Sympathisers stand up against 'rich bullies'

A segment of Namibian youth has started a fundraising campaign to help retired nurse Mathilde Kadhikwa, who was ordered by the Windhoek High Court to pay N$130 000 in damages to businessman Shapwa Kanyama and his wife Betty.Many argue that the ruling in favour of the power couple will bully Namibians into silence regarding perceived corrupt practices by powerful individuals. Kadhikwa was sued for defamation after an audio recording went viral in which she alleged that the couple was hosting multimillion-dollar weddings while state hospitals, for which they were responsible for supplying medicines, were low on stock.The court also ordered Kadhikwa to pay the couple's legal costs in the matter.The couple, through their lawyer Sisa Namandje, originally sought a combined N$400 000 from Kadhikwa. However, High Court judge Beatrix De Jager awarded N$80 000 in favour of Shapwa and N$50 000 for Betty. Kanyama is a leading beneficiary of state medical supplies tenders. Allegations of corruption and favouritism in awarding medical supplies tenders have often been directed at the ministry of health.The ruling against Kadhikwa has sparked debate over freedom of speech, the role of whistleblowers and the balance of power in Namibia’s justice system.Freedom of speech concernsThe case has been widely discussed online, with many citizens criticising the judgment as a blow to freedom of expression. Critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent, claiming it enables the wealthy to silence dissenting voices.On social media platform X, sympathisers initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Kadhikwa in paying the damages. Some argued that there is a growing trend by "rich bullies" to silence those who scrutinise their conduct.Namibian expatriate Fillemon Shikomba, based in the USA, responded to the ruling by creating the fundraising page, aiming to raise N$200 000. As of yesterday, the campaign had collected N$4 000.“This cause is deeply personal to me,” Shikomba told Namibian Sun. “Mathilde exposed corruption in the public health sector, and now she’s being financially punished for it. This judgment threatens to silence whistleblowers and protect the powerful.”Shikomba, a graduate of law, added: "Paying the legal costs ensures that individuals who speak out against corruption are not silenced by the financial burden of legal battles. The amount of N$130 000 she has been ordered to pay is an overwhelming sum, particularly for someone of her means, and could have a devastating impact on her life."By supporting Mathilda, we are not only helping her pay her legal fees, but we are also sending a clear message that standing up for what is right should not come at such a high price and that whistleblowers must be protected.”Killian Amavila, who has donated to the cause, told Namibian Sun he wants to encourage people to continue coming forward and exposing corruption. He added that if Kadhikwa does not receive support during this time, whistleblowers will cease to exist."If this continues, they will silence the nation. Everyone who wants to voice their opinion on national issues, especially corruption. They will be scared," he said.Kadhikwa gratefulKadhikwa yesterday said she was granted a lawyer through legal aid and therefore she has no legal costs of her own.She expressed surprise at the GoFundMe effort, saying she was unaware of its existence.“I heard about it from a friend, but people have supported me personally,” she said. Despite the court’s ruling, Kadhikwa remains defiant, confirming that her lawyers have filed an appeal.“The judge suggested I might have to sell my car to pay the damages, but I believe my lawyers will address this in the appeal,” she said.AllegationsThe lawsuit stems from a 2022 audio recording in which Kadhikwa alleged that Shapwa and Betty Kanyama used public funds to finance their extravagant wedding, which allegedly cost N$10 million, and that Shapwa engaged in corrupt activities, exacerbating medical supply shortages in state hospitals and clinics.In her ruling, judge De Jager said while the recording did not directly defame the couple, it was defamatory by implication, portraying Shapwa as corrupt and dishonest.Kadhikwa was unable to provide substantive evidence to support her claims, the court found. The judge noted that matters of public interest alone do not constitute a defence in defamation cases. Defendants must prove their statements are true and made for the public’s benefit, a burden Kadhikwa failed to meet.A broader debateThe ruling has drawn comparisons to other recent high-profile matters, including the suspension of NBC TV editor Anna Nicodemus for remarks made on South African TV channel Newzroom Africa. Many Namibians view these incidents as part of a troubling trend of diminishing freedom of speech and suppressing critical voices.

Sympathisers stand up against 'rich bullies'

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-25

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Sympathisers stand up against 'rich bullies'

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-25

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