Governor's council plunged into confusion The advisory council of the governor of the Hardap Region has been plunged into confusion following a text from their boss. They are not sure whether they are on holiday or jobless. The message sent by Governor Esme Isaack reads: “Good morning Honourable members. Please take note that I devolved the council as from today until further notice. I thank you all and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. God blessings! [sic]”
Hoandi !Gaeb, Gerhard van der Merwe, Sima Luipert, Uhuru Dempers, Alfred Dax, Paul Nghiwilepo and Reverend Willem Simon Hanse, who is the chairman of the advisory council, were all utterly confused by this message, with some fearing the council had in fact been dissolved and they were fired.
The council was thrown into confusion by the use of the word ''devolve''. Two members who spoke to Namibian Sun said there is a major difference in the meanings of “resolve”, “absolve”, “devolve” and “dissolve”.
According to the English Learner''s Dictionary, “devolve” is defined as “to gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state: to pass (responsibility, power etc.) from one person or group to another person or group at a lower level of authority: to be given to someone after the owner has died.”
Some members said they hoped the notice suggested a recess until New Year.
However, some of the members are not happy with the goings-on in the region.
They say Isaacks wants “zombies that clap hands”.
“People don''t like critical people!” one said.
The affected members suggested someone should advise the president to shake up the cabinet and the regional leadership. “Autocracy is killing us,” it was argued.
Members of the public in the Hardap Region said on social media that the launching of small projects throughout the year was the governor''s job. “No strategy and vision, and not articulated where she wants to see the region. It''s a shame,” said one comment in reaction to her “devolving” the advisory council.
Alfred Dax, special advisor to the governor who was also part of her advisory council, confirmed that he too received the text message.
“The governor''s advisory council was said to be devolved and not dissolved and this places me in uncertainty,” he said.
Asked about a possible reason why the advisory council was dissolved, Dax said: “You are asking me something that I totally don''t know. I have no idea what prompted the decision.”
FRED GOEIEMAN