Zaamwani defends Cabinet’s interference at Meatco

Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has defended Cabinet’s involvement in Meatco's affairs, asserting that, as a shareholder in public enterprises, the government is within its rights to issue directives.Zaamwani defended the Cabinet's actions despite a legal opinion by Attorney General Festus Mbandeka that no law compels Meatco to renew former CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji's contract, which expired in January.The Cabinet has reportedly been pushing for his return, reviving a controversial resolution made by the previous administration. This stance has deepened a governance crisis at the state-owned meat processor, culminating in the resignation of board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua last week, who cited unlawful political interference.Funded turnaround strategyResponding to MPs in parliament on Wednesday, Zaamwani said the Cabinet’s directive to the Meatco board must be understood in the context of the government-funded turnaround strategy for the ailing parastatal.“When my predecessor took office, he wrote to the board requesting a meeting to elaborate on the conditions attached to the strategy's funding. "That meeting has been pending due to scheduling difficulties. So yes, directives were issued, but engagement with the board to assess feasibility has not yet taken place,” she said.Zaamwani emphasised that the directives do not constitute governance interference.“The shareholder's role includes appointing the board, chairperson and deputy chairperson, and reviewing key strategies and business plans. Adjustments based on shareholder requirements are not unusual, and they do not equate to interference,” she explained.Nguikembua's resignation disappointingZaamwani also addressed the recent resignation of Nghikembua, describing it as disappointing. “Since assuming office a little over five weeks ago, my ministry, alongside the finance ministry and the Office of the Attorney General, has sought to meet with Meatco’s board to address national matters. Up to yesterday, we were still trying to confirm a meeting for Friday. "I, personally, urged the chairperson to delay his decision until after the meeting, but he had already made up his mind,” she said.Nghikembua, in his resignation letter dated 13 June and addressed to finance minister Ericah Shafudah, wrote: “Given the current governance environment around Meatco, where the board is expected to implement unlawful directive(s) that are not in the best interest of the company, I do not believe I can add further real value to the process of turning this business around. Accordingly, I hereby tender my resignation as a director of Meatco, effective immediately.”Legal and political frictionThe board had opted not to renew Mushokabanji’s contract earlier this year, following financial challenges at the company, which included an operational loss of N$258 million between January and May 2024.Despite this, Cabinet has doubled down on the call to reinstate Mushokabanji as part of the turnaround effort, prompting legal and political friction between the executive and the Meatco board.Zaamwani reiterated that Meatco remains a vital player in Namibia’s livestock and meat sector.“I believe, together with my colleague in the Ministry of Finance, that with the right support and effective execution of its mandate, Meatco can play a transformative role in improving the livelihoods of livestock producers. "It can also contribute to employment creation, skills development, and increased GDP contribution from the agricultural sector,” she said.She added that Meatco’s objectives remain aligned with national agricultural priorities, particularly those aimed at stabilising the red meat industry and promoting the interests of communal and commercial farmers.

Zaamwani defends Cabinet’s interference at Meatco

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-20

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Zaamwani defends Cabinet’s interference at Meatco

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-20

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