The Black Business Leadership Network of Namibia (BBLNN) is against the idea of closing down the Meat Corporation of Namibia (MeatCo), citing favoritism of white-owned businesses and a flawed constitution.

This, the BBLNN states, is threatening the country's struggling economic security and national unity.

The organization's president, Irene Simeon-Kurtz, expressed dismay at what she said appears to be the government's strategy of replacing black-owned entities with white-owned versions of those same entities, citing as one example a rumor in agricultural circles that the company Savanna Beef is set to step in and replace the functions of MeatCo.

Simeon-Kurtz further accused the private sector of racism through a lack of support for MeatCo, thus leading to the current situation where the organization faces a growing threat to its continued existence.

Additionally, the BBLNN questioned Agriculture Minister Carl Schlettwein's "support" for the non-governmental institution, which the association described as being at the expense of MeatCo as a government entity that Schlettwein is supposed to serve and protect.

Schlettwein recently pronounced himself on MeatCo's poor performance, cautioning that the government would make a tough decision on the limping organization.

On its part, the BBLNN suggested looking into the Red Line issue of sustainability.

"In times like these, it is immature for these new beef entities to brag; therefore, we immediately ask for the government's swift intervention into this matter to start driving production at MeatCo. Goals for speed must be set, and these goals must be reached ASAP. MeatCo does not need manpower; they need millions of dollars worth of meat for production."

The Black Business Leadership Network of Namibia was established in 2019 and represents black business associations in the struggle for economic emancipation, among others.