Windhoek
The Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi is not happy with the manner in which the Polytechnic of Namibia Council sometimes handles its affairs.
Kandjii-Murangi’s displeasure was revealed to the council by its chairperson Evelyn Breuer during the last meeting held at the beginning of this month.
New Era understands the minister was particularly irked by the manner in which the issue concerning the vice-rector of academic affairs, Dr Andrew Niikondo, was dealt with.
In a document seen by New Era, Breuer told council members: “The minister held extensive consultations with me and the Vice-Chair of Council, and she expressed her displeasure with the way the council has publicly washed its dirty linen.”
Breuer said “internal matters” were not meant for public consumption.
“I believe what happened is the result of failure in judgment and practice of Council, and I believe we all learned a lesson from it and we are now wiser.
“The fact is not lost on us that the publicity has dented the image and reputation of the institution dearly. It is the Council’s duty to uphold the image and good name of the institution,” underscored Breuer.
Niikondo was on the verge of losing his job earlier this year when his employment contract came to an end. Initially council members could not reach agreement whether to renew his contract or not.
Niikondo claimed he was being victimized by the rector Professor Tjama Tjivikua, an allegation which split the council.
Council only reached common ground on the Niikondo issue when Kandjii-Murangi intervened as mediator. Council resolved to split the position of vice-rector for academic affairs and research into two, with Niikondo now set to take up the post of vice-rector: academic affairs.
The Polytechnic Council has been heavily divided the past few months, with most council members who are part of the polytechnic’s management siding against external council members.