Tiri Masawi
Several of Namibia’s major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have begun recruiting for chief executive and managing director positions, aiming to end long periods of acting or interim.
Analysts prolong perioding of acting as chief executive officer or managing director hinder strategic decision-making.
At the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), leadership instability has been a recurring challenge since former managing director Immanuel Mulunga left the post in 2024. Maureen Hinda‑Mbuende, who served as interim managing director tasked with stabilising operations during the board’s search for a substantive appointment, saw her term lapse last Friday.
She has been replaced by Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, executive for upstream development and production, who was appointed acting managing director effective 1 March 2026. His tenure will continue until a permanent managing director is selected. The incoming executive will work with the board to develop and execute Namcor’s long-term strategy, ensure operational efficiency, strengthen governance, drive business development, and position the company at the forefront of the oil and gas sector. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in business, leadership, or sciences (NQF Level 9), at least seven years of executive management experience, and preferably experience in energy or oil and gas, with 3–5 years’ project management experience considered an advantage.
At the Social Security Commission (SSC), CEO Milka Mungunda has led the organisation for the past 10 years. Her contract expires in June, and the position has attracted 20 candidates so far, ahead of the 6 March application deadline. The role requires a master’s degree in finance, legal, or social sciences (NQF Level 9), a relevant basic degree, and at least ten years of senior management experience. The executive officer is responsible for providing strategic leadership and securing the long-term financial sustainability, social relevance, and institutional viability of the SSC in a changing social, economic, and technological environment.
Namibia Post Limited (NamPost) is also in transition. After the retirement of long-serving CEO Festus Hangula in August 2025, Eldorette Harmse has been serving as acting CEO. The board has received applications from several high-profile candidates, including Willem Mouton, NamPost Chief Operating Officer; Jennifer Comalie, City of Windhoek strategic finance executive; and Matthias Ngwangwama, former CEO of Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Recommendations for the appointment have been submitted to the responsible minister.
At the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), the Director General post became vacant in late 2025 after Stanley Similo stepped down. Interviews have been completed and a substantive appointment is expected in 2026.
Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) terminated CEO Dr Alisa Amupolo’s contract in late 2025 following an independent disciplinary hearing. Lelly Usiku continues as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Governance experts warn that prolonged acting leadership can hinder strategic planning and performance. Steve Galloway, chairperson of the Namibia Institute of Corporate Governance, said acting CEOs often operate with “limited mandates, uncertain tenure and reduced authority to implement meaningful reforms,” adding that long-term strategy requires “difficult trade-offs, restructuring decisions, and sustained stakeholder management” that are harder to execute when the top role is temporary. Corporate governance specialist Ntelamo Ntelamo added that organisations run on “autopilot” tend to defer major decisions and that prolonged acting spells often signal weak boards that fail to fill critical vacancies promptly.
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