Kuzeeko Tjitemisa

The City of Windhoek says the participation of former acting CEO George Mayumbelo in the recruitment exercise of a new administrative head was above board.

Mayumbelo, who recently relinquished the acting CEO role, is also the substantive strategic executive for human capital and corporate services at the municipality.

“It is common practice that a human resources expert remains involved and participates throughout the process in order to ensure consistency, fairness and transparency in the execution of the various stages of a comprehensive recruitment process of this nature,” current acting CEO Jennifer Comalie said in a statement yesterday.  A seven-member panel, which was chaired by Mayumbelo, earlier this month recommended that current Roads Authority CEO Conrad Lutombi be appointed as substantive Windhoek municipality CEO after scoring 80% in the interview.  The interview consisted of a public presentation, a structured interview and a psychometric assessment. Otjiwarongo municipality CEO Moses Matyayi scored the second-highest, and was recommended for the position should Lutombi decline the offer.

Matyayi scored 74%, and was followed by NamWater executive Eino Mvula with 71%. The other candidates Joyce Mukubi and Charmill Zamuee came fourth and fifth, respectively, with scores of 57% and 56%.  A local newspaper yesterday reported that some city councillors claimed the recruitment process was littered with irregularities, especially with respect to Mayumbelo serving on the interviewing panel.  Some councillors reportedly want the recruitment process to be started afresh.

However, the City said given the strategic importance as well as the seniority of the position being filled, it remains imperative that the most senior and experienced employees participate in the process.

Comalie said the composition of the shortlisting committee as well as the interviewing panel were determined in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Regulations for Local Authority Councils.

“Section 15 of the regulations guide with respect to the shortlisting committee, whilst Section 22 guides the composition of the interview panel. Both sections also guide the levels of permissible participation of councillors in these respective processes. Employee, affirmative action and union representatives as well as councillors participated as observers to the process,” she explained. In addition, she said, 87 000 members of the public observed and participated in the process by way of the public presentations, which were streamed live.

“It should be noted that the administrative process followed with regards to the recruitment of the CEO complied with the Recruitment and Selection Regulations for Local Authority Councils, Local Authorities Act of 1992 in all respects and aspects,” Comalie stressed.

“The attention in the recruitment process of the chief executive officer from various interest groups and stakeholders is, therefore, warranted. However, it remains a serious concern that there is a cabal with ulterior motives and selfish interests, which is hell-bent and seems committed to ensuring both the recruitment process and ultimately the organisation is derailed from its primary objectives of serving the residents,” she noted.  -ktjitemisa@nepc.com.na