Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, has broken her silence on claims that she failed to take action on reports of maladministration at the National Youth Council (NYC), in which a special committee recommended disciplinary action and suspension against NYC Director Calista Schwartz-Gowases, and Executive Chairperson Sharonice Bucsh.
The Minister of Sport said that delays to obtain a legal report from the Office of the Attorney General and the Minister of Finance tied her hands in taking action against Schwartz-Gowases and Bucsh.
Bucsh is amongst those who made it onto the Swapo party list at its elective congress last year where prospective new members were nominated.
In December 2023, a Special Investigation Committee was formed to investigate alleged governance issues at the NYC.
Their findings revealed that internal conflicts, the absence of clear policies, weak institutional systems, and procedural non-compliance contributed to maladministration, financial mismanagement, and allegations of corruption within the National Youth Council (NYC).
It was further reported that the institution lacked financial accountability, due to the non-availability of audited statements and financial records on monies spent.
Accused of not acting on recommendations to discipline officials responsible for the maladministration, Tjongarero said that a legal opinion was sought from the Attorney General in March, and the response was only received in July.
“Following that, a letter was drafted to the Minister of Finance, incorporating the AG’s opinion, and a response was received in November. Given these timelines, implementation was not feasible. Furthermore, in his response, the Minister of Finance referred the matter back to me, saying that it was in the purview of the ministry on what further actions can be taken, this despite my initial request that all actions be put on hold until both the investigation committee’s report and the AG’s opinion were received. It is also important to note that governance concerns arose as the Board pursued its own agenda rather than focusing on sound governance principles and the integrity of the Council,” Tjongarero said.
