The Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) decision to award a $60 million tender to Ren-Form CC, a South African company linked to corruption scandals in Zimbabwe, has ignited fierce protests in Windhoek.
Supporters of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) marched through the city, holding placards that read, “Stop the corrupt tender. Save our democracy.”
Other placards were written: “Our democracy not for sale.”
Ren-Form CC’s checkered past includes allegations of inflating prices by over 400% and bribing senior government officials to secure contracts worth US$100 million for Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections.
In Zimbabwe, the company was fronted by controversial businessman and ex-convict Wicknell Chivayo. Senior intelligence security officials and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba allegedly illegally benefitted from the deal.
Despite denying wrongdoing, the company’s involvement has raised concerns about Namibia’s electoral integrity, sparking protests in Windhoek.
It has also been reported that ECN initially invited bids on September 10 but cancelled the tender two days before the submission deadline without providing reasons. The commission allegedly handpicked Ren-Form CC using the emergency procurement route, bypassing procurement laws.
Namibia’s general elections are slated for November 27. The controversy surrounding Ren-Form CC’s appointment threatens to undermine the electoral process’s credibility.
The Zimbabwean elections, which saw incumbent leader Emmerson Mnangagwa winning the presidential race, were condemned by many observer missions, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
After getting millions of dollars from the deal, Chivayo is now on a spending spree, buying limited edition vehicles worth millions. He has also been rewarding loyal Zanu-PF supporters, musicians of his choice, and his fellow church members.
Chivayo recently bought a lavish 2023 Bentley Bentayga V8 worth US$500 000 for his friend, Tazvi Mhaka, better known as Chief J. The flamboyant businessman linked to Mnangagwa himself expressed appreciation for the friendship with Mhaka
“You stood tall through the storms, when the world threw SHADE, you were the rock I leaned on. No matter what, you kept the faith, reminding me time and again what true loyalty looks like.
“Real niggas like you, CHIEF J , are a rare breed—unshakeable, solid, and always keep it real,” Chivayo posted on his Instagram.
“You’ve played a pivotal role in the journey to my success and building my empire and as I embrace the inevitable “BILLIONAIRE” status you are rest assured of your position in the cockpit.
“I will never take for granted that when everyone else might have DOUBTED me , you doubled down and backed me with your wisdom and strength. That’s why today, I CELEBRATE YOU, my brother and my dear friend.”
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