WALVIS BAY – A N$100 000 donation pledge by RedForce during the Walvis Bay mayoral gala dinner last year has come back to haunt the council.
This is now being questioned by the residents.
During a lunchtime protest last week, residents alleged that the donation was a “thank you” from RedForce after the company was awarded the multi-million-dollar debt-collecting contract last year.
The council announced on 21 July 2023 on social media that RedForce had been appointed the debt-collecting agency for the council for the next five years.
The mayoral dinner took place in October last year, where Julius Nyamazana, one of the shareholders of RedForce, pledged N$100000 towards the mayoral fund. During the gala dinner, a total of N$900 000 was raised for the construction of the Narraville Youth Centre.
Interestingly, a report compiled by advocate Richard Metcalfe alleged that the Walvis Bay municipality paid about N$17 million to RedForce within the first nine months after inking their agreement. Additionally, the report states that on 22 September last year, the day on which the contract came into force, the debt-collector received N$313 000, and more than N$1 million on 13 October 2023 without collecting a cent on behalf of the council.
RedForce is contracted to collect more than N$300 million in the next five years on behalf of the council. However, residents have been questioning the conditions under which the contract was awarded.
“We see this move as a ‘thank you’ gesture for awarding them the tender,” community activist Elvis Goseb said when questioned about the donation.
He added that, this is one of the reasons why the residents are determined to continue protesting until they achieve transparency and accountability from the council.
Not mine
Responding to the accusations, Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes, who serves as the patron of the fund, told New Era that although the pledge might look suspicious, RedForce pledged the money like any other business operating in Walvis Bay would do.
“If he wants to plough back, why not? The mayoral fund gala’s main purpose is to raise funds to assist the community. Why should I refuse someone who wants to pledge money? Erongo Marine Enterprises also pledged a large sum, some business people did too. Why are those pledges not being questioned?” Forbes responded.
He said, these pledges assist community members and strict control is exercised on how funds are used, and this is always reported back at the next gala dinner.
The protesters also called out councillors who failed to show up during the petition handover, as only Forbes and councillors Ryan Gordon, Albertina Nkoshi and Ephraim Shozi showed up.
“Those who are not here should be removed, as they are undermining the plight of the electorate who made it possible for them to occupy their positions.
He also questioned the absence of the chairperson of the management committee, councillor Richard Hoaeb, who recused himself during the discussions on RedForce, citing a conflict of interest.
“He must publicly declare details surrounding his conflict of interest with RedForce,” the residents chanted.
They are demanding that the council upholds the motion tabled by Shozi to terminate the services of RedForce. The residents are also demanding that all councillors with interests recuse themselves from discussions and meetings relating to RedForce until the matter is resolved.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na