Nghikembua rejects ‘unlawful’ Cabinet directives, quits Meatco

Veteran business leader Sakaria Nghikembua has confirmed his resignation as chairperson of the Meatco board of directors, citing interference and attempts to make the board implement unlawful directives.In April, just a week after the new government took office, Cabinet has been pushing to implement a controversial decision by the previous administration to offer former Meatco CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji a new contract at the company, bypassing the board of directors.The Cabinet disregarded a legal opinion by the attorney general, which states that it lacks the legal authority to offer a contract to the previous CEO.Mushokabanji left the company in January following the expiry of his contract. Cabinet approvalNamibian Sun recently reported that when Meatco submitted a request for Cabinet approval of its new board of directors, it responded by saying that it would endorse the board, essentially on the condition that the new directors ensure Mushokabanji's reinstatement as CEO.However, after its assessment, the new board opted to advertise the CEO position instead of renewing Mushokabanji’s contract.Former finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi is believed to have opposed the Cabinet’s handling of the matter, leading to his exclusion from the new Cabinet. It was Shiimi who sought Attorney General Festus Mbandeka’s legal opinion, with the full knowledge of then-President Nangolo Mbumba and Vice President at the time, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.Unlawful directivesIn his resignation letter, dated 13 June 2025, to finance minister Ericah Shafudah and copied to agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani, Nghikembua said: “Given the current governance environment around Meatco, where the board is expected to implement unlawful directive(s) that are not in the best interest of the company, I do not believe I can add further real value to the process of turning this business around.”“Accordingly, I hereby tender my resignation as a director of Meatco, effective immediately.”

Nghikembua rejects ‘unlawful’ Cabinet directives, quits Meatco

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-20

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Nghikembua rejects ‘unlawful’ Cabinet directives, quits Meatco

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-20

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