Tensions are mounting between the children of the liberation struggle and the leadership of the Namibian Exile Kids Association (Neka) as they scuffle over the fate of N$13 million currently sitting idle in an account under the Office of the Prime Minister.
At the end of May New Era broke the news of the N$13 million reserved for struggle kids.
The struggle kids, as they are known, expressed deep concern over the funds being under Neka’s supervision, fearing it may “disappear into thin air”.
They worry that the funds could end up in the wrong hands or solely benefit privileged individuals within Neka, while neglecting those in dire need such as those who are unemployed.
“Ever since we became aware of those funds, we have been receiving threats from the leadership when we raise our concerns on the Neka WhatsApp group. We have been suggesting that the money should rather be distributed among the ministries so that employment can be created for us,” complained, a member, Haimbondi Ya Walenga.
Ya Walenga’s complaint contradicts the court declaration that children of the liberation must not receive preferential treatment.
Additionally, Ya Walenga told New Era individuals who attempt to voice concerns or question matters on the WhatsApp group dedicated to discussing issues concerning the Children of the Liberation Struggle are victimised by being removed from the group.
“We don’t feel represented, and for far too long, we have felt that NEKA is betraying us by ignoring our plight,” Ya Walenga stated. In audio recordings provided to New Era, frustrated members can be heard questioning the removal of members from the WhatsApp group after raising any kind of concern.
“The problem lies in electing individuals who are already wealthy, and they will never truly advocate for our interests. When will we, as beneficiaries of this country, reap the rewards if our representatives are solely focused on personal gain?” voiced another disgruntled member of the WhatsApp group.
Furthermore, Ya Walenga requested that the association register unemployed individuals and prioritise their needs moving forward.
In a communique shared with members late last month, Neka vice president Kadiva Hamutumwa, indicated that Neka executive had engagements with OPM last month regarding the just-concluded applications for police recruitment and “the money that has been mentioned in this [New Era] article”.
Hamutumwa stated that the decision made during the meeting was for Neka to submit a proposal to the OPM regarding the utilisation of the funds. Following that, Neka conducted an executive meeting to discuss the process of developing the proposal.
She further explained that during the last Neka executive committee meeting, it was decided to establish an ad hoc committee consisting of three committee members. Additionally, they reached out to regional leaders to nominate a representative from each region to join the task force committee. This invitation was extended to both the teams at Ndilimani farm and the youth in Windhoek.
The primary responsibility of the ad hoc committee is to create business proposals that will be subsequently submitted to the OPM.
Moreover, Hamutumwa mentioned that Neka aims to register Neka companies under the supervision of regional leadership. This registration process will enable Neka members to engage in trade, business activities, and apply for tenders through the Neka companies.
Hamutumwa did not respond to questions sent to her before going to print.
In response to New Era’s questions, the OPM indicated that the account was opened by OPM in 2016 with a purpose to receive income from various sources, primarily to defray expenditures for training programmes for the children of the liberation struggle.
As of 6 June, the account had an amount of N$12 924 618.62.
– ashikololo@nepc.com.na