By Rinelda Mouton
The embattaled chairperson of the Namibia Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NFPDN), Matheus Hashongo is alleged to have accessed and used funds without the knowledge or authorisation of the current leadership. Hashongo was suspended from his position with effect from 18 March.
“Following the conclusion of investigations into allegations of misconduct and breaches of the NFPDN Constitution, it has been determined that there are serious allegations indicating possible violations of the governance and administrative provisions of the federation. In light of these findings, the NEC has resolved to suspend Hashongo from the position of chairperson with immediate effect, pending the convening of the Nation- al Congress, where the NEC will present its findings and formally recommend a vote of no confidence against you in accordance with the provisions of the NFPDN Constitution,” a NFPDN statement reads.
The findings relate to several issues, including financial expenditure without the approval of the national executive committee, bypassing official signatories and banking procedures, failure to maintain proper financial records, lack of governance documentation, alleged personal benefit from federation assets and failure to uphold leadership accountability.
“The suspension will remain in force pending the convening and outcome of the national congress, where the matter will be formally addressed in accordance with the constitution of the federation. The NEC has noted with concern that engagements may still be taking place in the name of the federation without knowledge or authorisation of the current leadership. This has the potential to create confusion among stakeholders and partners,” the statement said.
It further indicated that any engagements or communications made in the name of the federation by unauthorised individuals should be treated with caution and verified through recognised leadership structures.
On 10 March, Hashongo was instructed to hand over login details for the NFPDN official email account, as well as all bank-re- lated information, within 24 hours to David Hughes on behalf of the NEC.
“As part of the administrative process, Hashongo was requested to hand over all federation property, including official communication access, relevant records and institutional assets to ensure continuity of operations. This handover process remains outstanding,” a press statement issued on 24 April noted.
A separate document dated 25 January states that the federation received N$42 932 in donor funding from Namport during a national congress held in Eenhana from 3 to 4 September 2025. The funds were intended to reimburse transport costs for delegates from various regions.
However, concerns were raised after it emerged that the funds were not deposited into the official NFPDN account, but into a personal account belonging to Orben Muluti, who was serving as acting secretary general at the time. It was claimed that one of the official signatories was out of the country, preventing transactions through the federation’s account.
A reimbursement list had been prepared, but it was later found that some listed dele- gates did not attend the congress. It was also reported that not all beneficiaries received payments, despite claims that the funds had been exhausted.
Hashongo later indicated that part of the funds had been used to pay an auditor and hire a vehicle for transporting delegates.
However, the NEC investigation found no recorded approval for these expenditures, while the stated purpose of the donor fund- ing did not include such payments. NEC members also reported no prior knowledge of these decisions.
Further verification revealed that the auditor denied receiving any payment, while proof submitted for vehicle hire was questioned.
Hashongo has rejected the suspension, calling it unlawful.
“I am an elected member. No one has the right to suspend an elected member, only the congress has that right,” he said.
Responding to the allegations, he said those accusing him should present evidence. “I have my own evidence. I will present it to the public when the time is right,” he said.
Hashongo urged stakeholders and the public to remain calm.
“This suspension is driven by personal interests. All I want is for justice to be served. If due process is followed and I am found guilty, I am ready to leave office at any time,” he said.
While compliance in the formal sector is relatively high, Shikongo acknowledged that it often comes at a significant cost, particularly for small businesses.
As Namibia marks Workers’ Day, the debate around wages, enforcement, and fairness highlights a deeper question, whether the country’s first minimum wage is truly a foundation for dignity, or a ceiling that still leaves many behind.
