EDITORIAL: Who vetted the Cabinet appointees?

The past weekend saw a flurry of questions surrounding the thoroughness of the vetting process for members of the newly appointed Cabinet. This, after Inspector General Joseph Shikongo confirmed that an active investigation into Dr Mac Hengari, the new agriculture minister, had been underway since November on serious allegations of rape.Is it possible that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was unaware of the ongoing investigation or did she make the appointment believing in the age-old principle of "innocent until proven guilty"? While this legal doctrine holds weight in our justice system, the gravity of the allegations against a public figure demands greater scrutiny, especially when it comes to the moral responsibilities of those we place in positions of power.Rape is an abhorrent crime, and the mere suggestion of such a serious allegation should not be taken lightly. It is also true that, in the era of the Me-Too movement, where accusations of sexual misconduct are given due attention, many men have been unjustly targeted by vindictive claims. However, when the accusations are serious enough to warrant an investigation, the weight of the matter cannot be dismissed with a simple presumption of innocence. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s own experience as a female leader who circumvented the intricacies of power and gender dynamics should have heightened her sensitivity to such matters.It is crucial to remember that Dr Hengari, as of now, is innocent in the eyes of the law and should not be condemned by the court of public opinion. His appointment, however, places him under public scrutiny. This is not merely about defending a man’s honour; it’s about protecting the sanctity of the positions we entrust to our leaders.

EDITORIAL: Who vetted the Cabinet appointees?

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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EDITORIAL: Who vetted the Cabinet appointees?

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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