NCCI divisions deepen

A deteriorating relationship between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretariat and a group of entrepreneurs in the north is threatening the future of the once united business lobby group. The clash of heads has been triggered by the apparent non-recognition of the NCCI northern branch by the national secretariat in Windhoek. NCCI president Sven Thieme recently labelled the highly proactive NCCI northern branch under the chairmanship of Tomas Koneka Iindji as illegal. “NCCI branches operate in towns and not as regional structures or entities. The NCCI is one united organisation that strives at all times to represent Namibia's business community in an efficient and effective manner,” Thieme was quoted as saying. Namibian Sun now understands that northern business people have passed a vote of no confidence in the NCCI secretariat with plans reportedly afoot to establish an independent lobby group to serve the interests of the northern-based entrepreneurs. The NCCI secretariat has been accused of not advancing the interests of Namibian businesses. Iindji said it was surprising that Thieme had only realised now that the northern branch was supposedly illegal. “It is surprising that the NCCI president just realised, when his term expired, that the NCCI northern branch is illegal and I should stress out that it is within that unifying body of NCCI northern branches which put them into power and one wonders what are they talking about but we will meet up at the AGM (Annual General Meeting) slated to take place next month or so,” Iindji said. “Unfortunately, Thieme, if we follow the constitution of the NCCI to the letter that he so claims to represent, is myopic of the historical realities behind the establishment of NCCI northern branch,” he added. The NCCI northern branch was established as a representative committee for the northern regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto following a board decision in 2008. Business people who spoke to this publication said their interests were better served by the northern branch in its current state. According to them, the branch had been in existence in its current state for a long time. “The northern branch started operating a long time ago,” said NCCI northern branch member Gerson Okawu when contacted. “We do not know what is happening. The northern branch has been giving us assistance for a very long time. I do not have any problems with the branch,” he said. Business tycoon Banda Shilimela echoed Okawu's sentiments saying: “To my knowledge this was not an Iindji initiative. It has been operating for a very long time. In my own opinion, the northern branch is very conducive in supporting businesses based in the north. The support that the branch gives northern businesses is tremendous and no one can give northern businesses better support.” Breakaway threats Thieme encouraged those who are unhappy with the decisions taken by the secretariat to branch out on their own. “The constitution allows for freedom of association, anyone who wants to create an association is most welcome,” he said. “If there are people that want to move away, break up, good luck,” he said. Meanwhile, the NCCI's new CEO, Charity Mwiya, has dispelled concerns that a breakaway by the northern business people from the secretariat was in the offing. “There is no such thing as a breakaway faction,” Mwiya said. According to her, the NCCI was improving how it will go about auditing and said those opposed to her leadership felt that they may be exposed by what will be unearthed as the NCCI secretariat makes changes to improve its transparency. “When it comes to auditing, we cannot have different accounts, the moment I took over we have tried to do things in a transparent manner,” she said. “The chamber's strength lies in its unity so going forward, the secretariat must be strengthened,” she said. According to her, there are members within the NCCI who are disgruntled about the changes that are being made. The NCCI is a lobby group for local businesses and has identified itself as the voice of the Namibian business sector. OGONE TLHAGE

NCCI divisions deepen

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-04

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NCCI divisions deepen

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-04

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