WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT
The investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into the appointment of Erenstine Kalomo at the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) has been put to bed.
The controversial appointment of Kalomo in 2008 as Agribank's company secretary came under scrutiny when it was revealed that she got the job at the expense of other candidates who allegedly outperformed and outscored her during the interview.
Notemba Tjipueja was ranked above all candidates with 78%, followed by Descartes Kauta, Melki-Zedek Uupindi and Moses Ndjarakana.
Kalomo came in fifth place during the interview process. Barely a year after being appointed she was promoted to legal adviser at Agribank and her salary was doubled, which made her one of the best-paid employees at the bank.
During a strike last year at Agribank, workers expressed outrage over Kalomo's appointment, which they said was not done above board.
However Agribank said everything was done by the book and that Kalomo was chosen because she showed potential, for her gender, demographics as well as other qualities.
At the beginning of last year the Anti-Corruption Commission decided to officially look into the matter. The deputy director of the ACC, Erna van der Merwe, yesterday said that the matter had been closed due to insufficient evidence.
