Today marks 11 days since the cut-off date for applications by those wanting to hold the top position at the state broadcaster, and the NBC board now has to go through approximately 24 applications to come up with the most suitable candidate to shape up the cash-strapped institution.

"We still have some work to do," Board Chairperson Ponhele ya France told The Namibian yesterday.

"First, in fact, the board executive has to meet, and the procedures to be followed decided on," he said.

These, he said, includes short-listing the most suitable candidates and deciding on a date for the interviews to take place.

Among the names vying for the top spot are NBC Acting Director General Stanley Simataa, who's been seconded to the NBC - apparently at no cost to them - by the Ministry of Education, where he holds the position of Permanent Secretary.

His resume is said to be lying with those of the NBC General Managers for Radio and Television, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi and Claudia Iikela respectively, as well as former NBC Controller for News and Current Affairs, Penny Uukunde.

The NBC has been without a permanent Director General since November, when then DG Gerry Munyama was forced to resign as a result of alleged fraud committed by him against the NBC, which cost the institution N$345 995,88.

Munyama is set to stand trial on charges of fraud, or alternatively forgery and uttering, on March 29.

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