NSC budget delays CA appointment Spending freeze affects salary package A lack of money is keeping the Namibia Sports Commission from making decisions quicker. The chairperson of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), Joel Matheus, yesterday revealed that a lack of funds in the organisation has hampered the process of recruiting a new chief administrator (CA). He also expressed fear that the Ministry of Finance''s instruction to the Ministry of Sport to freeze planned spending on sport and youth affairs immediately could further delay the appointment.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, he pleaded for patience from the public and the sports fraternity with regard to the position.
“Yes, we have been faced with difficulties as far as recruiting someone in the position is concerned because of our financial situation.
“We are busy with three candidates who we believe have the right credentials to lead the commission.
“Therefore, we are busy assessing what we can offer as a package to whoever meets the requirements.
“This position is not lightly remunerated in view of the fact that it comes with many benefits.
“The announcement will be made once all the logistics and assessments have been made,” Matheus told Namibian Sun.
Prominent figures have been acting in the position since 2013 after Rusten Mogane was sacked due to irregularities.
The NSC headhunted several prominent officials but none of them was willing to take up the position on a permanent basis because of the responsibilities that come with the hot seat.
Shivute Katamba, Harold Fulle and Walter Haseb have all been acting in the lucrative position since Mogane''s departure.
Haseb is the current acting chief administrator and is due to return to his position as head of finance and administration once the recruitment process is done.
Cricket Namibia CEO Donavan Zealand, Fabian George and Freddy Mwiya are the short-listed candidates for the position.
Speculation is rife that Zealand is the frontrunner for the position and has the backing of deputy minister Agnes Tjongarero. Matheus denied the rumour, though.
“I know that the deputy minister said that she would love Zealand to take charge of the position because of his qualifications.
“I just want to make it clear that the board will not make a decision based on that, but because of the assessments we will make.
“Like I said, there are still many logistical issues we have to solve before we can make the final decision,” he reiterated.
When contacted for comment, Tjongarero said she wished a chief administrator could be appointed sooner. She also made no secret of the admiration she has for the Cricket Namibia leader.
“I did say that Zealand is a very good candidate, but I was not saying it to influence the decision of the board.
“I just hope that this can be concluded so that we have a permanent person in the position.
“The process must be sped up and if the candidates do not agree with the remuneration packages, the position can be re-advertised,” Tjongarero said.