Niël Terblanché
Shiwana Ndeunyema will remain as the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia’s Acting Managing Director after the negotiation process with Lionel Matthews came to a dead end.
The negotiation process between Matthews and the Namcor Board of Directors started a few weeks after the dramatic suspension of Immanuel Mulunga from the position. The negotiation process started because the board made no formal offer to Matthews to act as the interim Managing Director.
A statement issued by Namcor’s board, confirms that Ndeunyema, the company’s Business Strategy Executive, will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the corporation while other candidates for the interim position are considered.
Muklunga’s suspension from his post at the beginning of April this year followed several calls for such action from different spheres of Namibian society and is the possible result of an alleged power struggle between him and Jennifer Comalie, Chairperson of the Namcor Board.
Comalie was arrested in March on charges related to the possession of illicit drugs that were found in her official vehicle.
Members of the Namibian Police acting on intelligence received from an informant affected the arrest after calling Comalie from a board meeting where the possible termination of Mulunga’s tenure as managing Director would have been discussed.
According to the latest statement, the Namcor Board will continue to provide regular updates to its stakeholders about the issue as the situation evolves.
“Namcor understands the importance of keeping its stakeholders and the public informed about ongoing developments, particularly with regard to the recruitment process for this crucial role. The Board and Executive Management remain committed to the long-term growth and success of the company, and we appreciate the ongoing support of our stakeholders,” the statement reads.
