The Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, has motivated for the reappointment of Employment Equity Commissioner Otniel Podewiltz for a one-year period, from April 2024 to March 2025, asserting that his departure would create a leadership vacuum.
Nujoma, as part of his motivation in Parliament, also mentioned that Podewiltz still has pending tasks to complete and is currently coordinating the amendment of a new bill.
He cited section 7(1) of the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act 29 of 1998, which allows for the reappointment of the Commissioner.
Podewiltz’s initial five-year contract is set to expire at the end of this month.
“In light of the previous Commissioner’s 20-year tenure, which included three consecutive term extensions, it is crucial to address several considerations regarding this reappointment request. The primary concern here is the future of the Employment Equity Commission, which is at risk if we fail to ensure a seamless transition and stability,” stated Nujoma.
He further noted, “Currently, and for a significant period now, the Commission has been operating without its immediate subordinate, the Deputy Director, who was promoted and joined the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“While the recruitment process for this position is ongoing, it remains incomplete. The next highest-ranking employee after the Commissioner is presently a Senior Employment Officer at Grade 8. With the Commissioner potentially leaving office, a significant leadership gap would arise, jeopardizing a smooth transition.”
“Although Adv Podewiltz was appointed for a five-year term, he did not have the opportunity to serve the full term due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, his role as Executive Director at the Ministry from January 2023 to September 30, 2023, impacted his ability to fully dedicate himself to the EEC,” Nujoma added.
Nujoma also emphasized Podewiltz’s instrumental role in conducting a comprehensive review of the systems and processes at the EEC since its establishment approximately 20 years ago.
“Consequently, the Commission developed a Turn-Around Strategy, the operationalization of which would be negatively affected if Podewiltz were to depart at this stage.”
