• By Michael Uugwanga

Investigations in alleged mismanagement leveled against suspended Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) treasurer Jean-Paul Schmidt, are not yet been finalized, nearly a year on. Schmidt’s is further accused of other allegations abuse of power and unconstitutional procedures. He was appointed in the treasurer position in 2021.

Reportedly, under Schmidt’s eyes, NNPC incurred unpaid debts amounting to more than N$600, 000, while at the same time about N$200 000 is owed to athletes and coaches who participated at  the 2023 World Boccia Heraklion Challenger and the 2023 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Greece and Egypt.

Speaking to Confidente, NNPC president Johannes Litwayi, revealed that an independent investigation is currently being carrying out on the matter. “As of today [Tuesday], the case involving Schmidt has not been formally concluded. NNPC suspended Schmidt in 2024. 

These concerns were formally raised with the then Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Service and we requested that an independent investigation be conducted,” said Litwayi. “It is important to note that while our organization was accused of mismanaging funds, the actual control and disbursement of those funds including for events such as the 2024 Kobe World Championships and the Paris 2024 preparations and the games were largely managed through the executive director’s office in coordination with Schmidt. 

We were not directly involved in authorizing specific payments or contracts as these funds were transferred to their desired entities,” added. Litwayi. However, Litwayi said the specific charges laid against Schmidt are not made public at this stage and the long wait in finalizing the matter, is becoming a big concern to NNPC.

The delay in the matter is also affecting the development of para-sport on the ground, which could impact on the team’s preparations future para-games, including for 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. For this reason, NNPC formally raised the matter with relevant government authorities, including the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture and oversight bodies responsible for anti-corruption based on persistent concerns about how funds meant for para-athletes and the development of para-sports, are being managed.

“To date, Schmidt’s operations appear to continue under alternative arrangements, including funding through his personal club, sidelining the broader para sport movement and governance structure. This is something we have consistently raised as a concern and we continue to call for this kind of discrimination to be stopped from those holding public offices,” he lamented.  

“We approached the relevant anti-corruption and investigative bodies for updates but are yet to receive a formal briefing. If Mr. Schmidt is found guilty of wrongdoing, we expect that legal consequences.”

IN RESPONSE
On his part, Schmidt denied any wrong doing while serving as treasurer of the NNPC, counter-accusing and other executive at the institution including Litwayi of being illegal. He claims this is because their term of office ended in November 2024. “No charges have been laid against me, not even from an independent committee.

No formal complaint charge, also no verbal report and no charge sheet [exist]. This is because they (NNPC) have nothing against me,” Schmidt responded  “They failed to submit in financial reports for over eight years. Litwayi could make between N$8 000 to N$12 000, as he makes N$2000 per day from NNPC without finishing meetings. Sometimes meetings are called without agenda.  “For the record. Litwayi is no longer president of NNPC.

So from which legal standing is he speaking on behalf of the NNPC? Mr Trum is the legal interim chairperson of the NNPC. (Michael) Hamukwya has also been excused from his position as secretary-general and the interim committee will confirm or deny same as his appointment was totally illegal and unconstitutional,” he added.

Confidente is also in possession of correspondences between the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD), following Litwayi’s attack on Schmidt, who has been hard at work trying to ensure that all athletes are well represented at SASAPD events.

Early this year, the executive director in the ministry of sport, Erastus Haitengela, instructed NNPC to hold its elective conference from 07 to 09 March this year, however, such directive was ignored to date. It is still not clear as what actions will be taken by the line Ministry.