Grootfontein CEO axed

The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Grootfontein municipality, Kisco Sinvula, has been dismissed.

Council resolutions from Monday’s special council meeting show that the Grootfontein Town Council resolved to terminate Sinvula’s employment contract.

The resolutions were signed by four councillors only.

They are mayor Talitha Garises, chairperson of the management committee Elizabeth Kastoor, and Lodewikus Jacobs and Johanna Fillemon.

Three Swapo councillors did not sign the resolutions.

The council is divided.

The group pushing for Sinvula’s dismissal comprises Swapo councillor Garises, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) councillor Kastoor, and Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillors Jacobs and Fillemon.

The other group consists of former mayor Lovisa Iiyambo, Alfeus Nghikevali, and Victor Shandjuuka, who want Sinvula to remain the town’s CEO.

This group believes it is not wanted at the Grootfontein council, and is unfairly targeted because they are from a certain tribe.

“The employment contract of the chief executive officer, Mr Kisco Mbeha Sinvula, is terminated with immediate effect in terms of clause 15.1.2 of the employment agreement, dated 10 March 2020,” part of the resolution reads.

A council source on Wednesday said Sinvula will be given a notice of termination on Monday.

Sinvula was recently reinstated as CEO of the municipality by an order of the High Court, following his 14-month suspension due to allegations of misconduct.

The council has indicated in its resolution that Sinvula faces 27 charges, ranging from the abuse of authority, fraud and bribery to refusing lawful instructions, such as calling council meetings.

Sinvula’s phone has been off since Monday.

However, those close to the matter claim Sinvula is not wanted because he was not born at Grootfontein.

“The matter is tribally motivated, because even those who are not part of the council fight and shout at Sinvula when they see him,” a council source says.