Meatco CEO suspended amid allegations of discrimination, mismanagement

Meatco's acting CEO and executive for livestock procurement and production, Patrick Liebenberg, was suspended Monday pending an internal investigation. The announcement was made by the board of directors in a statement addressed to employees.The board said the suspension aims to facilitate an independent investigation and assured staff that whistle-blowers will be granted the necessary protection throughout the process.“To this end, the board has, in the interim, appointed Kingsley Kwenani as acting CEO effective from Tuesday, 15 July 2025 until 31 August 2025, or until the external secondment acting appointment is finalised by the Ministry of Finance,” the board explained.Liebenberg was appointed to the acting CEO role for six months in January this year.While the board did not disclose specific reasons for Liebenberg’s suspension, the announcement comes just weeks after some employees submitted a formal petition calling for his removal, citing alleged discrimination and mismanagement within the company.Lack of accountabilityThe 12 June petition, addressed to Meatco management, accused Liebenberg of favouring white staff while unfairly targeting black employees for disciplinary action. The letter, signed by shop steward chairperson Joseph Kambala, cited a case involving a white manager who allegedly faced no consequences despite confirmed misconduct.“There is a clear discrepancy in the way disciplinary matters are handled, raising serious concerns about favouritism, racism and a lack of accountability,” the letter stated. Missing livestock Among the allegations raised was the alleged disappearance of over 400 head of cattle under Meatco’s livestock procurement department. Employees claimed the missing animals were linked to individuals known to the acting CEO and alleged that substantial funds were channelled through a service provider at Kameeldrift, raising red flags about possible corruption and asset mismanagement.The petition further called on government to appoint a permanent CEO and to terminate contracts with external service providers at Meatco’s Kameeldrief and Okapuka feedlots. Employees argue that the outsourcing arrangement undermines Meatco’s sustainability and facilitates potential abuse of company resources.In the internal communication, the board urged staff to support Kwenani in his interim role and to treat the investigation as a legal process that presumes innocence until proven otherwise. Employees were further instructed to cooperate with the investigating authority, refrain from engaging the media, and uphold confidentiality during the process.“The board calls on all employees to maintain a professional attitude that protects the best interests of Meatco," the board pleaded.

Meatco CEO suspended amid allegations of discrimination, mismanagement

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Meatco CEO suspended amid allegations of discrimination, mismanagement

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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