NIP’s alleged unapproved N$520 000 rebranding job causes a stir
Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) CEO Kapena Tjombonde has confirmed that she approved an extension of a service provider’s contract despite the procurement committee’s recommendation against it, following concerns raised about the entity awarded a N$520 000 rebranding tender at the state-owned enterprise.
The matter has invoked fresh concerns over governance and procurement oversight at NIP.
The overhaul replaces NIP’s familiar light green and yellow branding with dark teal for most of the ‘NIP’ lettering and circular outline, dark grey for the corporate name, and an orange-red accent on the strand graphic within the ‘N’. Its motto has also changed from “where commitment matters and quality prevails” to “saving your life”. Documents seen by Namibian Sun show that the spending covers new logos, branded apparel, promotional material and event-production costs. The exercise reportedly forms part of a project allegedly driven by Tjombonde.
Procurement committee raises red flags
Internal records reveal that the procurement committee had advised against expanding the scope of an existing contract between NIP and Vybrand Advertising CC, which is owned by Melisia Mutilifa. The committee questioned Vybrand’s performance on the initial contract and said the extension was “not recommended for approval”. In a memo dated 12 June 2025, procurement secretariat official Laurencia Howaes warned Tjombonde that the strategic project had not been executed and that Vybrand’s performance could not be confirmed. The memo also flagged concerns over how the company was selected, with sources claiming non-compliance with procurement laws.
Howaes suggested revising specifications, defining the contract scope and value, and launching a fresh competitive bidding process. However, an addendum expanding the contract was signed on 17 July 2025, running until June 2026. It did not declare a monetary value but committed Vybrand to deliver “strategic rebranding” and related promotional services as directed in writing. Tjombonde signed the addendum, witnessed by NIP’s Tjino Ngozu.
Asked why she went against the procurement committee’s advice, Tjombonde said: “The accounting officer [Tjombonde] approved a one-year extension of the rebranding contract as the project is still under way.”
Nearly N$300 000 allegedly already spent
Despite earlier objections, insiders claim nearly N$300 000 has already been spent. A purchase order dated 12 November 2025 details an “unveiling kit” worth N$520 000, including design work (N$22 500), animated videos (N$55 000 combined), photography (N$21 000), Cincinnati caps (N$38 970), a master of ceremonies (N$10 000), golf shirts (N$228 000), a photobooth (N$12 000) and videography services (N$28 400).
“...The branded items are within budget,” the CEO said.
NIP had scheduled a rebranding launch for 29 November, but the board allegedly cancelled it three days prior after learning of the project’s costs. Tjombonde said the board approved the new NIP image.
“Given the significant changes and strides in the rebranding project, the board thought it prudent to engage the ministry [of health] before launching the new brand image. The NIP is excited to engage the ministry soonest convenient,” Tjombonde said.
Branded items are reportedly being kept out of sight to prevent early exposure. Documents reviewed by Namibian Sun include a N$260 000 payment from NIP’s Bank Windhoek account to Vybrand Advertising on 24 November – a day before the board reportedly intervened.
NIP is Namibia’s largest diagnostic pathology service provider, employing more than 450 people and delivering public health testing and disease-monitoring services nationwide.
The matter has invoked fresh concerns over governance and procurement oversight at NIP.
The overhaul replaces NIP’s familiar light green and yellow branding with dark teal for most of the ‘NIP’ lettering and circular outline, dark grey for the corporate name, and an orange-red accent on the strand graphic within the ‘N’. Its motto has also changed from “where commitment matters and quality prevails” to “saving your life”. Documents seen by Namibian Sun show that the spending covers new logos, branded apparel, promotional material and event-production costs. The exercise reportedly forms part of a project allegedly driven by Tjombonde.
Procurement committee raises red flags
Internal records reveal that the procurement committee had advised against expanding the scope of an existing contract between NIP and Vybrand Advertising CC, which is owned by Melisia Mutilifa. The committee questioned Vybrand’s performance on the initial contract and said the extension was “not recommended for approval”. In a memo dated 12 June 2025, procurement secretariat official Laurencia Howaes warned Tjombonde that the strategic project had not been executed and that Vybrand’s performance could not be confirmed. The memo also flagged concerns over how the company was selected, with sources claiming non-compliance with procurement laws.
Howaes suggested revising specifications, defining the contract scope and value, and launching a fresh competitive bidding process. However, an addendum expanding the contract was signed on 17 July 2025, running until June 2026. It did not declare a monetary value but committed Vybrand to deliver “strategic rebranding” and related promotional services as directed in writing. Tjombonde signed the addendum, witnessed by NIP’s Tjino Ngozu.
Asked why she went against the procurement committee’s advice, Tjombonde said: “The accounting officer [Tjombonde] approved a one-year extension of the rebranding contract as the project is still under way.”
Nearly N$300 000 allegedly already spent
Despite earlier objections, insiders claim nearly N$300 000 has already been spent. A purchase order dated 12 November 2025 details an “unveiling kit” worth N$520 000, including design work (N$22 500), animated videos (N$55 000 combined), photography (N$21 000), Cincinnati caps (N$38 970), a master of ceremonies (N$10 000), golf shirts (N$228 000), a photobooth (N$12 000) and videography services (N$28 400).
“...The branded items are within budget,” the CEO said.
NIP had scheduled a rebranding launch for 29 November, but the board allegedly cancelled it three days prior after learning of the project’s costs. Tjombonde said the board approved the new NIP image.
“Given the significant changes and strides in the rebranding project, the board thought it prudent to engage the ministry [of health] before launching the new brand image. The NIP is excited to engage the ministry soonest convenient,” Tjombonde said.
Branded items are reportedly being kept out of sight to prevent early exposure. Documents reviewed by Namibian Sun include a N$260 000 payment from NIP’s Bank Windhoek account to Vybrand Advertising on 24 November – a day before the board reportedly intervened.
NIP is Namibia’s largest diagnostic pathology service provider, employing more than 450 people and delivering public health testing and disease-monitoring services nationwide.
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