Amutse probes NamPower MD post re-advertisement

Mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has demanded an explanation from NamPower after it reopened the recruitment drive for its managing director position, despite five qualified candidates having already applied.

In a letter dated 11 August, Amutse asked NamPower to explain why the position was being advertised afresh and ‘what exactly transpired’ during the initial recruitment process.

The minister told Namibian Sun that the decision caught him by surprise, particularly because NamPower had previously approached him seeking approval to commence the recruitment process on the grounds of urgency.

“It's very surprising to me that they are re-advertising. I mean, you have five candidates that have qualified and duly applied, what more do you want?” the minister said.

He added: “NamPower wrote to me months ago asking me to approve their intention to advertise the position, citing urgency, and because we do not want a leadership vacuum, I approved it, and now this.”

He said the decision had since prompted calls from members of the public questioning the motivation behind reopening the application process.  

“I have received so many calls from many people – some in academia and experts in different fields – since the media broke the story, with some suggesting that either NamPower's leadership doesn't want to work with some people or that they want a particular person who is not part of those that have applied,” he said.

Amutse stressed that these were concerns being raised with him but made clear that he himself was puzzled by the decision.

Five already in the race

Namibian Sun reported that the initial applicants include five energy-sector experts, namely Cenored CEO Fessor Mbango, NamPower transmission executive Leandro Kapolo, former NamPower chief operating officer Fritz Jacobs, Oshakati Premier Electricity (OPE) CEO Nelson Sheya and NamPower Modified Single Buyer executive Kandali Iyambo.

The initial application period closed on 24 July.

NamPower has since re-advertised the five-year position, saying the move was intended “to appeal to a larger talent pool given the limited number of applications received”.

Existing applications will remain valid and the five candidates will not be required to reapply. The new deadline is 28 August.

Amutse's demand for answers comes less than two months after he authorised the recruitment process.

In a letter dated 17 June and seen by Namibian Sun, the minister approved NamPower's request to begin searching for a successor to managing director, Simson Haulofu, whose term expires on 31 December.

When contacted for comment, NamPower board chairperson Clive Kavendjii appeared to get agitated and repeatedly questioned how this publication had become aware of Amutse’s letter to the power utility and refused to explain the reasons behind the decision to re-advertise the position.

"So, a letter is written to me, and you already know about it. How do you even know about this?” Kavendjii asked.

He then threatened to “report you to the media ombudsman”.