Legal war erupts in Nust VC appointment
JEMIMA BEUKES
WINDHOEK
Professor Frednard Gideon’s assumption that he was the overall best performer in the recently-concluded Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) vice-chancellor interview is misconceived.
This is according to the university’s council, who through its lawyers yesterday responded to Gideon’s lawyer Sisa Namandje, who has indicated he would not shy away from taking the matter to court.
In a letter signed by Nust’s lawyer Patrick Kauta of Weder Kauta & Hoveka Inc., Gideon’s legal team was informed that a Joint Search Committee of Council and Senate on 12 November had recommended Dr Erold Naomab for the position to the Nust council.
The majority voted in favour and approved the appointment.
Pursuing the matter
“In the above circumstances and a contract of employment having been concluded upon acceptance of the offer, our client is legally unable to give you the undertaking you seek. Your request for full reasons why your client was not appointed despite being recommended for the position is obviated by facts set out,” Kauta said.
Namandje confirmed yesterday that his client will pursue the matter, but said the issue will not be discussed with the media at this stage.
“Unfortunately, I am not going to comment on that matter until it is in court. We will put up our case in court, but I am not going to discuss the matter at all,” Namandje said.
Noamab replaces Tjama Tjivikua, Nust’s first vice-chancellor, who left the institution last March after 23 years.
After his departure, the position was filled by Morne du Toit, who acted until his resignation late last year.
Nust then appointed Andrew Niikondo as acting vice-chancellor in May.
[email protected]
WINDHOEK
Professor Frednard Gideon’s assumption that he was the overall best performer in the recently-concluded Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) vice-chancellor interview is misconceived.
This is according to the university’s council, who through its lawyers yesterday responded to Gideon’s lawyer Sisa Namandje, who has indicated he would not shy away from taking the matter to court.
In a letter signed by Nust’s lawyer Patrick Kauta of Weder Kauta & Hoveka Inc., Gideon’s legal team was informed that a Joint Search Committee of Council and Senate on 12 November had recommended Dr Erold Naomab for the position to the Nust council.
The majority voted in favour and approved the appointment.
Pursuing the matter
“In the above circumstances and a contract of employment having been concluded upon acceptance of the offer, our client is legally unable to give you the undertaking you seek. Your request for full reasons why your client was not appointed despite being recommended for the position is obviated by facts set out,” Kauta said.
Namandje confirmed yesterday that his client will pursue the matter, but said the issue will not be discussed with the media at this stage.
“Unfortunately, I am not going to comment on that matter until it is in court. We will put up our case in court, but I am not going to discuss the matter at all,” Namandje said.
Noamab replaces Tjama Tjivikua, Nust’s first vice-chancellor, who left the institution last March after 23 years.
After his departure, the position was filled by Morne du Toit, who acted until his resignation late last year.
Nust then appointed Andrew Niikondo as acting vice-chancellor in May.
[email protected]
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