Hertta-Maria Amutenja
A letter from Swapo Party secretary general Sophia Shaningwa to the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has revealed that the ruling party requested pre-clearance for election campaign materials ahead of their arrival in Namibia.
The letter, dated 28 October 2024 and addressed to NamRA commissioner Sam Shivute, requested the pre-clearance of 101 bales of chitenge fabric, valued at USD 15 000, donated by White Orchid Limited.
It also indicated that the invoice for the consignment would be settled after clearance. The document bore NamRA’s stamp reading “Release Authorised.”
The correspondence came to light after Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Nghipudilo ya Shiindi alleged on social media that NamRA had allowed Swapo to import the campaign materials without paying the required customs duties.
Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga did not confirm the authenticity of the letter.
“What are you saying?” he questioned the Windhoek Observer.
The letter, addressed to Shivute, asked for the consignment to be cleared by NamRA, with the invoice to be settled soon thereafter. The letter bore the stamp “Release Authorised” from NamRA.
In response to the allegations, NamRA spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu denied the claims, calling them “unfounded and misleading.”
He reiterated that NamRA adheres to the Namibia Revenue Agency Act, which ensures strict confidentiality regarding taxpayer information. Shidhudhu cautioned the public to be wary of sensational claims, especially during the election period.
Shidhudhu did not provide specific details about the consignment in question but confirmed that the materials entered Namibia through Oshikango and Eros Airport.
Sources within NamRA suggested that Swapo had paid millions in duties for the goods, contradicting the allegations of a duty-free process.
