NYC board places HR, finance bosses on forced leave
Fallout between ED and minister intensifies
The suspension has caused unrest within NYC, with several affiliates and administrative staff accusing the sports ministry of turning the institution into a battleground.
The National Youth Council (NYC) interim board, which is fighting for its own legitimacy in courts, has placed the council’s human resource officer Ndeshipanda Shaamena and finance manager Elatfun Hamukoto on forced leave last week.
Acting NYC director Sircca Nghitila informed both Shaamena and Hamukoto that they would be relieved of their duties for the next three months.
This decision, Nghitila explained in a letter issued on January 28, stems from from the two employees’ supposed sensitive positions within the organisation, which could affect the ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct by suspended NYC director Calista Schwartz-Gowases.
News of the suspension has caused unrest within NYC, with several affiliates and administrative staff accusing the sports ministry of turning the institution into a battleground.
Both officials will continue to receive her full salary but must surrender all NYC property, including electronic devices, credit cards, and office keys.
They have also been informed that their email access will be blocked and that they are prohibited from entering NYC premises or coming within 50 meters of NYC activities.
“[You are] also prohibited from contacting NYC employees, youth organizations, or the media and must sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement before leaving the NYC building,” the letters state.
Financial accountability
In what appears to be an attempt to restore NYC’s credibility, the ministry of youth —which is entangled in the ongoing conflicts—has urged NYC management, including HR and administration manager Dominic Mukumba, to uphold budgetary guidelines and ensure financial accountability.
A letter from the ministry served as a reminder that NYC officials must seek permission from the line ministry before entering into any major financial agreements, as per guidelines issued on January 20, 2025.
“Spending outside the approved 2024/2025 budget will not be accepted. Citing Section 8 of the State Finance Act, 1991 (Act No. 31 of 1991) and Treasury Instruction No. BB, managers are reminded of their obligations to attach relevant legal documents for reference.”
“Additionally, due to February 1 falling on a Saturday, the deadline for submitting the Accountability Report (with supporting documents) has been extended to February 4, 2025,” the executive director in the sports ministry, Erastus Haitengela, stated in a letter dated January 28.
Governance disputes
Namibian Sun recently reported on the growing rift between youth minister Agnes Tjongarero and Haitengela over the governance and operations of NYC.
Well-placed sources indicate that Tjongarero and Haitengela have been at odds, with the minister feeling that Haitengela is making unilateral decisions without her approval.
What escalated tensions, according to authoritative sources, was Haitengela’s directive requiring NYC to seek his approval before making major operational or financial decisions. Tjongarero wants the interim NYC board to handle oversight responsibilities instead.
In a strongly worded letter dated January 22, Tjongarero accused Haitengela of undermining her authority.
“The interim board is mandated to oversee the governance and operations of the council, yet several actions taken by you appear to undermine the legal framework,” she stated.
She also accused Haitengela of transferring N$2.7 million to NYC for restructuring, despite her explicit directive to halt the process.
“Under whose authority is the restructuring process being pursued, despite the directive to halt it?” she questioned.
The power struggle within NYC continues to unfold, raising concerns about governance, financial oversight, and political interference.
Acting NYC director Sircca Nghitila informed both Shaamena and Hamukoto that they would be relieved of their duties for the next three months.
This decision, Nghitila explained in a letter issued on January 28, stems from from the two employees’ supposed sensitive positions within the organisation, which could affect the ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct by suspended NYC director Calista Schwartz-Gowases.
News of the suspension has caused unrest within NYC, with several affiliates and administrative staff accusing the sports ministry of turning the institution into a battleground.
Both officials will continue to receive her full salary but must surrender all NYC property, including electronic devices, credit cards, and office keys.
They have also been informed that their email access will be blocked and that they are prohibited from entering NYC premises or coming within 50 meters of NYC activities.
“[You are] also prohibited from contacting NYC employees, youth organizations, or the media and must sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement before leaving the NYC building,” the letters state.
Financial accountability
In what appears to be an attempt to restore NYC’s credibility, the ministry of youth —which is entangled in the ongoing conflicts—has urged NYC management, including HR and administration manager Dominic Mukumba, to uphold budgetary guidelines and ensure financial accountability.
A letter from the ministry served as a reminder that NYC officials must seek permission from the line ministry before entering into any major financial agreements, as per guidelines issued on January 20, 2025.
“Spending outside the approved 2024/2025 budget will not be accepted. Citing Section 8 of the State Finance Act, 1991 (Act No. 31 of 1991) and Treasury Instruction No. BB, managers are reminded of their obligations to attach relevant legal documents for reference.”
“Additionally, due to February 1 falling on a Saturday, the deadline for submitting the Accountability Report (with supporting documents) has been extended to February 4, 2025,” the executive director in the sports ministry, Erastus Haitengela, stated in a letter dated January 28.
Governance disputes
Namibian Sun recently reported on the growing rift between youth minister Agnes Tjongarero and Haitengela over the governance and operations of NYC.
Well-placed sources indicate that Tjongarero and Haitengela have been at odds, with the minister feeling that Haitengela is making unilateral decisions without her approval.
What escalated tensions, according to authoritative sources, was Haitengela’s directive requiring NYC to seek his approval before making major operational or financial decisions. Tjongarero wants the interim NYC board to handle oversight responsibilities instead.
In a strongly worded letter dated January 22, Tjongarero accused Haitengela of undermining her authority.
“The interim board is mandated to oversee the governance and operations of the council, yet several actions taken by you appear to undermine the legal framework,” she stated.
She also accused Haitengela of transferring N$2.7 million to NYC for restructuring, despite her explicit directive to halt the process.
“Under whose authority is the restructuring process being pursued, despite the directive to halt it?” she questioned.
The power struggle within NYC continues to unfold, raising concerns about governance, financial oversight, and political interference.
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