President Nangolo Mbumba is disappointed over the theft of food meant for the drought relief programme.

The known incidences of theft of food items meant for drought relief were reported in Oshikoto, and suspects were arrested in May this year.

Five employees of the Ohangwena Regional Council and an employee of the Oshikango Constituency Office were also arrested in January for alleged involvement in the theft of drought relief food worth more than 600 thousand dollars from a warehouse at Oshikango. 

President Mbumba is concerned that the continued theft defeats the purpose of assisting the severely impacted communities.

He used the courtesy meeting with the Namibia Exile Kids Association to appeal for honesty to prevail in the distribution process.

"We and you all must make sure that honesty and honour in our character come back to us. To steal food meant for people who need food, to try to have more food than people, and even sometimes to allow food to go bad in warehouses when others still need the food. Give the food you have, and then give us the reason why we should try very hard to supply the food."

NEKA says it will encourage its members to work alongside the government where and when required in the implementation of the drought relief programme.