An investigation conducted by senior education officer Dilaadileni Hitilasha has uncovered significant discrepancies in the delivery of school furniture to schools in the Omusati region of Namibia. The probe found that 3,734 school chairs and desks, valued at N$1.2 million, were not delivered to schools despite suppliers being paid almost two years ago. The region made payments to suppliers in 2024 and 2025.
According to the investigation report dated 21 September 2026, orders for furniture were placed with Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (VTC) and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Resource and Vocational School. The orders covered chairs for 4,006 pupils and 3,504 desks. However, physical inspections revealed that only 2,028 chairs and 1,756 desks had been delivered, resulting in a shortfall of 1,978 chairs and 1,748 desks.
The missing furniture represents a net financial shortfall of about N$1.2 million, after accounting for applicable unit prices and a surplus of 35 size-seven desks. The findings raise concerns about procurement controls, monitoring of public expenditure, and distribution of essential learning furniture to government schools.
A separate report dated 30 April 2026 shows that Eenhana VTC was awarded a contract on 7 November 2024 to supply school furniture worth N$2.2 million. The contract covered chairs for 3,663 pupils and 3,162 desks, with deliveries scheduled between November 2024 and September 2025. The supplier received two payments: N$876,870 on 24 May 2025 and N$1.3 million on 22 October 2025.
The investigation found that the quantities delivered did not fully correspond with the contractual requirements. In a subsequent claim, Eenhana VTC sought additional payment for 62 extra size-three chairs and 63 extra size-three tables, valued at N$38,800. However, the audit established that the additional items did not compensate for shortages in other furniture categories.
The investigation also uncovered discrepancies in the distribution of furniture to government schools. 215 chairs and 363 tables allocated to specific government-owned schools were never delivered to their intended destinations. Instead, 354 chairs and 420 tables were delivered to schools that did not appear on the official distribution lists.
The findings point to weaknesses in procurement administration, record-keeping, and verification of goods supplied under government contracts. Three weeks ago, Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda publicly raised allegations of corruption and mismanagement involving Eenhana VTC and Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila Vocational School regarding school furniture.
Key points
- The investigation valued the missing furniture at N$1.2 million.
- The Omusati region made payments to suppliers in 2024 and 2025.
- The investigation found weaknesses in procurement administration, record-keeping, and verification of goods supplied under government contracts.
