Allexer Namundjembo
The acting chief executive officer of the Gibeon Village Council (GVC), Pederius Tjihireko, defended the recent termination of staff contracts, saying the decisions were made in line with internal procedures and legal frameworks.
Two employees, a debtors’ clerk and an administrative staff member, had their contracts terminated earlier this week.
Their departures have raised questions among residents and community activists about what may be causing the wave of staff exits.
Tjihireko said the terminations followed provisions set out in the Labour Act and the Local Authorities Act.
“Any affected individuals who feel the termination was unjust have the right to seek redress through a court or tribunal, as guaranteed by the Namibian Constitution,” he said.
He emphasised that personnel matters are confidential, and the council would not disclose details about individual cases.
“If any terminated staff member chooses to disclose the reasons behind their termination, it is their personal decision,” he said.
Tjihireko also responded to broader concerns about resignations at the council, stating that resignations occur in many workplaces and can be driven by different factors, including personal choices or other job opportunities.
One administrative staff member reportedly resigned within 24 hours after a colleague’s contract was terminated.
On the question of union representation, Tjihireko explained that employees who are members of a registered trade union have the right to elect a shop steward in line with the Labour Act.
He dismissed claims of staff intimidation or low morale, saying his office had not received any formal complaints.
“Any claims of such issues must be substantiated with evidence,” he said.
Tjihireko also addressed delays in disciplinary processes, saying they are not specific to GVC and are often influenced by both internal dynamics and external requirements.
The Gibeon Village Council has been operating without a permanent CEO since 2023.
The vacancy remains unfilled, and Tjihireko continues to serve in an acting capacity.
He said the recruitment of a substantive CEO is subject to ministerial approval as outlined in the Local Authorities Act and the gazetted Recruitment and Selection Regulation.
He also said the council had budgeted for the acting CEO position and dismissed concerns about additional costs.
Community activist Johannes Araeb said the leadership gap is affecting service delivery and development in the area.
“If two employees can be fired like that, it is either they are the problem or the management is the problem,” he said.
Araeb urged the council to appoint a permanent CEO and to focus on addressing residents’ concerns.
“The development here is slow. Maybe things will change,” he said.
