Martin Endjala
The Karasburg Town Council continues to have back-and-forth push factors, as the Chief Executive Officer saga continues to take centre stage. Staff members are now divided about who’s instructions to follow.
The current substantive CEO Nico Titus who returned from his suspension in connection with N$10 million allegedly diverted from the council’s bank accounts into private pockets, was denied entry into the premises on on Monday.
The Mayor, Maria Veldskoen insists that they do not recognize him, despite the lapse of his suspension.
During Titus’ suspension, Hansina Isaacks was appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer for the Karasburg Town Council, an appointment that was not well received by members of the community and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, citing unprocedural appointments.
Veldskoen has since expressed her disappointment towards the staff members, saying that it has become a common practice at the Council since June 2023 that staff members refuse legitimate instructions from Council as well as from the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hansina Isaacks.
“You are once again reminded that the Acting CEO has been legitimately appointed and as such, refusal to carry out reasonable and lawful instructions from Isaacks will result in corrective actions instituted against you,” said Veldskoen.
This, she said similarly applies to the Office of the Mayor of the Town Council of Karasburg as well as to all staff members of the Karasburg Town Council.
She said that any instructions from Titus or any action by him on behalf of the Karasburg Town Council is unlawful, invalid and of no effect.
She further said that those associating themselves with instructions from Titus and or acting contrary to the will of the Karasburg Town Council shall be subjected to corrective measures.
Veldskoen also said that rude behavior from staff members towards members of the public or her office will not be tolerated, adding that such conduct is in breach of the employment relationship.
“Staff members are therefore called upon to change their conduct with immediate effect. You are cordially called upon to conduct yourselves professionally and to carry out your duties diligently and efficiently, “Veldskoen added.
Titus told this publication that he is the legitimate accounting officer, appointed by the council and recognized by the urban ministry.
Some staff members are reported to be on Titus’ side and only follow his instructions, while refusing to follow Isaacks’ instructions, causing division at the Town Council.
