The Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) finds itself embroiled in a storm of allegations and internal strife.
At a press conference held yesterday, NNPC president Johannes Litwayi and secretary general Michael Hamukwaya vehemently denied the corruption allegations levelled against them by now suspended treasurer Jean ‘JP’ Schmidt.
The leadership announced Schmidt’s suspension, citing defamation and damage to the organisation’s reputation.
Last week, Schmidt made headlines in a local newspaper, accusing Litwayi and Hamukwaya of mismanaging funds, and attempting to oust him for asking questions about the funds.
He further claimed that the NNPC was grappling with unpaid debts exceeding N$600 000.
These debts allegedly include money owed to athletes and coaches who participated in the 2023 World Boccia Heraklion Challenger and the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Greece.
Additionally, Schmidt claimed the organisation incurred a N$123 000 fine for missing the SASAPD Championships.
He added that the NNPC has not availed financial statements to the sports ministry for the last eight years.
Litwayi countered these claims, explaining that Schmidt had been making payments and issuing directives without consulting the leadership. He, however, did not share what payments Schmidt made.
To curb this, Litwayi allegedly implemented a rule requiring three signatories for any financial transactions.
Litwayi and Hamukwaya assured that a thorough investigation would follow, but refrained from disclosing further details. They, however, did not reveal who the investigator was, and what was being investigated.
Schmidt said he was suspended because he did not get permission from the board to speak to the media about the issues.
“If projects are not started or completed, where is the money? They have been cooking the books. The stealing must stop. They have been using the NNPC like a piggy bank for years.
“These issues of mismanagement of funds were reported last year in November. Me, and two board members Henock Hanga and Susan Guims reported the matter to the executive director of Sports, Mbumba Haitengela.
Haitengula called a meeting, and it was then agreed that money for the trip to Japan will be facilitated by Athletics Namibia (AN).
“We informed Haitengela that NNPC is not a safe place for this money. Litwayi and Hamukwaya’s tenure ends in November. They have no interest in leaving the institution in good books, as they will be exonerated when they leave and someone must fix the mess,” shared Schmidt.
Amidst the controversy, the NNPC announced the team of athletes and guides set to represent Namibia at the upcoming France Paralympic Games.
The team includes renowned athletes such as Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala, Even Tjiuiju, Sem Shimanda, Onesmus Nekundi, Sydney Kamuuauma, Hatago Murere, Kelvin Goagoseb, Chris Kinda, Petrus Karuli and Katelynn Venter.
Notably, apart from Karuli and Venter, the team has been training in the Netherlands after competing in the Kobe, Japan World Para-Athletics Championships.
In a surprising revelation, Litwayi disclosed that the NNPC had no role in preparing the athletes for the competition. He accused Haitengela of withholding funds from the NNPC and instead directed it to AN.
Consequently, the NNPC is uncertain about the athletes’ preparedness, as well as the availability of funds for accommodation and attire.
“We are mandated to select competitions and prepare the athletes, but we were not consulted,” Litwayi stated. He revealed that the athletes currently training in the Netherlands were not sent by the NNPC, and did not receive the committee’s blessing.
However, accommodation for athletes is provided for by the organisers, with the athletes set to be housed at the Village Olympique de Saint-Denis, which is specifically built for all athletes.
Schmidt, in addition, was quick to say that the card the two are playing, claiming that they are not aware of the team which is training in the Netherlands, is not true. “Hamukwaya selected the team. From Japan, most of the athletes went to the Netherlands. Hamukwaya was even tasked to draw up the budget for the trip,” he said.
In addition, Schimdt said Hamukwaya and Litwayi drew up the budget for the upcoming Paralympic Games, and requested N$3.5 million from the ministry of sports,and another N$3.5 million from the sponsor NamPower.
“These guys are aware of the loopholes, and have been using them. They are upset that they will now not be able to lay their hands on the funds. The only way is for them to get rid of me,” he added.
He further shut down claims that he has business dealings with Haitengela, hence the reason why he is favoured. “We don’t own or run any business together. If we do, they must provide the cc number.”
Hamukwaya further accused Letu Hamhola, a senior sports officer and local coach with no leadership role in the NNPC, of being granted leadership over the team which is preparing for the prestigious Games.
He further claimed that N$4.3 million was allocated for the trip to Japan without any reporting on expenditure.
Attempts to reach Hamhola for comment were unsuccessful. Questions also surfaced about Hamhola’s alleged favouritism, pressuring athletes like Karuli to join his club, or risk exclusion from international competitions and training camps.
AN president Erwin Naimhwaka, when questioned about the allocation of funds to AN instead of the NNPC, diverted responsibility to the ministry of sports.
He stated that AN was requested to assist by the ministry, and suggested that all queries be directed to them.
Efforts to obtain a response from Haitengela’s office were unsuccessful at the time of going to press.
The Paralympic Games are set to kick off on 28 August, to 8 September.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na