Africa-Press – Namibia. Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has stepped in to resolve the suspension of Henties Bay CEO Elizabeth Coetzee.
Coetzee was suspended in October 2023 over several serious allegations detailed in a leaked report.
This includes theft, fraud, gross negligence and financial mismanagement linked to subsistence and travel claims.
She faces allegations of irregularly awarding a contract to Red Force without following bidding procedures and leaking confidential council information in 2021.
The matter has sparked division within the community and drawn ministerial attention, prompting the minister to intervene.
Sankwasa, who was in the Erongo region last week, held lengthy deliberations with the council on Friday.
He told New Era that the line ministry cannot turn a blind eye to the prolonged suspension.
“As the line ministry, we cannot turn a blind eye to the unrest and allegations surrounding this issue. We want to ensure that governance is upheld. If there are grounds for reinstatement or disciplinary action, that must be done in accordance with the law,” he told New Era.
He said the ministry is not interfering in council matters but ensuring due process is followed to guarantee transparency, justice and good governance.
“An employee cannot remain in limbo for over two years without a proper hearing. As per human resource regulations, suspensions must be either precautionary or followed by disciplinary action. Right now, the CEO is effectively under punitive suspension, which goes against labour laws and best practices. We will meet under my chairmanship to resolve this matter amicably,” the minister said.
The controversy dates to February this year when former minister Erastus Uutoni issued a letter to the council chairperson.
He stated that the prolonged suspensions were in violation of established regulations.
In that letter, Uutoni urged the council to reinstate both officials or ensure their disciplinary hearings proceed without delay.
However, the council still did not follow the recommendation, prompting further frustration from residents, who recently petitioned the ministry.
In response, Henties Bay mayor Lewis Vermaak dismissed claims that the council defied ministerial instructions.
“There was no insubordination. This matter remains under review. We are committed to upholding due process and legal protocols,” he stated earlier.
He said the council had not yet reinstated Coetzee and Amunyela because the process is still unfolding administratively.
“This decision requires a careful review, strict adherence to legal instruments and an examination of all relevant factors. We are committed to fairness, transparency and governance principles,” Vermaak said during a press conference.
He denied claims that the council deliberately ignored the directives, saying all actions taken thus far have been in line with the law.
“We understand the community’s concerns, but governance decisions must be based on legal and procedural fairness rather than external pressures,” he stated.
Apart from Coetzee, finance manager Lifas Amunyela has been on suspension since July 2023 with full benefits.
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