Having regard to the matter of the appointment of a new CEO for the City of Windhoek, the Windhoek Ratepayers Association has decided to address the City of Windhoek on this issue by way of an open letter.

It appears that the City of Windhoek intends to appoint a CEO at an approximate remuneration of N$ 1,3 million per annum. Such at a stage when the City of Windhoek is not in its best financial situation, with substantial outstanding debts, amongst others, by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, and is already paying a substantial amount for salaries for its other employees alone. What substantiates and justifies such a remuneration?

Having regard to remuneration of other similar positions either in Government or in private enterprise, it appears that this remuneration offered is about double of what the remuneration for such comparable positions would be. It is thus with concern that the Windhoek Ratepayers Association notes such substantial amount offered. It needs to be added that it can be expected that apart from the remuneration offered, there will be other expenses to be paid, like travelling expenses. And it will come with no surprise that a lot of candidates have probably applied for such position.

It can only be hoped that the final election of a suitable person to this top position in the City of Windhoek would be well thought through and be based on a joint decision by Council.

It would therefore be appreciated if the City of Windhoek explains the reasoning behind such a substantial remuneration and possibly re-thinks whether such remuneration is justified and necessary.

Windhoek Ratepayers Association