Keetmanshoop municipality refutes irregular governance & recruitment allegations

28 July, 2025

By: Hertha Ekandjo

Keetmanshoop municipality acting chief executive officer Gregorius Donovan Andries, has denied residents’ claims of irregularities in recruitment, asset management, and governance at the local authority.

Andries said all municipal actions are in line with regulations and council directives.

Among other residents’ concerns are the municipality’s alleged misuse of council vehicles, irregular tenders, and political interference in municipal operations.

Andries dismissed suggestions that council vehicles are used for personal purposes, saying all vehicles are used for official duties but he however acknowledged that some vehicles are unbranded for security reasons.

He said council strictly adheres to the recruitment and selection regulations while for ad hoc community projects currently underway, the municipality recruits from their existing database of job seekers.

“Council and the mayor’s vehicles are not branded due to security concerns. If a vehicle travels to a place like Cape Town and is visibly marked, it may become a target. That’s the reasoning behind it,” Andries explained, adding that the municipality is currently drafting an updated fleet management policy.

In response to allegations of a forged report submitted to the Development Bank of Namibia regarding a N$1 million high mast lighting tender awarded to Jason Iyambo, Andries denied any wrongdoing.

On the issue of controversial re-advertisement of the Executive Human Resources position, Andries confirmed that the process was re-initiated due to procedural flaws in the initial round, particularly the absence of a representative from the line ministry on the interview panel, as required.

“There was a misunderstanding between the supplier and the electricity department regarding light specifications. The incorrect lights were returned and replaced. No false documents were submitted.”

“Recruitment for senior positions must involve a ministry representative. That did not happen in the first process, so council referred it back. The position was re-advertised, and after shortlisting, only one candidate met the minimum qualifications,” he said.

The Keetmanshoop residents suggest that interference by council members and the LPM leadership has compromised administrative transparency and the acting administration head is accused of enabling these irregularities.

Meanwhile, the municipality’s financial state is worsening, with a bloated wage bill driven by politically connected temporary workers, while permanent staff endure victimisation and unfair treatment.

Written by: Hertha

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