ACC chief Paulus Noa's 'healthrot' investigation faces scrutiny as his term ends
via The Namibian2 min read
Namibians are advised to view statements from Anti-Corruption Commission ACC chief Paulus Noa regarding the 'healthrot' investigation with caution. Noa, whose term concludes in June, informed The Namibian that the ACC is still investigating corruption allegations within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, stating they are "trying to connect the dots." However, the health ministry has been a focal point for corruption allegations for decades. Former health minister Bernard Haufiku provided the ACC with files detailing alleged inflated prices and supplier collusion in 2020. Despite this, the ACC continues to promise investigations. Concerns about potential corruption at the ministry persist. While acknowledging the ACC's need for thoroughness and evidence, the public has been aware of alleged corruption for years. Noa is expected to explain the delays in these investigations, as his indecision could further harm a ministry already affected by chronic corruption allegations. Last June, health minister Esperance Luvindao reported a case to the ACC, requesting an investigation into a syndicate allegedly stealing medicine from her ministry and reselling it to the government. Recently, the health ministry announced the reassignment of staff members at medical stores implicated in fraud through stock data manipulation, theft, and diversion of life-saving medicine. The ministry suggests this scam aimed to create artificial shortages to trigger emergency procurement. While the
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
The Luna Namib Collection, located south of Sesriem in the Namib Desert, is set to open its first units in July 2026, with additional units planned by April 2027. This collection aims to provide a deeply private and inclusive luxury experience, guided by a lunar rhythm. Guests will find secluded retreats designed for two or four, each with a dedicated concierge team. The setting emphasizes the natural beauty and quiet of the desert, with changing light, ancient camelthorn trees, and the vast sand sea. The experience is designed for solitude, reconnection, and uninterrupted time, inviting guests to slow down and rediscover inner peace. The first three units are scheduled to open in July, August, and September 2026, respectively.
Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has defended the ruling party’s decision to build a multimillion-dollar head office near the Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek. Speaking at the inauguration of the Swapo headquarters, Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed criticism that the party should have directed resources towards renovating the hospital. She explained that the funds for the headquarters were contributed by Swapo members specifically for that purpose and could not be reallocated to government projects. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that these members, as taxpayers, also contribute to government funds. She added that postponing the construction was not a viable option, despite initial internal resistance. The cost of the building has exceeded initial projections of N$600 million to N$700 million, now reaching over N$900 million. The new headquarters features eight floors, 150 offices, a congress hall for 1,500 people, a media room, and an amphitheater named Sam Nujoma Square after the founding president.
Must ReadReports of suspected fraud within Namibia’s pharmaceutical supply chain, including alleged manipulation of stock records and diversion of medicines at the Central Medical Stores, are causing concern. These issues may explain shortages of critical medicines, such as anaesthetic agents, and the reported suspension of elective surgeries at facilities like Onandjokwe State Hospital. The situation is viewed as a systemic governance problem, with concerns that shortages might have been artificially created to trigger emergency procurement processes. The health ministry has launched investigations and temporarily reassigned staff implicated in the alleged irregularities. However, the article emphasizes that reassignment alone is insufficient without thorough investigation, accountability, and structural reform to prevent recurrence. The current revelations are seen as symptoms of a deeper, chronic issue, with persistent weaknesses in pharmaceutical procurement, delayed deliveries, unexplained stock-outs, and concerns about oversight. These problems create an environment where artificial shortages can occur, impacting patient care through cancelled surgeries, delayed treatments, and compromised care. The article highlights that Namibia possesses the expertise to address these issues, but trained professionals are not adequately integrated into procurement oversight and supply-chain monitoring. Urgent interventions proposed include stronger pharmaceutical representation in procurement
Jaythen Orange, a lock forward, has been selected for the South African under-20 Springbok squad for the Sanzaar Under-20 Rugby Championship, which begins on April 27. Orange's former schools in Windhoek have praised his achievement. He debuted in the 2026 Young Guns campaign and was later promoted to the University of Johannesburg's first team, where he reached the semi-finals of the FNB Varsity Cup. The article notes the competitive nature of South African rugby and suggests that Orange could still represent Namibia in the future, as rugby players can change allegiances. It also highlights the need for Namibian rugby to rebuild and expose young talent to well-funded competitions like those in South Africa.