Namdia executive resigns amid conflict-of-interest probe

Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) key accounts manager Andries Eiseb resigned in November 2025 as a disciplinary hearing loomed over allegations that he held undisclosed interests in diamond companies operating in direct competition with his employer.Documents seen by Namibian Sun show that Eiseb failed to fully disclose his interests in diamond-related entities, following an internal investigation that ultimately culminated in his resignation.In an internal submission dated 18 November 2025, Namdia detailed findings that Eiseb held directorship and membership interests in Global Diamond Valuations (Pty) Ltd and Evergreen Diamonds CC, companies involved in diamond trading and related activities, placing them in direct competition with Namdia.The matter resurfaced after the board revisited a May 2021 resolution instructing Eiseb to eliminate all conflicts of interest, including relinquishing diamond-related licences or severing private business interests. A follow-up investigation was ordered in September 2025 to verify compliance with that directive.According to Namdia’s assessment, while Eiseb relinquished diamond cutters’ and dealers’ licences linked to Evergreen Diamonds CC in May 2021, he failed to fully disclose his shareholding and directorship interests. The company concluded that this constituted misconduct and a breach of company policy and his employment contract, although it did not amount to a material or serious offence under Namdia’s disciplinary framework.Resignation and legal opinionIn his resignation letter dated 5 November 2025, Eiseb informed acting CEO Lelly Usiku that he was exercising a contractual provision for early retirement. He stated that his decision was taken in accordance with his employment contract and reiterated that he had complied with the 2021 board directive by surrendering the relevant licences.Last year's enquiry was informed by a detailed legal opinion issued by Shikongo Law Chambers on 28 October 2025, which found that Namdia was justified in instituting disciplinary proceedings against Eiseb.The legal opinion identified a pattern of non-compliance with governance requirements, including Eiseb’s failure to provide written proof that he had relinquished mining-related licences, as required by the May 2021 board resolution. That proof was only submitted in October 2025, nearly four years after the stipulated deadline.The law firm further concluded that Eiseb acted in bad faith by failing to fully disclose his business interests upon employment and by neglecting to declare ongoing conflicts annually or when circumstances changed.Despite explicit instructions not to participate in certain client selection processes, he allegedly continued to do so, breaching fiduciary duties owed to the company.Shikongo Law Chambers advised that the misconduct warranted disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, and recommended that it act as initiator to ensure procedural fairness and protect the integrity of the process.Stepping awayIn his resignation letter, Eiseb cited lasting psychological and physical trauma stemming from a past workplace robbery as the reason for stepping down.He described the 18 January 2025 incident, during which he was allegedly held at gunpoint and tied down, as deeply distressing, saying it left enduring mental scars.Eiseb also complained of persistent internal rumours allegedly linking him to the robbery, which claimed the life of his relative, Francis Eiseb. He said these allegations compounded his emotional distress and suffering.Eiseb did not respond to requests for comment.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Namdia executive resigns amid conflict-of-interest probe

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-29

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Namdia executive resigns amid conflict-of-interest probe

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-29

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