The Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Charles Mubita, has dismissed allegations of pandemic corruption in the ministry and on August 26, a company wholly owned by the ministry.

The deputy minister was responding to questions posed by AR leader Job Amupanda.

Associate Professor Amupanda referred to August 26 as "the headquarters of corruption", referencing the alleged disappearance of N$4 million intended for the construction of the ||Kharas Regional Council Headquarters and other alleged cases.

Dr. Mubita stated that the N$4 million case is now in the hands of the police, adding that if any fraud or misrepresentation is found, the law will take its course.

On the matter of general corruption, the deputy minister stated that the ministry does not tolerate any corrupt activities.

"Corruption is not embedded in the defence procurement system, and on August 26th, we do not deny that there could be individual staff members involved in inappropriate conduct, but we reject the picture you are painting here that everyone in the procurement system is corrupt and that the ministry is tolerant of such conduct. If there are instances of corruption and you are aware of the individuals involved, you are free to notify us because we also would like to know."

Mubita highlighted that over 150 projects to the value of over a billion dollars have been awarded to the company. He highlighted that August 26 took on some incomplete projects, neglected by private companies.

He also addressed other allegations regarding the disappearance of money related to August 26.

"You also spoke about the three million dollars you say disappeared at August 26 Logistics. I need to correct you here. First, the money did not disappear. It was an advanced loan which was issued without board authorisation. Second, the amount was N$2.5 million and not N$3 million as you alleged. Due to our seriousness in ensuring that no public money is misappropriated, we have since managed to recover the entire amount."

In response to the clarifications provided by the deputy minister, Amupanda noted that August 26 indeed has potential and that the company just needs repurposing.

"But the fact that 150 projects have been received at a cost of N$1 billion tells you that there is capacity. There's good potential for this institution to be able to grow and be able to assist."

Mubita also stated that August 26 stakeholders will meet on Saturday, the 21st of June 2025, to rethink and reset everything.