Allexer Namundjembo
Suspended members of the National Youth Council (NYC) board issued an ultimatum to youth minister Agnes Tjongarero, demanding their immediate reinstatement after what they describe as an unjust suspension.
Former chairperson Eva Awases, along with Simon Taapopi, Josef Petrus, Melinda Mogotsi, Rozaline Joseph, and Viviane De Koe, were suspended on Friday over allegations of fund mismanagement and other irregularities.
In a letter addressed to Awases, the minister cited several reasons for the suspension, including disregard for ministry directives, failure to adhere to procurement procedures, non-disclosure of conflicts of interest, and misuse of council funds.
The suspended board members have engaged Sisa Namandje & Co. to contest the decision. The legal team has demanded their immediate reinstatement, threatening legal action should the minister fail to comply.
“Your decision to remove our clients is unlawful and contravenes the NYC Act of 2009,” reads the letter, which also accuses the minister of acting without legal basis.
The letter further alleges that the minister failed to provide the board members with an opportunity to respond to the allegations before their suspension, contrary to Section 4 (1)(g) of the Public Enterprises Governance Act 1 of 2009.
“We are instructed to demand that you reinstate our clients immediately or provide an undertaking that this decision will not be implemented pending a review application to be filed no later than 30 January 2025.
“In the event that you fail to meet these demands by 10:00 on Saturday, we hold instructions to approach the High Court of Namibia on an urgent basis for an interdict,” the letter concludes.
