Namdock tries to recover N$4m from botched Chinese steel deal

Namibia Drydock and Ship Repair (Namdock) has lost about N$4 million in a steel purchase from a Chinese supplier that never delivered the consignment.

The company is majority-owned by Namport, which holds a 52.5% stake in the joint venture established to boost ship repair capacity and drive job creation along the West African coast.

It operates three floating drydocks with a combined lifting capacity of 30 000 tonnes, servicing local and international maritime and offshore oil and gas sectors.

Internal documents and a confidential workers’ report, seen by Namibian Sun, raised concerns about the 2024 procurement transaction.

Namdock board chairperson Taswald July confirmed the matter to Namibian Sun yesterday.

“It is correct that Namdock purchased steel, and that particular purchase, over time, we discussed that the company was not legitimate, as it never delivered the product," he said.

"The company then sought ways to recover the funds through normal commercial transactions but couldn't,” July added.

He said the board has not yet received a formal report on the matter.

“It is either that the company (Chinese) did not have the steel or the company itself was fake. As a board, we have asked that efforts be pursued to recover the N$4 million,” July said.

According to internal documents, Namdock chief executive officer Albertus Kariko allegedly approved the order, after which the supplier became uncontactable following payment.

Probe launched

An internal memorandum dated 10 September 2024, signed by former executive finance and supply chain management Dries van Zyl, confirmed that an investigation into the steel order was already underway.

“Following the previous memo, dated 9 August 2024, related to our first steel order, I would like to reiterate that we are currently conducting a thorough investigation via external parties,” Van Zyl wrote.

“All employees are reminded to refrain from spreading false information regarding the steel order or any related matters,” he warned.

Van Zyl added that "engaging in speculation or rumours can lead to reputational damage for the company and may constitute defamation of character, which could result in disciplinary action against those involved".

Sources alleged that after the supplier failed to deliver the steel, former Namdock procurement superintendent Sonel du Toit travelled to China to find the company.

“The trip, funded by Namdock, yielded nothing and the matter has since been kept quiet,” a source alleged.

Du Toit confirmed that she no longer works for Namdock and declined to comment further.

“I am sorry, but I cannot engage you on this matter. I do not work there anymore, and please speak to Namdock people,” she said.

Kariko did not respond to Namibian Sun's calls.

‘No accountability measures’

A separate confidential report submitted by the Workers’ Committee to the Namdock board also references the matter.

“The issue concerning steel theft and procurement irregularities remains unresolved," the report stated.

"Although the CEO personally approved the case, no accountability measures or outcomes have been communicated to employees," the committee added.

“This lack of transparency undermines Namdock's governance commitments and exposes the company to potential reputational and operational risks,” the report warned further.

Namdock was established in 2005 and operates at the Port of Walvis Bay.

The company employs more than 700 permanent and subcontracted workers.