The National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (Fishcor) will re-advertise the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after all 63 applications who applied for the position, failed to meet the requirements.

A statement issued Wednesday by the Ministry of Public Enterprises said the position became vacant in 2019 when former CEO Mike Nghipunya was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Fishrot corruption scandal, and certain legal complications needed to be overcome before the position was finally advertised in November 2020.

Sixty-three applicants responded to the advertisement, of which 10 candidates were shortlisted and requested to do a psychometric test by an independent industrial psychologist.

Of the 10, five fell out and the other five candidates were interviewed on 23 April 2021, after which a full report was submitted to the Minister of Public Enterprises on 05 May 2021 for recommendations.

“Following the due diligence and considering the crucial importance of filling the position with a person that presents the most preferred profile, the Ministry of Public Enterprises and the Fishcor board consulted on 02 July 2021 and concluded that none of the candidates presented such and it would be in the best interest of the company to re-advertise the position,” the statement read.

It further said interim Fishcor CEO Ruth Herunga, who was appointed in April 2021, did not apply for the position during the first round and will not be eligible to do so during the second round due to the fact that she is a sitting board member of the company.

Due to the existing leadership vacuum in the company, the board has in the meantime requested her to continue acting as caretaker CEO until a suitable replacement is identified.

Source: Namibia Press Agency