Two years on, former CEO still waiting for his pay-out

KARIBIB’S former town clerk, Lourens Hoeseb, has still not received his severance package, more than two years after he was unceremoniously shown the door.

Hoeseb was suspended in 2004 and his contract was not renewed when it expired while he was on suspension. Frans Nghitila, spokesperson of the Ministry of Local Government, confirmed that Hoeseb’s contract was not renewed and that the Council was “still in the process of paying him out”.”Strictly speaking, it is a matter between the employer and employee.In this case between the Council and Mr Hoeseb.We were informed that the process will be finalised soon.If not, he has certain rights as prescribed in the Labour Act and he can take further steps,” Nghitila said.Hoeseb says he was suspended unfairly in 2004 and several investigations conducted at the Karibib Town Council have failed to finger him.He was receiving his full pay while on suspension but it was taken away when his term expired.Hoeseb told The Namibian that, besides having no proof of his guilt, the Council failed give him a chance to motivate the renewal of his contract, as prescribed by the labour law.”They must give reasons for the termination well in advance and also give me a chance to motivate the renewal.On May 11 last year they invited me for a presentation at short notice.When I asked for more time they dropped everything,” he said.His son, Rodney Lucas, said his father had a hard time coping while waiting for his severance pay, pension, leave and bonus money.Lucas said his father had 12 children in school and struggled to pay for their maintenance.Karibib Mayor Adelheid Hamukonda refused to speak to The Namibian about Hoeseb’s case.”I am not talking to the media over the phone.Make an appointment and come here if you want to talk to us,” she said when approached for comment.Frans Nghitila, spokesperson of the Ministry of Local Government, confirmed that Hoeseb’s contract was not renewed and that the Council was “still in the process of paying him out”.”Strictly speaking, it is a matter between the employer and employee.In this case between the Council and Mr Hoeseb.We were informed that the process will be finalised soon.If not, he has certain rights as prescribed in the Labour Act and he can take further steps,” Nghitila said.Hoeseb says he was suspended unfairly in 2004 and several investigations conducted at the Karibib Town Council have failed to finger him.He was receiving his full pay while on suspension but it was taken away when his term expired.Hoeseb told The Namibian that, besides having no proof of his guilt, the Council failed give him a chance to motivate the renewal of his contract, as prescribed by the labour law.”They must give reasons for the termination well in advance and also give me a chance to motivate the renewal.On May 11 last year they invited me for a presentation at short notice.When I asked for more time they dropped everything,” he said.His son, Rodney Lucas, said his father had a hard time coping while waiting for his severance pay, pension, leave and bonus money.Lucas said his father had 12 children in school and struggled to pay for their maintenance.Karibib Mayor Adelheid Hamukonda refused to speak to The Namibian about Hoeseb’s case.”I am not talking to the media over the phone.Make an appointment and come here if you want to talk to us,” she said when approached for comment.