Rundu: Urban and Rural Development Minister, James Sankwasa, does not support the Rundu Town Council's (RTC) plan to extend current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Olavi Nathanael's contract for another five years. He advised the council to advertise the position to ensure a transparent and competitive recruitment process.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa expressed opposition to the CEO's contract extension, stating it was driven either by nepotism, tribalism, or political ties, rather than performance. He told Nampa on enquiry Monday that he has no personal opinion on the matter, calling it a legal issue, and stressed that anyone who misinterprets the law does so at their own risk.
Nathanael was appointed on a five-year contract, beginning 03 May 2021 and ending 02 May 2026. The council notified the minister on 07 October 2025 of its intention to renew Nathanael's contract on the recommendation of the management committee and in line with section 27(3) of the Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992. The RTC also informed the minister that a performance evaluation for Nathanael was conducted on 16 September 2025 based on the adopted strategic plan objectives and key performance indicators. A report from that evaluation was also attached for his attention.
Council stated that, having supervised the CEO for the past five years, it believes it is best positioned to decide whether retaining Nathanael serves its interests. Nathanael formally accepted the contract extension on 07 October 2025. However, on 27 October 2025, Sankwasa informed the RTC that renewing the CEO's contract under council resolution No:096/03/10/2025/08/2025 is not advisable at this stage. He said the renewal of a CEO's contract should be based on provable work performance in terms of the Performance Management System.
'Currently, Rundu is one of the dirtiest and poorest service-rendering councils in the country,' the minister stressed. Council then sought legal advice to determine whether the minister has the mandate to disapprove a CEO's contract extension.
On 07 November 2025, the council received a legal opinion from its lawyer, Nuncia Sikongo, stating that the council's renewal resolution is lawful under section 27(3) of the Act and contractually valid. Sikongo added that the minister's objection is advisory and non-binding, though it should be formally acknowledged and responded to in writing.
'All supporting records should be filed for audit and litigation preparedness. Should the conflict persist, a declaratory order may be sought to confirm the council's autonomy in renewal decisions,' she said. She further advised that, as a matter of administrative prudence, the council should maintain transparent communication with the ministry, while firmly asserting its statutory mandate.