No fraud at Nida, as yet – Jooste
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
Three months after the Namibia Industrialisation Development Agency's (Nida) board was given the boot, fraud that may have been committed at the entity has not been discovered yet.
This according to public enterprises minister Leon Jooste, who added that authorities will be quick to move should there be any indications that a probe will need to be instituted against the previous board.
Last September, Jooste removed the newly established agency's board members and its acting executive director - lawyer Frans Kwala, unionist Job Muniaro, Diana van Schalkwyk, former National Development Corporation manager Koos van Staden and Uparura Kuvare - following allegations of irregularities.
Jooste then appointed a temporary board consisting of chairperson Lionel Matthews, deputy chairperson Twapewa Kadhikwa, Beata Muteka, Sikongo Haihambo, Esmerelda Katjaerua and Floris Fleermuys.
The term of office of the new board expires on 28 March.
No wrong-doing as yet
The minister told Namibian Sun that no fraud had been uncovered as yet.
“We have not found any evidence of fraud or corruption yet but will take due action if any is found.”
He said the priority now is to appoint an executive director and that recommendations would be forwarded to Cabinet when it resumes.
“The priority is to appoint a strong executive director and for him or her to appoint a strong executive team to grow this company,” Jooste said.
According to him, Nida's mandate is crucial and it will play a key role in accelerating the achievement of Namibia's development goals.
WINDHOEK
Three months after the Namibia Industrialisation Development Agency's (Nida) board was given the boot, fraud that may have been committed at the entity has not been discovered yet.
This according to public enterprises minister Leon Jooste, who added that authorities will be quick to move should there be any indications that a probe will need to be instituted against the previous board.
Last September, Jooste removed the newly established agency's board members and its acting executive director - lawyer Frans Kwala, unionist Job Muniaro, Diana van Schalkwyk, former National Development Corporation manager Koos van Staden and Uparura Kuvare - following allegations of irregularities.
Jooste then appointed a temporary board consisting of chairperson Lionel Matthews, deputy chairperson Twapewa Kadhikwa, Beata Muteka, Sikongo Haihambo, Esmerelda Katjaerua and Floris Fleermuys.
The term of office of the new board expires on 28 March.
No wrong-doing as yet
The minister told Namibian Sun that no fraud had been uncovered as yet.
“We have not found any evidence of fraud or corruption yet but will take due action if any is found.”
He said the priority now is to appoint an executive director and that recommendations would be forwarded to Cabinet when it resumes.
“The priority is to appoint a strong executive director and for him or her to appoint a strong executive team to grow this company,” Jooste said.
According to him, Nida's mandate is crucial and it will play a key role in accelerating the achievement of Namibia's development goals.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article