ELIASER NDEYANALE and SHINOVENE IMMANUEL NIPAM executive Michael Tjivikua (57) believes the chief executive job at a state-owned research and science agency, which is lined up for his brother Tjama Tjivikua (62), was snatched away from him by his sibling.
The Namibian understands that Tjama, former vice chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust), is leading the race to be appointed as chief executive officer at the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST).
This has left Michael fuming.
Michael reportedly confided to associates that he feels his brother snatched the CEO job from him in broad daylight.
Michael says he is surprised by minister of higher education, training and innovation Itah Kandjii-Murangi’s decision to appoint his brother as chief executive officer at the national research agency.
“Truth be told, I applied for the position of chief executive officer of NCRST. It was also reported widely that I was the successful candidate. I applied for that position firstly because I am a bona fide Namibian,” Michael says
Michael says he has unique qualifications to lead the commission, and leadership and managerial skills to make it a successful organisation.
He says he applied for the position because he is passionate about contributing to the national development agenda of Namibia.
“I am uniquely qualified to do that,” he says.
Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Lincoln University in the United Kingdom, a master’s degree in education, as well as a PhD from the University of Massachusetts, specialising in international education and development.
He is a former lecturer of the University of Namibia and Nust, where he became the founding director of the centre for teaching and learning.
He also worked for the Office of the Prime Minister as chief policy research analyst, and chief education officer in the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation.
Kandjii-Murangi is reportedly pushing for Tjama’s appointment.
A letter dated 23 September 2020 sent to Kandjii-Murangi shows the shortlist for the position of chief executive officer included Erold Naomab, Elias Shanyengana and Romanus Kawana.
“The board further noted at its meeting of 19 May 2020 that interest was expressed in Tjama Tjivikua at the time of evaluating candidates for shortlisting,” the letter said.
“The board further took note that neither the board nor the interview panel had received the required documents of the candidate (Tjivikua) at the time the evaluation process started,” the board told the minister.
Tjama served as vice chancellor of Nust from 1996 until his retirement in2018.
Kandjii-Murangi yesterday said: “I am not the board. If you want anything, get back to the board.”
Efforts to get comment from Tjama were unsuccessful.
