SUSPENDED Helao Nafidi Town Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Christiaan ‘Chris’ Shivolo, is expected to receive his marching orders after a hearing found him guilty of illegally selling land at the bordering town of Oshikango.

The decision to dismiss Shivolo follows an eight-page recommendation letter by Legal Practitioner Silas Kishi Shakumu, in which he accuses Shivolo of illegally selling land to various businesses during June 2005 and June 2008.
Amongst those that Shivolo allegedly illegally sold land to are Northland Development Project, Fatima Plastics cc, Byblos Tradings, Tropikana Group, International Commercial and Councillor Phillip Namundjebo.
In the eight-page recommendation letter to Helao Nafidi Acting CEO, Mike Sheelongo, dated September 26, Shakumu writes that Shivolo’s conduct has irretrievably broken down his trusted relationship with the town council which will make any further employment relationships impossible.
“I therefore recommend that he (Shivolo) be dismissed because his conduct not only put the name of the town council in disrepute, but also dearly cost the town council hundreds of thousands of Namibian dollars, if not millions.”
The letter in Informanté’s possession goes on to say: “Full reasons of my findings will be made available on or before 5th October 2009, due to the expensive typing involved and training commitment of the Chairperson”.
The Chairperson of the hearing, which took place on 2 and 3 September at Helao Nafidi, was Ruben Phillander of Lorenz Angula Inc – the same law firm that happens to be the legal advisers of the Helao Nafidi Town Council.
Almost a year after his suspension, Shivolo was presented with misconduct charges in May.
After Helao Nafidi Mayor Pieter Carolissen, Sheelongo and accountant Cornelius Phillipus gave damning testimonies against Shivolo, a decision was taken not to renew Shivolo’s contract, which ends this year on October 18.
Although Shivolo was informed of the town council’s intentions not to renew his contract in July already, those in the know claim the letter of recommendations was merely a way of adding salt to injury.
“He (Shivolo) has already been told that the council has no desire to renew his contract, yet they want to dismiss him and further embarrass and destroy him,” said a source.
When called to comment, Shivolo said he had not been informed by the Town Council of intentions to dismiss him.
“I’m not aware of any such issue, but on the other hand I will not be surprised if such a decision is taken because my contract ends this month,” said Shivolo.
Attempts to get comment from Sheelongo provided futile as he was said to be in a long meeting.