The first black chief executive officer of the Namibia Ports authority, Mr Sebby Kankondi was appointed. Kankondi will take up his post at the beginning of next month. He is the second CEO after NamPort was formed in 1994, following the return of the Walvis Bay enclave to the Namibian government. His predecessor, Mr Wessie Wessels held the position for almost ten years. According to rumours, his contract was not renewed, because the board of directors allegedly favoured a new CEO coming from a previously disadvantaged population group. Mr Kankondi studied mechanical engineering in Cape Town and worked as material and logistics coordinator for oil companies, which explored oil and gas offshore Namibia. He joined the Manica Group as project manager in 1996. He furthered his studies by completing a post-graduate degree in business administration and marketing management at the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Mr Kankondi advanced his career when he was appointed executive director for marketing, business development, sales and corporate communications at Manica. He is currently the chairman of NamPost and serves on the board of Manica. Just a few days after Mr Kankondi’s appointment NamPort also announced it appointed Mrs Dolly Nashandih-Endjambi as manager of human resources from 1 May. She holds various degrees and postgraduate diplomas. Mrs Nashandih-Endjambi was a part-time lecturer in human resources management at the Polytechnic for the past eight years.

A fishing trawler of NovaNam fishing company in Lüderitz sank off the coast last Sunday. The MFV Kongola had a crew 24 on board. They all could be rescued and brought to shore by other fishing vessels, where they are receiving trauma treatment. The MFV Kongola is a new vessel, acquired not so long ago. The course for the accident is not known. Experts from the marine directorate in the ministry of works, transport and communication will investigate the incident.

Standard Bank Namibia made 12.2 percent more profits during the past financial year. The amount of 156,8 million N$ was earned after taxation, compared to 139,7 million N$ the year before. A profit-based incentive scheme was introduced which enables all 1000 staff members to share in the good financial performance of the bank. Main areas of revenue growth were SBN’s hoe loan division, Stannic vehicle bank and corporate banking division. The bank’s newly introduced E-Plan account for mainly the mass market yielded results well above expectations. The good results were achieved only though the loyalty and support of SBN’s customers as well as the dedication of all staff, according to Standard bank’s new manager, Mr Theo Mberirua.