Katjaimo says Birmingham trip scandal is ‘water under the bridge’
Katutura Central constituency councillor Vezemba Katjaimo has reignited public anger over the infamous Birmingham Commonwealth Games trip, telling residents this week that the matter is “water under the bridge” – despite claims that nearly 200 sports enthusiasts lost close to N$12.9 million.
Katjaimo made the remarks during a heated community meeting after an emotional resident accused him of showing “no emotion” for those who lost money in the 2022 trip to England.
“You are casting darkness over the loss of others,” the resident charged, questioning whether voters could trust him again as elections approach.
Katjaimo stood by his role in organising the failed trip, insisting that participants “know exactly what happened” and accusing political opponents of exploiting the matter ahead of the polls.
“Yes, I organised the Birmingham trip for people to attend the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “I’m a sports fanatic, I was a sports presenter for 16 years, and I hold a degree in sports. This is my area of expertise.
“When we arrived at the airport, we were told we were not genuine visitors. This was even reported in the newspapers. The former high commissioner confirmed that the British authorities believed the group were not genuine visitors.”
According to him, part of the money – from refundable flight tickets – was returned, but unrecoverable funds were never repaid. “They understood this, which is why I referred to it as water under the bridge,” he added.
‘Political games’
Katjaimo said the controversy was being dredged up now purely as an election tactic. “For someone to bring this up now, I see it as political games, and I say, bring it on.”
He also responded to a separate question about his engagement with embassies for community assistance, saying such approaches must go through the Khomas Regional Council. “Embassies are not here as donors – they represent their countries’ interests. That said, I have secured assistance through local good Samaritans and prominent figures from our constituency who now live elsewhere,” he said.
From dream to nightmare
The Birmingham scheme, spearheaded by Katjaimo, unravelled three years ago, putting nearly N$12.9 million from about 198 Namibians at risk. Participants – who had each paid N$65 000, up from the initially advertised N$40 000 – were promised flights, accommodation, meals, pocket money, and tracksuits emblazoned with the national flag.
Payments, New Era reported at the time, were made either into Katjaimo’s personal bank account or into a dedicated trip account. When the plan fell apart, participants said they never received a clear accounting of how their money had been used.
For many, the dream of cheering on Namibia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, held from 28 July to 8 August, turned into a costly nightmare – with the majority never making it to Birmingham at all.
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Katjaimo made the remarks during a heated community meeting after an emotional resident accused him of showing “no emotion” for those who lost money in the 2022 trip to England.
“You are casting darkness over the loss of others,” the resident charged, questioning whether voters could trust him again as elections approach.
Katjaimo stood by his role in organising the failed trip, insisting that participants “know exactly what happened” and accusing political opponents of exploiting the matter ahead of the polls.
“Yes, I organised the Birmingham trip for people to attend the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “I’m a sports fanatic, I was a sports presenter for 16 years, and I hold a degree in sports. This is my area of expertise.
“When we arrived at the airport, we were told we were not genuine visitors. This was even reported in the newspapers. The former high commissioner confirmed that the British authorities believed the group were not genuine visitors.”
According to him, part of the money – from refundable flight tickets – was returned, but unrecoverable funds were never repaid. “They understood this, which is why I referred to it as water under the bridge,” he added.
‘Political games’
Katjaimo said the controversy was being dredged up now purely as an election tactic. “For someone to bring this up now, I see it as political games, and I say, bring it on.”
He also responded to a separate question about his engagement with embassies for community assistance, saying such approaches must go through the Khomas Regional Council. “Embassies are not here as donors – they represent their countries’ interests. That said, I have secured assistance through local good Samaritans and prominent figures from our constituency who now live elsewhere,” he said.
From dream to nightmare
The Birmingham scheme, spearheaded by Katjaimo, unravelled three years ago, putting nearly N$12.9 million from about 198 Namibians at risk. Participants – who had each paid N$65 000, up from the initially advertised N$40 000 – were promised flights, accommodation, meals, pocket money, and tracksuits emblazoned with the national flag.
Payments, New Era reported at the time, were made either into Katjaimo’s personal bank account or into a dedicated trip account. When the plan fell apart, participants said they never received a clear accounting of how their money had been used.
For many, the dream of cheering on Namibia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, held from 28 July to 8 August, turned into a costly nightmare – with the majority never making it to Birmingham at all.
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