Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) have criticized the recent decision by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) to award a N$1.3 billion pharmaceutical supply tender to Cospharm Investment Pty Ltd, a company predominantly owned by a five-year-old child.
In a pointed statement, NEFF Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Kalimbo Iipumbu, stressed that this decision is not only ethically questionable but also raises serious concerns regarding the prioritization of foreign interests over the welfare of Namibian citizens.
“It is unconscionable for a billion-dollar tender to be entrusted to an individual who is barely old enough to attend school. The approval of this action in a country where millions of Namibian children are born in dilapidated hospitals and subsequently raised under a shadow of crippling poverty is appalling,” he said.
Iipumbu said NEFF believes government contracts of such magnitude should be awarded to companies with a proven track record, experienced leadership, and the capacity to create meaningful employment opportunities for Namibians.
He found it particularly troubling that Cospharm Investment Pty Ltd is primarily owned by foreign nationals from Zimbabwe.
“This raises the fundamental question of how Namibians stand to benefit from this tender and whether the procurement system of Zimbabwe would allow a five-year-old Namibian child to receive a Zimbabwean tender,” Iipumbu said.
Furthermore, the party is astounded at the silence of Minister of Finance, Iipumbu Shiimi, and has called upon President Hage Geingob to address the matter promptly.
“If he can intervene in matters like the N$7 billion airport tender, we urge him to show the same commitment to address this ethical concern. Namibians deserve answers and action from their leadership. The continued silence of these political elites is a betrayal to many Namibians surviving on N$50 a day in a country brimming with riches,” he added.
NEFF highlighted the glaring disparity between the immense wealth in the country and the daily struggle faced by many Namibians, underscoring the need for answers and decisive action from Namibia’s leadership.
NEFF also urged Namibians not to remain passive in the face of perceived injustice and immorality within the CPBN, emphasizing the importance of unity in demanding accountability from those in authority.
The party is advocating for a thorough investigation and, if deemed necessary, the disbandment of the CPBN to replace it with individuals of unwavering moral integrity and deep love for Namibia.
Meanwhile, the High Court has intervened and temporarily halted the awarding of the pharmaceutical supply tender to Cospharm Investment Pty Ltd, pending a review process.
