Namibian cabinet has rejected information minister Stanley Simataa's plan to replace the MTC board this week. The term of the current board ends next year.

A document seen by The Namibian shows that Simataa suggested five new board members for Cabinet's consideration, while the remaining two would be appointed later.

The proposed names include electronics and communications engineer Conception Wasserfall, information technology expert Melanie Tjijenda, business management and leadership guru Ayesha Tjiueza, current board chairperson Elvis Nashilongo and chartered accountant Werner Schuckmann.

“Having applied my mind on the outcomes of the selection process and further having regard to issues about the competence and integrity of board members, and further conscious of the imperative for the requisite skills mix, I am considering recommending the following five candidates for consideration as board members,” Simataa said.

The minister added that the nominations need consideration of critical skills such as legal expertise, which at the moment are not provided for.

“Although the MTC board should comprise at least seven members, I am of the view that we should appoint five members for now, and leave space for two more members to be advanced by institutional investors such as the GIPF, who are likely to buy the shares,” the document stated.

“In our consultations, we will dwell on who among the recommended candidates should be considered for appointment as chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively, however, mindful of the weighty responsibilities of the board of a listed company,” he said.

The Namibian understands Cabinet rejected Simataa's submission on Tuesday this week.

When asked about his rejected proposal, the minister declined to comment, saying he will only do so during next week's media briefing on Cabinet resolutions.

“As I said, I am not going to provide you with any comment now until such time that next week's decision-making Cabinet has been concluded and the media briefing convened to announce the decisions of Cabinet,” he said.

The minister added that he was disappointed that the information would be published, stating that “the story was sourced illegitimately”.

“I must once again reiterate that as I have sounded to media institutions on several occasions, I expect the media to observe the established protocols in reporting on matters emanating from Cabinet,” Simataa said.

The government, through Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH), owns 100% of MTC's shares after it bought the 34% stake, worth N$2,3 billion, which was previously owned by Samba Luxco this year.