Sostenus Wilherm
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has defended his decision to remove five Namibia Airports Company (NAC) board members on Tuesday, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen governance, accountability and stability at the state-owned aviation company.
The minister’s response follows questions sent by the Windhoek Observer seeking clarity on the reasons behind the immediate dismissal of the board members, the appointment of an interim board and measures being taken to ensure that NAC operations continue without disruption.
Nekundi removed five NAC directors on Tuesday and appointed an interim board to oversee the company during a transitional period.
Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer, Nekundi said he acted within his constitutional and legal mandate, in accordance with Articles 40(a) and 41 of the Namibian Constitution, Section 228 of the Companies Act (Act 28 of 2004) and Article 18 of the Constitution.
“The decision was taken to strengthen governance at the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and to ensure continuity and stability while governance structures are reinforced,” Nekundi said.
He said the management of public resources requires the highest standards of accountability, transparency and good corporate governance.
“The stewardship of public resources requires the highest standards of accountability, transparency and good corporate governance,” he said.
Nekundi, however, did not disclose specific governance, performance or operational concerns that led to the removal of the board members, saying some matters remain subject to internal processes.
“The minister’s decision forms part of broader efforts to strengthen governance at the NAC. As certain matters remain subject to ongoing internal processes, the ministry cannot comment further at this stage,” he said.
On the appointment of the interim board, Nekundi said the members were selected based on their ability to provide effective oversight and ensure continuity during the transition period.
“The interim board members were appointed based on their ability to provide effective oversight and ensure continuity during this transitional period,” he said.
Nekundi added that the appointments were made with consideration given to the skills, expertise and experience required to support sound corporate governance, strategic oversight and the continued operation of NAC.
He further assured the public that the leadership changes would not affect airport services, ongoing projects or daily operations.
“The appointment of the interim board is specifically intended to ensure the seamless continuity of operations while governance structures are strengthened,” Nekundi said.
He said the ministry remains confident that the interim board will maintain operational stability, ensure uninterrupted airport services and support the implementation of ongoing projects.
Regarding the appointment of a permanent NAC board, Nekundi said the process would be conducted in accordance with applicable legal and governance requirements.
“The appointment of a substantive board will be undertaken in accordance with the applicable legal and governance processes. The ministry will communicate further once the process has been concluded,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has called for greater transparency following the board dismissals, arguing that removing directors should be followed by a full explanation of the governance concerns that informed the decision.
IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula said the board changes should be the start of broader reforms at NAC and not merely the replacement of individuals.
“The dismissal of five board members brings a sharp focus on the ongoing corporate governance crises troubling key state-owned enterprises in our transport sector,” Kalangula said.
He called on the government to disclose any investigation reports that informed the decision, arguing that the public deserves clarity on why the board members were removed.
“True good governance requires more than replacing individuals. It demands total transparency, procedural fairness and structural accountability,” he said.
Kalangula further called for any evidence of financial mismanagement, corruption or misconduct uncovered during investigations to be referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Namibian Police.
