🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Ministry of Finance rejects SSC's N$43.8 million tender exemption request
via The Namibian4 min read
The Ministry of Finance has denied the Social Security Commission's SSC request for a procurement exemption to expedite a N$43.8 million fund management system project. The SSC had sought an exemption under Section 42 of the Public Procurement Act, 2015, for systems related to the National Pension Fund, National Medical Benefit Fund, and the Public Servants Medical Aid Scheme. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah stated that the SSC did not adequately justify setting aside the entire procurement law, noting that the law already provides alternative procurement methods, such as restricted bidding, which the SSC could utilize given the specialized nature of the services. She also pointed to a government directive allowing for shorter bidding periods to address time constraints. The ministry indicated that exemptions could be considered for specific parts of the law, but not the entire act. The SSC had argued that the systems are highly specialized, require complex processes, and that standard procurement timelines were impractical due to the project's urgency and a ministerial directive to urgently implement the funds. The SSC also intended to engage experienced international vendors. Minister Shafudah directed the SSC to work with the Central Procurement Board of Namibia to develop a procurement implementation plan in line with the law. This decision follows earlier internal concerns within the SSC regarding procurement processes for the same funds, including an internal audit req
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.
Petrus Shikwaya, 22, accused of murder and fraud, allegedly used N$2.1 million fraudulently obtained from Sanlam for various purchases, including substantial amounts at KFC fast-food outlets and building material suppliers. This information was presented at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court during Shikwaya’s bail application by Detective chief inspector Antonious Gabriel, a lead investigator in the Sanlam fraud case. Police investigations traced portions of the alleged stolen funds to these transactions. Shikwaya faces charges related to the murder of Ondangwa public prosecutor Justine Shiweda and fraud involving N$2.1 million from Sanlam. The state claims he defrauded Sanlam of about N$154,000 by faking hospitalization due to malnutrition. The state opposes his bail due to the seriousness of the offenses and ongoing investigations. Gabriel testified that Shikwaya personally benefited from assets acquired with fraud proceeds, including a silver Volkswagen Polo purchased by his uncle, Abner Mateus, and a farming unit near Windhoek. The farming unit was allegedly bought from Vitalis ‘Dax’ Nepembe, who was arrested two weeks prior in connection with a N$385,000 transaction linked to the Sanlam fraud case. The building materials were reportedly for his uncle’s farming unit. The state maintains these funds originated from the money allegedly defrauded from Sanlam. Gabriel stated that some individuals who defrauded Sanlam paid a portion to Mateus, which was then deposited into Shikwa
Must ReadThe Independent Patriots for Change IPC has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her state visit to Tanzania to speak out against human rights abuses in the country. This marks Nandi-Ndaitwah's second visit to Tanzania since President Samia Hassan's election. Rodney Cloete, IPC shadow minister for international relations, stated that Tundu Lissu, leader of the main opposition party Chadema, has been detained since April 2025 on a treason charge that carries the death penalty and does not allow bail. The United Nations declared Lissu's detention unlawful in February, and the American Bar Association's human rights center found his prosecution to be politically motivated. Cloete urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to publicly demand Lissu's release and to report to the National Assembly upon her return, tabling any agreements signed during her visit. He also noted that Hassan's election involved security forces using disproportionate lethal force and internet shutdowns.
Must ReadPresident Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and her Tanzanian counterpart, President Samia Hassan, met in Dar es Salaam to strengthen economic cooperation and regional integration. Their discussions focused on strategic sectors such as trade, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, and regional integration. The meeting resulted in the signing of several agreements covering trade, agriculture, defense cooperation, and the promotion of small and medium enterprises. President Hassan described President Nandi-Ndaitwah's visit as a "homecoming," acknowledging Namibia's liberation struggle ties to Tanzania. President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed gratitude for the reception and congratulated President Hassan on her leadership, emphasizing that the visit reaffirms the strong fraternal bonds and Tanzania's support during Namibia's fight for independence. She highlighted that the friendship forged during the liberation struggle should drive expanded economic cooperation, regional integration, and shared prosperity for both nations.