The National Youth Council (NYC) has dismissed media reports suggesting that its former Acting Director, Mzingisi Gqwede, resigned due to disrespectful behaviour by the council's top leadership.

In its statement, the NYC says claims published in a local newspaper were inaccurate and misleading.

It is alleged that Gqwende resigned 25 days after his appointment, following his refusal to approve a sitting allowance for the board's fourth and fifth extraordinary meetings.

Inside sources quoted by the newspaper said Gqwede was also disrespected and belittled by the Executive Chairperson, Patience Masua, during a dispute. 

The NYC, however, says the claims are inaccurate, explaining that all engagements between the former Acting Director and the Executive Chairperson were conducted through formal email correspondence.

It says that at no point in the records was Gqwede belittled.

The NYC stated the board's fifth meeting has not been released, deliberated on, or discussed before or after the former Acting Director's resignation. 

The article also alleged that the institution's records show that a board member based in Rundu claimed about N$160,000 over five months.

The NYC says the board member in question received the applicable daily subsistence allowance as per the Council's policies and procedures. 

The Council added that the amount depicted in the publication is also exaggerated, however, affirming that it remains committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of its internal administrative matters. 

It implored media practitioners to ensure that they publish verified and accurate information.