Government lawyers say Cabinet broke the law when ordering Meat Corporation of Namibia to rehire former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji. A legal opinion from Norman Tjombe's law firm states Cabinet lacks authority to make such demands. The directive came after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and other officials backed Mushokabanji's return to his old job. Board members cannot legally follow orders that exceed government powers under current laws. Cabinet preferences do not override legal procedures for hiring company leaders.
Former board chairman Sakaria Nghikembua quit his position over what he calls unlawful government interference. The lawyer recommends Meatco either convince Cabinet to withdraw the directive or take the matter to court. Mushokabanji lost his position on January 31 when directors chose Patrick Liebenberg as temporary replacement. The company planned to advertise the permanent position and review multiple candidates. Government shareholding rights do not extend to micromanaging personnel decisions according to enterprise governance laws.
Acting chief Liebenberg faces serious accusations about missing cattle and poor management practices. Employee representatives claim more than 400 animals disappeared under his watch. Workers want him suspended during investigations into these allegations. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi defends government involvement as shareholder oversight. Legal experts maintain that boards should operate independently from political pressure when making business decisions.
Former board chairman Sakaria Nghikembua quit his position over what he calls unlawful government interference. The lawyer recommends Meatco either convince Cabinet to withdraw the directive or take the matter to court. Mushokabanji lost his position on January 31 when directors chose Patrick Liebenberg as temporary replacement. The company planned to advertise the permanent position and review multiple candidates. Government shareholding rights do not extend to micromanaging personnel decisions according to enterprise governance laws.
Acting chief Liebenberg faces serious accusations about missing cattle and poor management practices. Employee representatives claim more than 400 animals disappeared under his watch. Workers want him suspended during investigations into these allegations. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi defends government involvement as shareholder oversight. Legal experts maintain that boards should operate independently from political pressure when making business decisions.
