Andrew Kathindi
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has postponed interviews for the next Ombudsman indefinitely as one of the shortlisted candidates was hospitalised.
“Following the placement of the notice in the media, the JSC on 20 July 2021, received a written communication from a candidate shortlisted in which the JSC was informed that the concerned candidate was hospitalized and was thus unable to attend the interview,” JSC Public Relations Officer, Selma Mwaetako, states.
Secretary to the National Council, Tousy Namiseb, lawyer Ruth Herunga and Legal Officer at Justice Ministry Basilius Dyakugha have been shortlisted. According to Mwaetako a new date for the interview would be communicated in due course. Affirmative Repositioning (AR) earlier this week called out Herunga questioning her proximity to the ruling Swapo Party of Namibia. “We take note of the opportunist in the form of some corrupt political stooges, particularly a SWAPO functionary, election mobiliser and member of its opponent strategy team, Ruth Herunga, a well-known Swapo functionary and State House stooge was shortlisted for the Ombudsman position, after fatally failing to be successfully deployed as the Prosecutor General last year, and recently falling short of becoming a CEO of Fischcor , where she is serving as an interim board member after being deployed to cover up further exposure of the FishRot scandal at the state fishing enterprise,” AR spokesperson Simon Amunime said.
AR leader and Windhoek Mayor equated Herunga to “Narcissistic Disorder”. Current Ombudsman, John Walters, serving his final month officially retires on 31 July after nearly 20 years in the post.