Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Businessman Shapwa Kanyama defended his company’s medical supplies delivery record during court proceedings this week.
He was refuting claims made by lawyers defending Mathilde Kadhikwa, who claimed that a Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) report had cited his company, Africure, for failing to deliver medical supplies on time.
“It does not say it’s my company. We have no record of not delivering or not delivering on time,” said Kanyama.
Kadhikwa engaged Henry Shimutwikeni’s legal services.
Kanyama’s statement came in response to allegations presented by Shimutwikeni, suggesting that his company was part of those criticised in the GIZ report for procurement inefficiencies.
“According to the GIZ report on the Namibian health sector, there are several challenges associated with pharmaceutical storage and procurement, such as the lack of an overview for clinical supply,” argued Shimutwikeni.
The lawsuit follows comments that Kadhikwa made on social media on 30 May 2022.
This is days after the couple’s N$10 million wedding on 27 May 2022 in Oniipa, Oshikoto region.
In her witness statement, Kadhikwa explained that she shared an audio message in a WhatsApp group discussing public interest topics, raising concerns about the government’s procurement of medical equipment. She highlighted inefficiencies and the lack of value for money based on her experience as a nurse.
“The state of the Namibian health sector is not satisfactory due to key players involved in procurement,” she stated, noting that her comments aligned with a Ministry of Finance report on health procurement inefficiencies.
Kadhikwa summoned the health minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, and his executive director, Ben Nangombe, to testify.
Shangula was excused from attendance, but Nangombe must attend court on 19 July.
On Tuesday, the High Court ordered Kadhikwa to pay the wasted legal costs of the couple in the defamation lawsuit.
The Kanyamas are suing Kadhikwa for N$400,000.
The case is postponed to 19 July for trial.
