Suspended Sinvula claims political witch-hunt
Refuses to accept decision, remains in office
"I have no objections against any investigations against me, because I know such investigation will result in nothing," the suspended CEO said.
Grootfontein CEO Kisco Sinvula says a decision by council to suspend him is a result of an existing political witch-hunt by the town’s mayor, Talitha Garises, and others in the local authority. He accused them of being under instruction of a third party, but refused say who.
This is contained in a press statement dated 26 March in which Sinvula argued that last Thursday’s decision to suspend him was politically motivated and does not comply with the requirements of the law.
He said he refuses to accept the suspension letter and will remain in office until council follows the proper procedures.
“I have no objections against any investigations against me, because I know such investigation will result in nothing. I am fully aware where and why the witch-hunt against my person originated and it is also common knowledge on whose behalf the mayor and her team are spearheading this stillborn course,” Sinvula said.
He said the decision to suspend him cannot be enforced as only three of the seven councillors on the council voted in favour of the motion, while the other four rejected it.
The Grootfontein municipality council consists of four Swapo members, two Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillors and one from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).
“The decision did not meet the quorum to enforce the suspension,” he explained.
Not true
Sinvula further alleged that Garises informed fellow councillors that the decision to suspend him was sanctioned by the line ministry.
It is also alleged there exists a leaked recording in which the claim is made, however Garises - when contacted for comment yesterday - denied making any such statements.
She said the minutes taken by the clerk on the day will vindicate her.
“Most of the things he said about the ministers wanting him suspended is not true. What the CEO has written in that letter is not true,” Garises said.
“All councillors were present and where he said one opposition member was on his side is also not true.”
Garises said Sinvula was suspended in terms of Personnel Rule 35 (2) of the Local Authority Act 23 of 1992.
Political ties
The suspension comes just days after Namibian Sun reported on the appointment of a law firm to represent council on legal matters, which - in a period of six months - raked in over N$800 000.
The law firm, Kangueehi and Kavendjii Incorporated, is co-owned by the Swapo Party’s Otjozondjupa regional mobiliser, Clive Kavendji.
Interestingly, Kavendji was the author of a 6 December 2021 letter which recalled Garises from the Grootfontein municipality. The letter was only revoked on 14 February.
Garises confirmed that the law firm’s appointment is amongst the reasons for Sinvula’s suspension.
“Yes, I can confirm that part of the allegations is to do with the law firm, but details will be provided by the investigation,” she said.
Other allegations Sinvula faces pertain to a failure to call council meetings.
Apart from being an administrator, Sinvula is heavily involved in politics, following his role as a member of the Swapo Party think-tank.
[email protected]
This is contained in a press statement dated 26 March in which Sinvula argued that last Thursday’s decision to suspend him was politically motivated and does not comply with the requirements of the law.
He said he refuses to accept the suspension letter and will remain in office until council follows the proper procedures.
“I have no objections against any investigations against me, because I know such investigation will result in nothing. I am fully aware where and why the witch-hunt against my person originated and it is also common knowledge on whose behalf the mayor and her team are spearheading this stillborn course,” Sinvula said.
He said the decision to suspend him cannot be enforced as only three of the seven councillors on the council voted in favour of the motion, while the other four rejected it.
The Grootfontein municipality council consists of four Swapo members, two Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillors and one from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).
“The decision did not meet the quorum to enforce the suspension,” he explained.
Not true
Sinvula further alleged that Garises informed fellow councillors that the decision to suspend him was sanctioned by the line ministry.
It is also alleged there exists a leaked recording in which the claim is made, however Garises - when contacted for comment yesterday - denied making any such statements.
She said the minutes taken by the clerk on the day will vindicate her.
“Most of the things he said about the ministers wanting him suspended is not true. What the CEO has written in that letter is not true,” Garises said.
“All councillors were present and where he said one opposition member was on his side is also not true.”
Garises said Sinvula was suspended in terms of Personnel Rule 35 (2) of the Local Authority Act 23 of 1992.
Political ties
The suspension comes just days after Namibian Sun reported on the appointment of a law firm to represent council on legal matters, which - in a period of six months - raked in over N$800 000.
The law firm, Kangueehi and Kavendjii Incorporated, is co-owned by the Swapo Party’s Otjozondjupa regional mobiliser, Clive Kavendji.
Interestingly, Kavendji was the author of a 6 December 2021 letter which recalled Garises from the Grootfontein municipality. The letter was only revoked on 14 February.
Garises confirmed that the law firm’s appointment is amongst the reasons for Sinvula’s suspension.
“Yes, I can confirm that part of the allegations is to do with the law firm, but details will be provided by the investigation,” she said.
Other allegations Sinvula faces pertain to a failure to call council meetings.
Apart from being an administrator, Sinvula is heavily involved in politics, following his role as a member of the Swapo Party think-tank.
[email protected]
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