The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, has confirmed that disciplinary action was taken against the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency’s (AMTA's) former Managing Director and its former senior manager for Finance and Logistics after employees unduly benefited from the company's financial resources.

According to the ministry, the irregularities occurred without restriction and resulted in potential financial prejudice to AMTA exceeding N$6.2 million.

Zaamwani’s statement followed concerns raised in Parliament by IPC MP Michael Mulunga, who alleged that AMTA had sourced N$10 million from public funds for investigations and disciplinary processes. The ministry said that figure was far higher than the actual amount spent.

“Following a comprehensive forensic investigation and subsequent legal consultation, AMTA initiated disciplinary proceedings against its former managing director and former senior manager,” Zaamwani said. “There are four individuals we charged with multiple violations, including breach of trust, gross negligence and failure to safeguard the interest of the employer.”

She said that through established internal processes, both individuals were found guilty and subsequently dismissed.

Addressing the claim about legal costs, the minister added, “With reference to the issue that AMTA spent N$10 million on lawyers for investigation and disciplinary processes, I would like to reiterate that the AMTA Board did not incur legal expenses exceeding N$10 million in connection with investigations and disciplinary matters.”