Ex-Namcor boss not interested in Hardap job FRED GOEIEMANSome Hardap regional councillors are reportedly lobbying for the appointment of former Namcor managing director Sam Beukes in the vacant chief regional officer position.
The regional council has been without an administrator since last year, when the council decided not to renew the contract of former CRO Yvonne Boois.
A well-placed source privy to council affairs told Namibian Sun that there is ongoing lobbying among the region’s political leaders to appoint Beukes when the position is eventually advertised.
The chairperson of the Hardap Regional Council management committee, Edward Wambo, denied any knowledge of such lobbying.
He told Namibian Sun that they had not even discussed the vacancy yet, as the former CRO had in the meantime declared a labour dispute following the non-renewal of her contract.
“Once the dispute is resolved we will advertise the chief regional officer position and any candidate feeling competently qualified enough can apply,” he said. After that the appointment would be in the hands of the Public Service Commission.
Approached for comment this week, Beukes said he was not interested in the position, adding that he was unaware that councillors were lobbying for his appointment.
“I was never approached by anybody and even if there are speculations of lobbying I am not aware of it. It is news to me. Besides that, even if I am approached, I am not interested, I have other things to do,” Beukes said.
Beukes was found guilty of gross financial mismanagement and neglect of fiduciary duties as the boss of Namcor, which led to his dismissal in November 2011.
The current acting chief regional officer, Tessa Basson, said she was also unaware of any immediate plans to fill the vacancy.
“I am not aware of any discussion about someone earmarked or a resolution taken by the Hardap Regional Council on plans to fill the position,” Basson said.