Africa-Press – Namibia. The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has terminated its manager for corporate services, Scheifert Shigwedha, over the handling of a N$200,000 donation intended for flood victims in 2023.
According to a dismissal letter seen by New Era, Shigwedha’s contract was terminated on 31 October 2025. The letter cites the conclusion of an internal disciplinary hearing and the recommendation for dismissal as the appropriate sanction.
Shigwedha, however, claims the disciplinary process was unfair and politically motivated. “I was accused of mishandling the donation and speaking to the media in violation of RFA’s communication policy. But as head of corporate services, media relations fell under my portfolio, and I was instructed by the CEO to respond to media queries,” he said. He added that he was denied adequate time to appeal the verdict after a family bereavement.
Chronology of events
In 2023, the RFA donated a total of N$600 000 to assist flood-affected communities in Omusati, Oshana, and Ohangwena regions, with each receiving N$200,000. The funds were intended to purchase emergency relief items, including food, tents, mattresses, mosquito nets, and water purification tablets.
However, the Ohangwena Regional Council’s chief regional officer (CRO), Fillipus Shilongo, told New Era that N$139 772 intended for the region remains unaccounted for.
“When we approached the RFA for clarification, we were told the money had already been paid to a different account without our knowledge or consent,” Shilongo said. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has been informed as the investigation continues.
Documents reviewed by New Era show that Ethics Group Holdings received N$199,772 to supply flood relief items. However, according to the Ohangwena Regional Council, only items worth N$60 000 were delivered. Executive director at Ethics Group Holdings, Elia Haufiku acknowledged having received the payment of N$199 772.25, based on the quotation they have provided, following the request by the PA of the former Governor of Ohangwena region, Walde Ndevashiya. He however maintained that the total costs of supplied items in the delivery note amounts to N$118 409.92 as opposed to the N$60 000 receipts being cited by the media houses.
“For obvious reasons, the value of the goods reported in the media is rot in correspondence to what we have quoted, therefore that is a complete misinterpretation. As a commercial entity, we are at liberty to charge the amount we see economically fit for the services rendered,” he explained.
He said his company has informed the Office of the Governor on the delayed delivery of the reminder of the food. The alleged irregularities reportedly occurred during the tenure of former Ohangwena Governor, Walde Ndevashiya. Speaking to New Era, Ndevashiya confirmed being aware of the case but maintained that he was not informed about the communication between Scheifert Shigwedha and his personal assistant.
“I only learned that the money had been deposited into a certain account after seeing email correspondence between the RFA and the Regional Council. I was not aware of it initially, as nobody had briefed me,” Ndevashiya said.
“When I summoned the officials and my personal assistant, he explained that he only assisted because the RFA wanted some items displayed during the launch. He also assured me that all the items had been purchased, something that later turned out not to be true,” he added.
Ndevashiya further explained that the investigation was triggered after it was discovered that the value of the goods supplied was significantly lower than the amount of funds provided.
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