EU Erasmus+: Namibia Nanso Funds Probe Launched Over N$140K Allegations

• The European Union is investigating allegations of N$140,000 in misused research project funds involving the Namibia National Students Organisation.
• The funds are part of the EU-funded Shine project, an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at strengthening Namibia's higher education sector.
• Academic and politician Job Amupanda claims the University of Namibia paid N$140,000 directly to Nanso for a congress.
• The EU ambassador confirmed the allegations are being addressed in line with applicable rules and contractual provisions.
• Nanso's Secretary General stated the organization will issue an independent statement to address the claims before responding to further questions.

The European Union treats any claims concerning the potential misuse of its funds with utmost seriousness.

The European Union has initiated an inquiry into claims of potential financial impropriety involving N$140,000 designated for a research initiative. These allegations specifically target the Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) and relate to funds from the Sustainable Strategies in Higher Education Internationalisation Towards Excellence in Namibia (Shine) project. The Shine project, a 36-month endeavor co-financed by the EU's Erasmus+ Programme, commenced on March 25 with the objective of bolstering Namibia's higher education landscape through enhanced research collaboration, student mobility, and graduate employability across its universities.

Among the various partners participating in this significant project are Nanso, the University of Namibia (Unam), the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Welwitschia University, the International University of Management, and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture. The specific accusation, brought forward by academic and politician Job Amupanda via social media, asserts that Unam directly transferred the N$140,000 from the project's budget into Nanso's bank account. Amupanda's claim suggests these funds were intended for the organization of a congress, and he has publicly called for a thorough investigation into this expenditure, urging Unam's newly appointed council to address the matter.

The Shine project operates under the umbrella of the EU's Erasmus+ Programme, which boasts an overall approved budget of approximately €395,891, translating to roughly N$7.3 million. This substantial funding is allocated to achieve the project's core aims of strengthening internationalization within Namibia's higher education sector. The financial framework governing such initiatives is designed with stringent accountability measures.

According to Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho, the grant agreement and consortium structure delineate specific responsibilities, deliverables, and approved budget allocations for each participating partner. Funds are not disbursed as a lump sum but rather transferred to the designated accounts of partner institutions in installments. These transfers are contingent upon the successful implementation of project activities and adherence to established reporting requirements. Namesho further clarified that while the initial installment has been distributed to consortium members, all disbursed funds are subject to periodic review to ensure accountability. Each partner is individually responsible for managing its allocated portion, maintaining accurate financial records, and complying with the comprehensive financial and reporting regulations set forth by Erasmus+.

In response to the emerging allegations, Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU ambassador to Namibia, confirmed that the EU delegation is actively addressing the situation. Martins emphasized that the European Union treats any claims concerning the potential misuse of its funds with utmost seriousness. She stated that such allegations must be thoroughly assessed through appropriate procedures, and any definitive findings can only be established based on verified facts. Consequently, the ambassador refrained from commenting further on the specifics of the allegations or prejudging the investigation's outcome at this preliminary stage.

Similarly, Unam's spokesperson, Simon Namesho, reiterated the university's commitment to taking all allegations regarding the use of project funds seriously. He indicated that the project coordinator would promptly engage with Nanso to ascertain the relevant facts and seek clarification on the activities and expenditures associated with the project. Namesho assured that any subsequent review would strictly adhere to the project's established governance, financial management, accountability, and reporting protocols. Meanwhile, Secilia Ambunda, the current Secretary General of Nanso, stated that the organization is currently unable to provide specific responses to media inquiries. Ambunda announced that Nanso is preparing to release an independent statement that will provide the correct context to Amupanda's allegations, after which they will be open to further questions from journalists.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising Namibian educational institutions or NGOs receiving EU funding should review their internal financial controls and reporting procedures to ensure strict adherence to donor contractual provisions and prevent allegations of fund misuse, as such investigations can lead to reputational damage and potential funding withdrawal.

Source: Original reporting via Namibian media.