Windhoek
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) says it will continue with its search for an eligible candidate to fill the position of statistician general, after the first round of interviews turned out not to be successful.
NSA board chairperson Florette Nakusera said the first round of interviews had no “substantive” candidates.
The announcement comes after the NSA board appointed one of its board members, Sikongo Haihambo, to act as the statistician general for the next six months.
The board did not explain why they removed the NSA director of demographic and social statistics, Liina Kafidi, who, with more than 20 years’ experience as a statistician, was appointed to act in the position after the departure of Dr John Steytler in January this year.
Steytler is now an economic advisor to President Hage Geingob.
“The board took the decision after the initial recruitment process to appoint a substantive SG was unsuccessful in identifying a suitable candidate,” said Nakusera said in a media release this week.
Haihambo confirmed his temporary appointment yesterday but was quick to point out that he was not interested in taking up the position on a permanent basis.
“This decision is in line with the provisions of the Statistics Act 9 of 2011, which states that if the office of the SG is vacant, the board must appoint another person with appropriate knowledge or experience to act as SG,” the NSA board said.
Haihambo holds a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA degrees, and the board is confident he will be able to lead the NSA during his six-month tenure.