By Mary Mutonga
Windhoek, July 11 – A heated battle has erupted between Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, and activist Dr. Job Shipululo Amupanda. The clash comes as Amupanda makes a series of defamatory allegations against the minister, accusing her of corruption and maladministration.
In a letter addressed to Dr. Amupanda, legal practitioners representing Minister Kandjii-Murangi have demanded an immediate cessation of defamatory statements made by the activist on various social media platforms. The letter alleges that Amupanda disseminated false and damaging messages, intending to portray the minister as corrupt and morally compromised.
The allegations raised by Amupanda accuse Minister Kandjii-Murangi of enriching herself at the expense of Namibian taxpayers. It is claimed that she failed to meet financial obligations to the Development Bank of Namibia and received illicit payments from higher learning institutions. The defamatory statements are said to have been widely circulated on Facebook and Twitter, damaging the minister’s reputation.
In response, Dr. Amupanda has vehemently defended his actions, declaring his unwavering commitment to combating corruption in Namibia. He maintains that he has evidence and documentation supporting his claims against Minister Kandjii-Murangi. Dr. Amupanda’s letter accuses the minister of refusing to comply with a court order related to her financial obligations and highlights alleged corruption within the Development Bank of Namibia.
The exchange between the minister and the activist highlights the deep-rooted issue of corruption in Namibia and the determination of those seeking to hold public officials accountable. Driven by a quest for justice and a desire to fight corruption on behalf of the Namibian people, Amupanda refuses to back down.
The stage is set for a potential legal battle as Minister Kandjii-Murangi’s legal representatives have warned of impending legal action if Amupanda fails to cease making defamatory statements and issue a public apology and retraction by 11 July 2023.
As the nation watches this intense confrontation unfold, questions arise about the accountability of public officials and the duty of activists to expose corruption. The outcome of this clash will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption and the reputation of those involved.
Both sides remain resolute in their positions, and the public eagerly awaits the next development in this high-stakes confrontation that has captivated the nation. – Namibia Daily News
