Legal Battle Over N$50 Million Debt
A businessman, Benjamin Hauwanga, along with his wife and a close corporation, has been ordered by the Windhoek High Court to pay approximately N$50 million to Nedbank Namibia. The court issued this order on Friday, following a judgment delivered by acting judge Deon Obbes.
According to the judgment, Nedbank Namibia was granted a ruling for the payment of N$50 million against Hauwanga, his wife Mirjam Hauwanga, and the close corporation BH Properties. Additionally, three immovable properties located in Windhoek and at Oshikango have been declared executable, meaning they can be sold to raise funds for repaying Hauwanga’s debt to the bank.
Obbes also mandated that interest at an annual rate of 14.8%, calculated from 21 October 2022, should be paid on the outstanding amount until the date of full payment.
This legal decision came just two days after Hauwanga was honored by the government of Angola’s Cunene province for his contributions to development and humanitarian work in Angola.
The bank initiated a lawsuit against Hauwanga, his wife, and BH Properties CC in the Windhoek High Court in December 2022. The court was informed that Nedbank and Hauwanga had entered into an overdraft loan agreement in January 2021, under which the bank lent about N$49.5 million to Hauwanga, with N$49 million allocated as an overdraft facility for working capital expenses.
A former Nedbank official testified during the hearing that the bank initially provided an overdraft facility of N$5 million in September 2018, which was later increased to N$15 million within the same month. In March 2019, Hauwanga requested an increase to N$30 million, followed by another request for N$45 million in July 2019.
At that time, Hauwanga agreed to register a bond for N$45 million over a property in Oshikango, which was valued at more than N$180 million at the time. This property, measuring 23,908 square metres, is one of the three properties declared executable by Obbes.
Hauwanga further requested an increase in his overdraft facility from N$45 million to N$49 million in February 2020. During 2021, the bank sought documentation from Hauwanga, including financial statements of companies in his business group, and warned him that the overdraft facility would be called up if the required documents were not provided. According to the bank, these documents were not submitted.
The bank also notified Hauwanga in November and December 2021 about overdue interest payments on the overdraft before the outstanding interest was settled by mid-December 2021. By November 2022, the bank sent a letter of demand to Hauwanga, requesting payment of the total outstanding amount owed, which stood at N$50 million on 21 October 2022.
During the hearing, it was argued on behalf of Hauwanga and the other defendants—none of whom testified—that Nedbank’s claim was premature and that the bank did not prove that the notice of demand had been delivered to Hauwanga. However, Obbes stated in his judgment that the bank was entitled to demand immediate repayment of the overdraft in the event of a default by Hauwanga.
Obbes added that according to a witness who testified on behalf of the bank, Hauwanga failed to service the interest on the overdraft, leading the bank to call up the overdraft facility.
Recognition for Humanitarian Efforts
During a ceremony held on Wednesday, Cunene governor Gerdina Didalelwa presented Hauwanga with a recognition and appreciation award as part of Angola’s 50th independence celebrations. Didalelwa praised Hauwanga for his long-standing support to Angolan communities, highlighting his philanthropic efforts and investments that have improved livelihoods across the province.
“Hauwanga has not only contributed to business growth, but has also built schools, clinics, and houses for our people. His compassion and commitment to our communities are deeply appreciated,” she said.
Hauwanga, who supported People’s Liberation Army of Namibia fighters during the liberation struggle, later established various businesses and continued to give back through development projects. Among his contributions is the construction of 96 houses at Ondjiva, many of which were initially given to Angolan families affected by their country’s civil war.
The award recognizes his general philanthropy, humanitarian spirit, and solidarity with the MPLA-led government, particularly during the country’s rebuilding years.
During the ceremony, Hauwanga expressed his gratitude, saying he was humbled to be acknowledged by a nation that once sheltered many Namibians during the struggle for independence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated Hauwanga on the honor he received from the Cunene provincial government. She highlighted his contributions, including the construction of schools, clinics, and 96 houses at Ondjiva for families affected by the civil war, which have improved many lives and strengthened regional solidarity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah commends Hauwanga for his compassion, generosity, and enduring partnership with the people of Angola, a nation she says shares deep historical and emotional ties with Namibia. His continued support and gratitude to Angola reflect true pan-African values, she says.