CoW on CEO recruitment
The City of Windhoek (CoW) embarked on efforts to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced Chief Executive Officer in 2021 following the resignation of the previous incumbent.In a media statement, the CoW’s communications department said the process was administered by the Recruitment and Selection Regulations for Local Authority Councils: Local Authorities Act of 1992. “Following robust debate and consideration by Council, Council at its meeting of 12 October 2022 unanimously resolved to accept the recommendation of the interview panel and proceed with endorsing the recommended candidate Mr C. Lutombi.”
Chronology
• 31 October 2020 – The position becomes vacant following the resignation of the previous CEO
• Position was advertised on 30 April 2021 and again on 14 May 2021 in local newspapers with the closing date set for 31 May 2021.
• Sixty-one applications were received of which 16 applicants fully met the set minimum job requirements.
• Structured interviews held on 5 October 2021 culminating in recommendations from the interview panel.
• Numerous presentations/workshops and meetings were held wherein issues and concerns were addressed.
• Special council meeting held on 10 May 2022 resolves to endorse the recommendations of the interview panel regarding the highest-scoring candidate.
Challenges
“The position of CEO of the economic and political capital attracted interest from various stakeholders - as expected. Unfortunately, it also became a divisive topic politically and as a result, challenges which weren’t necessary of a technical nature but more political impacted the process adversely,” the media statement said.
“Council has proven that regardless of political or personal beliefs, challenges can be overcome and that consensus can be reached in the name of serving the greater good – which is ensuring that we deliver upon our mandate and serve the residents of Windhoek.”
Looking ahead
As a next step and by Regulation 28 (3) of the Recruitment and Selection Regulations for Local Authority Councils: Local Authorities Act and Section 27(1) of the Local Authority Act, 1992 (act 23 of 1992) a written submission shall be made to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development for consideration and endorsement.
With regard to a start date, the CoW said that “one wouldn’t want to speculate at this stage as we still await feedback from the Honourable Minister. The successful candidate would undoubtedly also need to serve notice with his current employer which is determined by his contract and conditions of employment which we are not privy to, however, we look forward and are confident that the CEO will be appointed soon.”