Namibia Tourism Board faces scrutiny over N$1.5 million luxury vehicle purchase amid financial concerns

The Namibia Tourism Board NTB has acquired a N$1.5 million Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for its chief executive, Sebulon Chicalu, a move that has drawn criticism from insiders and observers. This purchase comes despite internal warnings about overspending and potential financial instability within the organization. Insiders claim the NTB is grappling with a financial crisis, allegedly due to over N$11 million spent on trade fairs, staff costs, and travel allowances. The NTB board reportedly approved a N$1.8 million budget for a Toyota Fortuner, which typically costs less. NTB spokesperson Flora Quest stated the vehicle purchase aligns with company policy and denied suggestions of financial trouble, attributing concerns to out-of-context internal documents. However, an internal memo from NTB chief financial officer Mbavanga Tjiueza outlined stricter fiscal controls, including a "budget-first" disbursement process, to ensure financial sustainability. Financial documents from April 2025 to January 2026 indicate projected overspending, particularly in marketing expenses N$8.5 million from a N$2.9 million budget and employee costs N$4.5 million from a N$2.2 million budget, partly due to additional staff, a 10% salary increase, and a CEO salary adjustment. Sources suggest the NTB has considered using investment reserves to cover salary shortfalls. Previous reports also highlighted significant spending by NTB board members on subsistence and travel allowances, with millions allocated a