Fight for Nabta control rages on

The fight for control of the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) continues, with a faction led by former president Vespa Muunda claiming that it is the association's only recognised executive committee.

Over the weekend, the Muunda-led faction disputed the leadership claims made by the Jeffery Platt-led group, insisting that the association has been inactive since 2018 because of leadership squabbles.

"As we all know, Nabta has been inactive for the past five years, after the legitimate executive expired in May 2018," Muunda said.

He argued that despite the expiration of the term of Nabta’s former executive committee, the members who served on a previously constituted committee were still managing the affairs of the association illegally.

"Despite the termination of such office tenure, the previous executive committee did not cease, but rather managed the affairs of the association without authorisation. It should be noted that the previous executive committee is still managing the affairs of Nabta to their own interest," he said.

Continue to fight

Muunda said despite the Platt group's refusal to vacate office, he would seek recourse through the association’s constitution.

Nabta secretary general Pendapala Nakathingo denied Muunda’s claims, describing them as baseless.

"We took his faction to court; they are even in contempt of court, they know they cannot call a meeting while there is a court order," Nakathingo said.

The meeting that Muunda had called was also illegal, Nakathingo added.

Muunda’s group announced the election this weekend of Silas Ndapuka as the deputy president, while Martin Kennedy has been elected as chairperson. Kalungwishi Ndara was elected as its secretary, and Muunda retained his presidency.