By Kuzeeko Tjitemisa
WINDHOEK– The standoff between the Air Namibia Board and the suspended MD of the airline, Theo Namases, played out in the High Court last week on Friday where she challenged her suspension.
In documents submitted to court a week ago the embattled Air Namibia managing director indicated she wants to be reinstated.
However, Acting Judge Justice Unengu struck the application off the roll with costs for lack of urgency. The costs include one instructed and one instructing counsel.
Namases was represented by Dr Werner, Kauta & Hoveka while the Air Namibia Board was represented by Nixon Marcus Public Law Office.
In the urgent court application Air Namibia was cited the first respondent, Harald Schmidt the chairman of the Board of Air Namibia as the second respondent, Tim Ekandjo the board spokesperson as the third respondent, board member Erastus Hoveka the fourth respondent, Eveline Zimba-Naris a board member the fifth respondent and Florette Nakusera a board member, the sixth respondent.
Last month Air Namibia suspended Namases as well the general manager for airport services, Noks Katjiuongua.
Air Namibia has been peppered with allegations that that its board chairman, Harald Schmidt, has been interfering with the day-to-day operations of the company.
It was also alleged Schmidt’s intention was to remove Namases from her position as managing director and that he aims to transfer full accountability of managing the national airline to Rene Gsponer, who is the chief operations officer.
Gsponer, a Swiss national, was appointed to act as managing director until investigations are finalised.
Last month the acting president of the National Union of Namibian Workers, Connie Pandeni, called on President Hifikepunye Pohamba to fire the Minister of Works and Transport, Erkki Nghimtina.
The largest union federation in the country was reacting to an advertisement of the Air Namibia’s new management, which the union deemed unfit to hold such positions.