UPM denies Becker's leadership change claims
Allegations ‘devoid of any truth’, Van Wyk says
Becker was dismissed in April 2023 for allegedly overspending party funds.
The United People’s Movement (UPM) and its former secretary-general and member of parliament Celeste Becker have been locked in a legal battle for over a year following her dismissal and subsequent expulsion from the party.
UPM issued a statement refuting claims made by Becker regarding the alleged removal of party president Jan van Wyk or any member of its executive committee.
Van Wyk yesterday dismissed the allegations, stating that the contents of a press release issued by Becker on 27 September are "absolutely false and devoid of any truth". He further suggested that Becker’s state of mind at the time of the release should be questioned, implying her claims were made under questionable circumstances.
Dismissal
In April last year, Becker was dismissed after allegedly overspending party funds. An election budget was set at N$150 000, but the party reportedly spent around N$293 000 as a result of her unapproved spending.
According to Van Wyk, Becker was charged with misconduct, appeared before a disciplinary hearing and was found guilty of all charges. "She never challenged the termination of her membership by the UPM central committee, nor the findings and recommendations of the disciplinary hearing, thus forfeiting her right to appeal. As a result, she no longer holds membership with the UPM," he said.
The UPM further accused the former secretary-general of using an unregistered logo and an unauthorised letterhead to spread false and potentially defamatory information to the Namibian public. The party claimed her actions were intended to damage its reputation ahead of a crucial election that could significantly impact Namibia's political landscape.
UPM issued a statement refuting claims made by Becker regarding the alleged removal of party president Jan van Wyk or any member of its executive committee.
Van Wyk yesterday dismissed the allegations, stating that the contents of a press release issued by Becker on 27 September are "absolutely false and devoid of any truth". He further suggested that Becker’s state of mind at the time of the release should be questioned, implying her claims were made under questionable circumstances.
Dismissal
In April last year, Becker was dismissed after allegedly overspending party funds. An election budget was set at N$150 000, but the party reportedly spent around N$293 000 as a result of her unapproved spending.
According to Van Wyk, Becker was charged with misconduct, appeared before a disciplinary hearing and was found guilty of all charges. "She never challenged the termination of her membership by the UPM central committee, nor the findings and recommendations of the disciplinary hearing, thus forfeiting her right to appeal. As a result, she no longer holds membership with the UPM," he said.
The UPM further accused the former secretary-general of using an unregistered logo and an unauthorised letterhead to spread false and potentially defamatory information to the Namibian public. The party claimed her actions were intended to damage its reputation ahead of a crucial election that could significantly impact Namibia's political landscape.
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