TIRI MASAWI
Justice and labour relations minister Filemon Wise Immanuel has halted the recruitment process for the Social Security Commission (SSC) executive officer position.
The position is one of the highest-paying jobs in the state-owned enterprise sector, with an annual package of more than N$2 million.
The recruitment process, which was launched in March, attracted interest from several senior executives before it was stopped.
Among those linked to the position were Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) general manager for operations Elvis Nashilongo, former Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) chief executive officer Kapena Tjombonde, former Old Mutual executive Ndangi Katoma, and businessman Ndeulipula Hamutumwa.
Approached for comment on Monday, SSC board chairperson Markus Kampungu confirmed that the process had been halted.
“We have actually stopped that process and we are waiting for the minister to decide. I am not privy to the reasons why he suspended the process but we are only waiting for him to give us go ahead,” Kampungu said to Namibia Business Review.
While the reasons behind the decision remain unclear, sources said the minister is considering broadening the scope of requirements and competencies for the position.
Kampungu said the board has not been informed whether the suspension is linked to possible changes in the role.
“I am not sure whether the decision to stop the process has anything to do with broadening the scope of the work or expectations from the candidate but we will wait for the minister,” he said.
The recruitment process was launched on 6 March as SSC began searching for a replacement for long-serving executive officer Milka Mungunda, who has led the institution for 10 years.
The appointment comes at a time when SSC is undergoing a transition after the government directed the commission to take over the management of the N$3.9 billion Public Service Medical Aid Scheme (Psemas). Namibia is currently implementing a National Pension Fund (NPF) and National Medical Benefit Fund (NMBF) via the Social Security Commission to expand social coverage to all workers, including the informal sector. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Global Accelerator to enhance social protection.
In the original advertisement, SSC said the Executive Officer would be responsible for providing strategic leadership and executive direction to secure the long-term financial sustainability, social relevance and institutional viability of the commission.
The commission said it was looking for a candidate with strong strategic leadership and vision, including the ability to think long term and align organisational activities with business objectives.
The successful candidate was also expected to demonstrate sound judgement, accountability and the ability to balance short-term operational demands with long-term sustainability.
SSC further said the candidate should be able to analyse complex issues objectively, apply commercial judgement, understand stakeholder needs and communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
Some of the individuals linked to the position on Monday distanced themselves from the process.
THE CANDIDATES
Nashilongo said he was not interested in commenting on the matter.
“On this issue I am simply not interested. I have nothing to comment on that issue,” he said.
Hamutumwa denied any interest in the position.
“I am not interested in government jobs my brother, they make people old to weary. I run a very successful business. Why would I want to leave that? This kind of thing might even disturb employees at my business. So for you I will tell you straight that I am not interested in this,” he said.
Katoma said he would respond later after reviewing the questions sent to him.
“I am driving. I cannot say anything for now. I will look at the questions you emailed me in person and revert to you when I settle down,” he said.
Tjombonde did not respond to questions.
Justice and labour relations minister Immanuel also did not respond to questions.
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