The Gobabis municipality in Namibia has faced criticism for spending N$589,153 in legal fees to handle a disciplinary dispute involving an alleged daily subsistence allowance of N$6,000. This significant expenditure has raised concerns among councillors, who question the proportionality of the costs to the original dispute. The municipality has defended its actions, stating that the disciplinary proceedings were conducted in accordance with its staff rules.
Two municipal employees were suspended in September last year and remain on full pay, facing allegations of fraud and insubordination. Councillor Wynand Lukas has expressed concerns to the minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, regarding the costs and procedures followed. Lukas estimated that disciplinary committee expenses, excluding medical and related costs, were around N$76,000 between April and August.
However, municipality spokesperson Frederick Ueitele disputes Lukas' figures, stating that they do not correspond with the council's official records. Ueitele explained that the proceedings were conducted according to Rule 36(1) of the Municipality of Gobabis Personnel Rules, which provides for a formal disciplinary inquiry by a duly constituted committee. External members were appointed to the committee to ensure impartiality and independence.
The disciplinary committee is still conducting its inquiry and will make recommendations on possible sanctions to the management committee once the process is completed. The municipality emphasized that details cannot be released prematurely, as this could compromise the integrity and fairness of the process. Councillor Veronia Mokaleng-Kuzeeko has questioned the length of the suspensions and the financial burden on the municipality.
Mokaleng-Kuzeeko also expressed concern that no investigation report has been tabled before the council, despite the employees facing serious allegations. During a meeting with the ministry, it was proposed that the disputed daily subsistence allowance be recovered from the suspended employees' salaries rather than through continued suspension. Mokaleng-Kuzeeko emphasized the need for oversight of the council budget and accountability for every dollar spent.
The councillor linked the matter to Gobabis' financial reporting challenges, noting that seven years of audited financial statements remain outstanding. Consultants have been brought in to assist with the process. Mokaleng-Kuzeeko stated that while councillors are not against the suspension, spending so much on legal fees for a relatively small amount is unacceptable.
The Gobabis municipality's expenditure on legal fees has sparked questions about the cost-effectiveness of pursuing the disciplinary matter. The municipality's actions have been defended as being in line with its staff rules, but the high costs have raised concerns about the allocation of resources. The outcome of the disciplinary inquiry and its implications for the municipality remain to be seen.
Key points
- The Gobabis municipality spent N$589,153 in legal fees handling a dispute over N$6,000.
- The disciplinary proceedings were conducted in accordance with the municipality's staff rules.
- Councillors have raised concerns about the proportionality of the costs to the original dispute and the financial burden on the municipality.
