THE current chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Eddy Amkongo, will serve another five years.
His second term was endorsed by Parliament yesterday on the recommendation of President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
The appointment of three new PSC members was also approved. They are Wilma Deetlefs, a director in the Information Ministry, former high commissioner to South Africa Phillemon Kambala and Steve Motinga, a director in the Trade and Industry Ministry.Arnold Tjihuiko of the Nudo opposition party said yesterday the PSC had to ensure that Namibians had equal access to Government jobs. A few months ago virtually all Ministries reported that they have had a large number of vacancies for a long time, he said. ‘I don’t know why these vacancies cannot be filled with Namibians?’ Tjihuiko wanted to know.Philemon Moongo of the DTA said an accountable Government was needed in Namibia. ‘The PSC should have also advised the President on the Government Institutions’ Pension Fund (GIPF)’ and its current problems, Moongo argued.Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Peya Mushelenga said it was good that people from different backgrounds were appointed to the PSC.Deputy Works and Transport Minister Chief Ankama said public servants required guidance and that the PSC was responsible for disciplining Government officials who did not give sufficient commitment.Safety and Security Minister Nangolo Mbumba said the new appointees were people of integrity and with vast experience in the civil service. ‘They deserve to continue serving our country. They are committed dedicated and are doing their jobs quietly,’ Mbumba said. ‘I’ve known Ms Deetlefs since 1989 and she never was afraid to do additional work and to serve Namibians,’ he added. Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana said he supported the appointments. Trade and Industry Minster Hage Geingob said he also got to know the hard-working Deetlefs in 1989. ‘I am very happy she will now serve on the PSC,’ he told the House. ‘The other two, Kambala and Motinga, also bring a wealth of expertise and experience with them.’ A former PSC commissioner, Teckla Lameck, who is implicated in a fraud case with her own company Teko Trading and a Chinese company about airport scanners, had to take leave from her position at the PSC due to the pending case.Prime Minster Nahas Angula said he was glad that nobody in the House opposed the motion to appoint the new commissioners. After a two-hour debate the appointments to the PSC were passed.
