The beneficiaries of the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) who have recently ousted their former board members due to concerns over resource mismanagement and unfair distribution practices have since elected an interim board of trustees.
Residents from OKMCT’s affiliated settlements—Xaxaba, Boro, Daunara, Quoxao, and Xharaxao—voted on October 28th to remove the current board of trustees. The dismissal was driven by allegations of financial mismanagement, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and actions contrary to the Trust’s objectives.
The decision was reached during a Special General Meeting in Daunara recently, following an earlier gathering where residents voiced dissatisfaction with the board’s governance. The initial meeting occurred after a court case, in which the board failed to prevent the meeting through an interdiction.
Invitations were extended to the removed board, the District Commissioner, and members of the Technical Advisory Committee; however, none attended. This absence prompted residents to proceed independently with addressing their concerns.
In an interview, Samoxhose, chairperson of the concerned group, explained that the community had elected a 10-member interim board, with two representatives from each settlement to manage the Trust’s operations until formal elections which are scheduled in June next year.
“This interim board is expected to tackle the issues raised by the community, rebuild trust, and ensure a smooth transition to a newly elected leadership. This marks a significant step toward enhanced accountability and transparency in the management of our shared resources,” Samoxhose stated.
He added that the 10 selected interim members are being registered with the Master of the High Court under the Trust Property Control Act, with full authority to manage Trust matters until the official elections.
Samoxhose emphasised that the dismissed board no longer has authority, as they lack a quorum, and that the interim board’s official duties will commence following registration.
However, the former board chairperson, Galethuse Manga, countered that the concerned group had been suspended for six years and thus lacks any authority to participate in Trust affairs. Manga noted that the suspension, issued during a Special General Meeting earlier this year, was due to the group’s alleged disruptive actions in the beneficiary villages.
“They cannot claim to have elected an interim leadership, as they have been suspended until April 11, 2023,” Manga asserted. He added that the current board still holds quorum, with its 10 registered members.
