Namibia orders audits into traditional fishing funds
Minister James Sankwasa announced planned audits into traditional authorities' fishing quota funds due to unexplained withdrawals.
Namibia's Ministry of Urban and Rural Development will audit traditional authorities' fishing quota funds following concerns over unexplained withdrawals by chiefs and their relatives. Minister James Sankwasa announced the audits at the Council of Traditional Leaders meeting, warning that misuse of funds could lead to prosecution. Sankwasa stated that auditors from his ministry and the Ministry of Finance will examine the books to determine who withdrew money and for what purpose.
The minister alleged that some traditional authority councillors were unaware of transactions from accounts controlled by chiefs and their family members, with signatories often including relatives. Sankwasa did not identify specific authorities, disclose amounts, or state when the audits would begin. The announcement follows earlier public concerns about the management of fishing quota proceeds intended for traditional communities.
Fishing quotas are marketed, and proceeds are distributed to traditional authorities, with Oonani Investments Group responsible for marketing and depositing funds into the authorities' accounts. Sankwasa questioned the whereabouts of these proceeds after they reached the accounts, noting that withdrawals lacked clear explanations for specific services. The funds are intended for community needs such as electricity connections, gardens, and medical transport.
Why it mattersTraditional leaders and their communities are affected by potential misuse of fishing quota funds intended for community development.