Grootfontein set to get new CEO after three-year wait

The Grootfontein municipality is expected to finally have a substantive chief executive officer (CEO) from 1 October, though the successful candidate's name has not yet been made public.

This will end a leadership vacuum that has persisted since 2023.

Mayor Moritz Gaingob confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun, saying the appointment process had been concluded following engagement between the council and the urban and rural development ministry.

Gaingob said resolving the prolonged CEO vacancy was among the commitments he made to residents after taking office.

“At least now that we have taken over the office, in the first seven months I have made sure that Grootfontein must have their own full-time CEO, and that is what I have promised to the electorate. It is a done deal,” he said.

Gaingob said the council had followed up with the minister regarding recommendations made by the previous council on the appointment of a substantive CEO, asking the ministry to pronounce itself on the matter.

“I can confirm now with you. On 1 October, the substantive CEO will start. That is what I can confirm with your office,” Gaingob said.

He said the necessary documents relating to the appointment have already been signed by both himself and the minister.

“The minister has also endorsed the appointment. In consultation with the council, according to Section 11 of the Local Authorities Act,” he said.

Gaingob did not disclose the identity of the incoming CEO but described the appointment as a significant step towards restoring permanent administrative leadership at the town council.

Acting leadership

Indileni Lungameni has been serving as Grootfontein's acting CEO since 2023, following the dismissal of former CEO Kisco Sinvula during the same year.

At the time, council resolved to terminate Sinvula's contract, indicating that he faced 27 charges ranging from abuse of authority, fraud and bribery to refusing lawful instructions, including instructions to convene council meetings.

Meanwhile, in 2025, Lungameni revealed that 30 candidates had been interviewed for the substantive CEO position, but none met the minimum required score.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said appointing a substantive CEO could bring much-needed stability, continuity and accountability to the municipality.

However, he said it was concerning that such a critical position had remained vacant since 2023.

“The appointment is long overdue, and the new CEO will have a lot of work to do to restore effective administration and public confidence,” Kamwanyah said.

Cheaper erven

Gaingob said council had also taken a resolution to reduce the prices of residential plots, which he said would make land more affordable for residents.

He said plots that previously cost about N$70 000 could be reduced to between N$28 000 and N$30 000 for a 400-square-metre residential plot.

The mayor further highlighted infrastructure and social development projects underway or planned in the town, including the construction of a hostel and a new secondary school, while road infrastructure projects are also in the pipeline.

He said the council had established a facility for informal traders, which is expected to provide a designated space for vendors currently operating in town.