Auleria Wakudumo

Children of business mogul Frans Aupa Indongo have accused the board members of the Frans Indongo Group of excluding them from their father’s business.

They claim the company’s board members are looting and exploiting their father’s business.

Simeon Indongo voiced his frustration, pointing out that despite 19 of them being unemployed and without any source of income, the Frans Indongo Group had not offered them any job opportunities, even though some of them have relevant experience.

Indongo said the board members are using his father’s illness and advanced age to make decisions that are negatively impacting the businesses.

“My father is suffering from amnesia, and sometimes even struggles to recognise his children. They took advantage of his sickness as he cannot remember anything anymore, meaning he cannot even make decisions on his own,” he said.

Indongo added that the board members were advised to involve the children in the business by the chairperson at the time, Frans Ndoloma.

Engelberth Indongo, one of the elder sons, said they were once involved in the business with their father. However, the current board has refused to include them.

“Our father’s company employs over 2,500 employees, and none of his children work for him, not even as a cleaner,” they stressed.

The children are also alleging that the board of directors and trustees contract expired; however, there is no one to appoint new members as the founder is unfit to make decisions.

“They have sold properties in Eenhana, Outapi and Oshikango, and raised over N$60 million to open Indongo Ford, which was just in business for a year and disappeared. They have also sold assets, including the farm at Otjiwarongo and others,” they claimed.

Not aware

While some of the children raised concerns about their father’s business, others stated that they were unaware that the business was being mismanaged.

They mentioned that they had no knowledge of the situation and, therefore, could not comment on the matter.

Response

When approached for comment, the Frans Indongo Group stated that it does not respond to rumours, adding that the matter with some of the Indongo children is before the High Court.

“The Frans Indongo Group operates under a legally-established business and governance structure, meticulously crafted by its founder,  Frans Aupa Indongo,” the group said.

According to the company, Frans Indongo has always kept his business away from his personal life, ensuring the longevity of his businesses beyond his life.

“Reputable, highly-qualified, business-seasoned individuals were recruited and appointed to govern and manage the group,” the group said.

The group added that all decisions by the board of directors and management are undertaken in strict compliance with corporate governance standards, ensuring the growth and sustainability of the group.

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