, and local small holder farmer participation?
The government in 2011 created the Agricultural Business Development Agency, Agribusdev and it in charge of 11 green schemes.

To the worst of fortunes, the agency managed the green schemes, most of which were profitable enterprises, into bankruptcy.

Your Ministry has been reconsidering the viability of Agribusdev and AMTA and were to make determinations regarding their continued existence.
This agency some time ago advertised expressions of interest for the development of irrigation projects at among other projects the Neckertal Dam Green Scheme.

5.

What is the status of Agribusdev as it relates to its solvency and continued existence as an agricultural business development entity or enterprise?

When will the National Assembly, the lower House of the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia be informed about the fate of the agency put in charge of the State’s agriculture business?
- 337 - - 124 - 6.

Will you Mr Minister, with good conscience allow an organization, which a runs perfectly functioning businesses into abys, to manage a multi-billion dollar investment?

The agriculture sector is, as you know, the largest employer and contributes, according to the most recent figures, 11.3 percent to GDP.

Considering how and to what extent the Neckertal Dam could infuse growth in the agriculture sector: 7.
Did your Ministry or, under your direction or upon your request, the National Council of Research or the Namibia Statistics Agency do a study, carried out any study, to determine the agriculture production possibilities ushered in by the Neckertal Dam irrigation project?

8.

How do you foresee a change in the structure of the economy in //Kharas region, the places surrounding the dam and indeed the national economy as a consequence of any investments in the Neckertal Dam irrigation scheme?

9.
9.

What are the number of new jobs that the Neckertal irrigation scheme can offer when under full cultivation?

10.

What is the share of the irrigation scheme that is anticipated for local small holder participation and what are you projecting to be the monetary benefits that will accrue from any investment in a Neckertal irrigation scheme?

Between 40 000 and 80 000 hectares of grazing land in the communal area under the /Hai /khaua Traditional Authority jurisdiction area is lost for farming.
A social impact study was carried out before the construction of the dam, as part of its feasibility studies.

Certain recommendations were made to mitigate the social impacts that will be made to bear by the new dam.

There has also been a commitment that the contactor will invest a certain percentage of the monetary value of the contract in the communities affected by the dam construction.

11.
11.

Are you aware of the loss of grazing land to the communities in the /Hai /Khaua Tradional Authority jurisdiction area, which is also the Berseba Constituency of //Kharas region, and its size?

12.

Are you aware of the recommendations made to mitigate the social impact of the dam, and were those implemented?

13.

Are you aware of the commitment to invest a certain share of the value of the contract in local communities, and was that, to the best of your knowledge, done?
_________________ Question 74 (2022-06-30) Ms. Hengari (PDM) asked the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation: The Constiution in Article 63(i) requires of members of this House to remain vigilant and vigorous for the purpose of ensuring that the scourges of apartheid, tribalism and colonialism do not again manifest themselves in any form in a free and independent Namibia and to protect and assist disadvantaged citizens of Namibia who have historically been the victims of these pathologies.
- 338 - - 125 - The Security guards/officers employed by Shilimela Security Company took to the streets once again to demand for the timely payment of their salaries which had not been paid since August 2021.

Shilimela Security Company is owned by a certain Mr. Banda Shilimela who has a known intimate relationship with lavish lifestyles.
Since 2016, the said Mr. Shilimela has consistently been accused of deducting high social security fees, underpaying guards and not giving security officers the correct leave days as stated in their contracts.

Security Officers in the Kavango West region have also reported being subjected to inhumane working conditions and receiving salaries through E-wallet.
Each year this Security Company makes headlines for especially not paying workers on time, little to no proper workers’ benefits and inhumane working conditions.

Thus, I ask: 1.

Is the Minister aware of these deplorable working conditions?

2.

The Ministry is mandated with ensuring the provision of decent work, the facilitation of industrial peace and, the provision of employment opportunities through on-the-job training and job placements.
What is the Ministry currently doing to address issues of poor labour practices and the subjecting of workers to poor working conditions?

3.

What mechanisms are in place to protect the ordinary Namibian worker who is paid N$12 per hour?

(Security Officers) 4.

When will the Ministry engage the Shilimela Security Company?

5.

When will this constant abuse of workers and complete disregard of ordinary Namibians be addressed by your Ministry?

_________________