Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) has expressed concerns about governance and transparency following the reappointment of Dino Ballotti to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Ballotti, who recently left his role at First National Bank (FNB), has returned to the NIPDB as a technical consultant, a move that the PDM leader, McHenry Venaani, claims exemplifies the SWAPO administration’s lack of accountability.
Balloti will serve as a technical consultant to NIPDB’s executive committee, having previously held the position of executive director of MSME innovation and acceleration at the same institution.
Ballotti’s brief tenure at FNB came to an end when his political aspirations clashed with the bank’s policies, following his appointment as head of business and public sector banking in mid-August.
The FirstRand Group employee policy does not allow politically exposed persons (PEP) in their employment.
This complies with the group’s anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud and corruption detection obligations, as well as risk management processes.
Venaani criticised Ballotti’s quick return to a public institution, alleging that it reflects a pattern of political patronage.
“What is particularly concerning is the veil of secrecy that surrounds Ballotti’s appointment,” Venaani said.
He raised questions about transparency and fairness for other candidates because there are indications the position may not have existed before Ballotti’s reappointment.
Venaani further argued that this situation highlights a broader issue in SWAPO’s governance approach.
“This calls into doubt the role’s validity and whether it was designed with Ballotti’s economic security over the next five months in mind. If this is the case, it exemplifies a pattern where public institutions serve the interests of a select few,” he said.
Venaani called on Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to address the issue and restore public trust in Namibia’s institutions.
“If jobs can be created for a wealthy minority, the SWAPO administration should prioritise genuine employment opportunities for ordinary Namibians,” he added.
Venaani also questioned the timing and nature of Ballotti’s return to NIPDB, suggesting it was politically motivated.
“It is worrisome that SWAPO can conjure up employment opportunities for a select few, while 44% of young Namibians who are still unemployed,” he said.
Ballotti is listed as a SWAPO parliamentary candidate. If the ruling party wins the November elections, he is tipped for a senior role in the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.
He referred questions to the NIPDB official spokesperson.
NIPDB spokesperson Catherine Shipushu explained that Ballotti was reappointed on a fixed-term contract to fill a leadership gap following his departure as executive director of MSME development, innovation and acceleration in August.
“NIPDB re-engaged Mr Ballotti to serve as an employee on a fixed term contract basis, with a clear scope of work aligned with the NIPDB’s strategic objectives and expected to contribute significantly to the successful implementation of key projects. In this capacity, he will also play a critical role in providing strategic guidance, and technical support, and ensuring continuity during this period of transition, while the recruitment for the vacant Executive Director role (permanent), which is currently underway, is being finalised,” she said.
Shipushu added that the decision was in the best interest of fulfilling the mandate of the NIPDB and ensuring that the organisation continues to unlock investments for inclusive growth, with minimal to no interruptions.
