STAFF REPORTER
FORMER members of the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN) have challenged the decision by works minister Veikko Nekundi to fire them.
They says the minister’s decision fails to satisfy dictates of the Act and did not follow laid down procedures.
The former members of the council from 2022–2025 led by president Sophia Tekie, members Petrina Johannes,Blanche Kaber Hanstein, Mervin Kambanda and Erastus Shati-Haludilu wrote a letter seen by Namibia Business Review to Nukundi challenging the manner in which his decision was taken.
“The Council appointed in August 2022 was constituted in accordance with the Engineering Profession Act, 1986 (Act No. 18 of 1986). The Act provides for a four-year term unless shortened or extended by the
Minister upon Council recommendation. No such recommendation was issued. The Act outlines limited legal grounds for removal, none of which were invoked.
The dissolution occurred without prior notice, due process, or gazettal,” the said.
Nekundi sent the lot packing a few days ago without giving a comprehensive explanation for his decision.
They also argue the termination letters were not issued directly by the Ministry but were disseminated by the Registrar, raising concerns of administrative irregularity.
“Concerns with the Process of Dissolution
The manner in which the Ministry, through the Executive Director, communicated its intention to dissolve the Council—by routing the letter through the Registrar, who stands accused of misconduct, and allowing him to circulate it publicly on social media—was not only procedurally flawed but humiliating to the Council.”
They argue that the minister’s decision undermines both the rule of law and the principle of professional communication within government.
“This precedent is unprecedented in Namibia’s governance history and deeply troubling. This sets a dangerous precedent for all statutory bodies,” they said.
The letter also copied to president Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah said ample way of resolving the council can be achieved through resignation accepted by the Minister , insolvency or criminal conviction, mental incapacity ,unethical conduct or disqualification under the Act, absence without leave from three consecutive Council meetings and cessation of professional status or institutional representation.
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