Diescho will know fate soon

The labour matter involving the executive director of the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), Joseph Diescho, and his employer will only be settled in 2016 when officials return from holiday. Diescho, a scholar, writer and political analyst, was shown the door by the Nipam board amid allegations of insubordination, failing to pay bills and overspending on his fringe benefits. Nipam board chairperson and Cabinet Secretary George Simataa announced that Nipam was “cordially” parting ways with Diescho with a severance package of N$3.6 million However, shortly afterwards Diescho showed up for work, saying that despite his public dismissal, he was still running the institution and would keep on doing so until procedurally dismissed. The police prevented him from entering the Nipam building, though. In response, Simataa told Namibian Sun that Diescho’s severance pay would be ready within a week However, weeks later Diescho said the matter had not been settled. “We haven’t settled yet because my bosses are on leave. It will resume once they return to work,” Diescho said. “The matter is now with the lawyers.” On whether he will continue showing up for work, he said: “I do not know. That depends on the negotiations.” Simataa could not be reached for comment as he is on leave. Diescho refused to accept the termination of his employment contract with Nipam, claiming that no agreement had been signed and legally he still worked for Nipam. Simataa hit back by saying as far as Nipam was concerned, Diescho was no longer running the show. Insiders have said that Diescho was victimised for his open-mindedness and criticism of the government in newspaper columns and public lectures. The saga led to traditional leaders in Kavango East and West – where Diescho hails from - calling their subjects to a tribal gathering in protest against Diescho’s dismissal and perceived government neglect of the regions. The protest action collapsed as the organisers fell out amid allegations of politicking and bribery.