Aochamub in talks with NBC about top job

THE Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is in talks with the preferred candidate to take over the reigns at the beleaguered national broadcaster.

Albertus Aochamub confirmed to The Namibian on Tuesday that he was in discussions with the NBC, after he had been identified as the suitable candidate out of the three who were shortlisted for the position of Director General.Aochamub said he had signed no contract with the NBC as yet.He dismissed media reports that his negotiations with the NBC were about his remuneration package at the financially troubled broadcaster.He said reports that he was unhappy with the package he was offered were ‘factually incorrect’.News about Aochamub securing the NBC top job started appearing in the media a while ago linking his appointment to his apparent political connections in the ruling Swapo Party.Responding to questions from The Namibian about his potential move from MTC, where he is the Corporation Communications Manager, to the troubled broadcaster, Aochamub said: ‘The refrain that the appointment to the position is politically motivated is becoming stale and the negativity unfortunate.’He said it is unfortunate that the reports were about his political connections ‘as opposed to my track record of over ten years of management experience, meeting the academic qualifications stated and required (and) having managed complex organisations by, for instance, having started Iway from scratch which remains one of Namibia’s notable brands,’ he stated in an e-mail.The NBC has yet to say anything on Aochamub’s pending appointment to the DG position.Former NBC DG Bob Kandetu was let go in February, with the board alleging incompetence on his part following an incident in which the RDP flag was shown on television screens during a speech by President Hifikepunye Pohamba on December 31.Kandetu was not present when the incident occurred, but Swapo Information Secretary Jerry Ekandjo said it was orchestrated by members of the RDP to defame Pohamba.Kandetu has denied any involvement with the RDP throughout the saga.Former board chairperson Ponhele ya France, himself controversially removed, introduced Kandetu as DG during a press conference in 2006 and said at the occasion: ‘I would not do justice if I were to hide from you that the seat you are to occupy is a hot one, so hot that no one has ever occupied it and left in dignity.’ denver@namibian.com.na