Govt to repossess disputed youth-run farm

The government is in the process of repossessing a resettlement farm it had leased to a youth group due to the latter’s alleged failure to obtain the necessary permission before entering into a lease agreement with a third party and due to claims that those in charge did so for personal gain.The agriculture, water and land reform ministry leased the farm to the Wisdom Youth Organisation (WIYO) for 99 years in 2015, with the lease conditions stating that "entering into any partnership or subleasing will result in the immediate repossession of the farm".Minister Calle Schlettwein yesterday told Namibian Sun that the ministry is in the process of repossessing the farm, situated in the Otjozondjupa Region, after repeatedly asking for relevant documentation - requesting permission to sublet the farm - from the WIYO chairperson."The ministry decided to inform the organisation that its lease agreement is terminated due to several and repeated defaults by [WIYO]. Subsequently, [WIYO] took the matter to the Land Tribunal. The Land Tribunal made an order setting aside our decision to terminate the lease, which we have implemented. However, we are appealing the decision of the Land Tribunal," he said.‘Clinging to power’The farm is also at the centre of a protracted dispute between WIYO members, with some claiming that the organisation’s chairman Fredrik Haixwa is clinging to power illegally “because we already voted for his removal”.Members of the management committee claim that for years, Haixwa has disregarded them and has allegedly - on countless occasions - entered into financial partnerships with people for personal gain. "We used to attend meetings every Sunday at the Ombili Community Centre and then suddenly he [Haixwa] stopped the meetings. We then found out he received N$100 000 from the National Youth Council. He then went into a partnership with a Chinese company, Zhangzagu Agriculture Technology, without our knowledge, who then started setting up themselves on the farm," the group said in a letter.Haixwa refused to comment on the matter, and instead instructed another member of the organisation, Rakutuka Kaurimuye, to respond to Namibian Sun&#039;s queries.‘Bitter’According to Kaurimuye, the aggrieved members were dismissed years ago and are now &#039;bitter&#039; about the success and growth of the farm so far. "It is odd that you would believe lies from members who have been dismissed or are no longer a part of the organisation for some other reason. They are bitter because of the growth on the farm,” he said.“We have seven cattle and have started planting tomatoes and watermelons on the farm. The cattle are mostly used for manure production to cultivate the soil," he added.

Govt to repossess disputed youth-run farm

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Govt to repossess disputed youth-run farm

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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