Ongwediva
With elections of the Oshana Regional Youth Forum leadership around the corner, divisions have rocked the forum with accusations levelled against the top leadership.
The allegations have been doing the rounds on social media such as Facebook as well as being circulated on Whatsapp.
The chairperson of the Oshana Regional Youth Forum Ephraim Nekongo has warned those who are distorting facts to tarnish the images of others to put an end to such practice.
Nekongo is accused of using his position for personal gratification and for sending fellow youth to India in exchange for sexual favours. In addition, the Chairperson of Ongwediva Constituency Youth Forum Thikameni Nghipundaka on whose Facebook wall these allegations were rumoured further accuses the chairperson of the youth forum of dismissing fellow youth from the forum without consulting the regional executive committee.
Nghipundaka has also alleged that the chairperson has been driving a vehicle donated by the Social Security Commission (SSC) without a valid driver’s licence.
“Even the building materials from Build-It that were meant for Endombo Agricultural Youth Project went missing… Anti-Corruption Commission should visit the Oshana Regional Forum offices, the Social Security Commission car is being used for personal purposes e.g. taking stock to Okatope,” reads one of the posts.
Nekongo has denied the allegations levelled against him.
“If people have their own political ambitions and they want to stand for the chairman’s position they should do that without tarnishing other people’s names,” warned Nekongo.
Nekongo further said that it is critical for the youth members to acquaint themselves with the role of the chairperson before making false allegations.
Nekongo said those behind disturbing the youth forum should first understand where the Oshana Youth Forum came from.
“I took over the forum in 2009 when there was no single file in the office. I was chairing meetings for the resolutions to be implemented by the coordinator. Today, I am proud to have projects that were funded through me running, including the writing of those proposals,” reminisced Nekongo.
Nekongo challenges those whom he allegedly fired from the forum and those who he has sent to India in exchange for sexual favours to come forth.
“I have sent men as well, do I also do that in exchange for sexual favours?” questioned Nekongo. Nekongo said Nghipundaka and the chairperson of Oshakati East Youth Forum, George Kambonde, who are at the helm of the organisation have only been in office for merely three months.
When contacted for comment, both Nghipundaka and Kambonde referred the reporter to the Facebook posts. However, the duo refused to dwell on the matter alluding that the media should wait until after the regional executive meeting on Saturday.
“That is all we will say for now. Because a lot will come out at the regional executive meeting then we can give you the whole story in full,” related Nghipundaka.