Walvis plays ‘waiting game’ on suspended managers

Almost two weeks after Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes called on the municipality to rescind a decision to suspend two of its managers over a controversial agreement with Redforce Debt Management, his advice has not been heeded by the town’s acting CEO John Esterhuizen.

The municipality’s general manager for finance Frans !Gonteb was suspended on Wednesday, 8 May, alongside credit control manager Johanna Shidute, in order for a comprehensive investigation to take place into the Redforce contract.

Forbes has questioned the suspension of the two senior managers, flagging that the correct procedures were not followed.

Contacted for an update on Monday, Forbes said: “Processes and procedures need to be done correctly from the start. We are waiting to see what is next, but we are waiting on a positive outcome”.

Esterhuizen said the matter is presently under investigation through Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, who were appointed via a council resolution to investigate Redforce’s appointment on 7 May.

“All documentation, accounts and correspondence of an external and internal nature exchanged between the parties and employees has been provided to the office of the investigating lawyers,” he said.

The acting CEO added: “This is at present an ongoing process which stretches back to March 2022. There is also a High Court case instituted against the municipal council of Walvis Bay by Redforce. The nature of such litigation makes this matter sub judice and I respectfully cannot comment thereon at this stage”.

‘Political attack’

!Gonteb and Shidute have been suspended with full pay.

Shortly after his suspension, !Gonteb told Namibian Sun that his axeing was nothing but a personal and political attack.

“If the investigation is into the appointment of Redforce, why isn’t the acting CEO also being suspended? Why is it selective?” he questioned at the time.

!Gonteb added that Redforce was appointed by the acting CEO.

“The acting CEO made a mistake on the notice issued on the termination of the contract with Redforce, making reference to a council resolution. You need to ask where that council resolution is. The motion was supposed to be referred to the management committee as it has legal and financial implications. The mistake just needs to be corrected,” he maintained.

Unnecessary burden

!Gonteb further defended his stance against the appointment of Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, as he feels it places an unnecessary financial burden on the municipality.

“I do not understand why we as a council are still looking for advice on this basic, simple matter on which we as council are at fault, and we are not honest by correcting our own mistakes. Instead, we opt to create unnecessary legal costs,” he wrote in an email to his colleagues on the matter.

He had advised Esterhuizen to terminate the lawyers’ services because “you do not need legal advice for this”.

“Involve Redforce for a round-table discussion, specifically the leniency issue when it comes to collections. Procure the service of an investigator to investigate the whole process of appointing Redforce. The results of such an investigation will bring some peace of mind to some councillors and residents. Alternatively, invite the urban and rural development ministry or procurement policy unit to investigate,” he further suggested.