Windhoek: Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani, has renewed calls for the release of audit documents relating to August 26 Holdings, questioning why the findings of an audit into the government-owned company have not been made public. In a letter addressed to Ombudsman, Basilius Dyakugha, Venaani expressed concern over the prolonged delay, highlighting that several years had passed since the issue was first brought to light, yet the status of the audit report remained unclear.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Venaani emphasized that he has been advocating for transparency regarding the financial accountability of August 26 Holdings since 2017. He initially called for the company's financial records to be thoroughly audited and made accessible to the public. Furthermore, he engaged with the Office of the Ombudsman at that time to seek clarity on legal and accountability issues tied to the company's financial reporting.

The matter resurfaced in 2024 when confirmation came that the Office of the Auditor-General had completed an audit of August 26 Holdings. Venaani mentioned that he engaged with former President Nangolo Mbumba, who confirmed that the audit findings had reached the Presidency but had not yet undergone a full review or release.

Venaani underscored the need for an explanation for the continued delay, noting that August 26 Holdings, being a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, involves public resources and is a legitimate concern of public interest. He asserted that the public should not be left waiting indefinitely for information regarding the management and utilization of public funds.

Additionally, Venaani referenced previous involvement by the Office of the Ombudsman, citing that former Ombudsman Advocate John Walters had recommended that August 26 Holdings should account for its financial affairs and make relevant information available for public scrutiny.

In his recent communication, Venaani requested the Ombudsman Dyakugha's office to provide clarity on the status of the audit report. He seeks information on the actions taken following the office's earlier involvement, the current status of the findings related to August 26 Holdings, and whether the office has received the pertinent audit or investigation documents.