AN investigation by the Employment Equity Commission (EEC) was launched into the Swakopmund Municipality's alleged unfair procedures in appointing a Municipal Traffic Chief.

The Namibian learned from reliable sources that Trudi Xoagus, who has been serving on the local Municipal Traffic Force for some years, submitted a complaint to the ECC, but when The Namibian contacted her for comment, she refused to give any.

Xoagus was one of several respondents to a Municipal advertisement for a "Manager: Traffic Services" in September last year after the retirement of long-serving Traffic Chief, Fanie Kruger.

The deadline for applications was on October 16 2009, which was followed by a shortlisting of candidates.

Only one applicant was shortlisted, and eventually appointed as Traffic Chief. It was Melvin Cloete, who has15 years experience in municipal traffic policing.

Regardless of who was appointed, Xoagus felt unfair procedures were followed by the Municipality in context of the Municipal Policy of Affirmative Action Policy - that neither she, nor any of the other applicants who met most of the requirements stipulated in the advertisement, were given a fair chance.

The questions that come to mind are: On what grounds was only one candidate shortlisted if others allegedly met the requirements? And do the existing procedures not collide with national employment equity policies?

The minimum requirements were "that the candidate must be in possession of a National Diploma (a relevant Masters Degree would be an advantage) in Traffic Management and Municipal Policing; be registered at the institute for Traffic Officers; [have knowledge of job-related computer programmes]; have four years relevant experience as a Traffic Officer; two years relevant experience as a Senior Traffic Officer; and experience in a Local Authority". The necessary drivers' licenses were also required.

The Namibian learned that Xoagus and other applicants allegedly met these requirements, with some even possessing Masters Degrees, while Cloete only possesses a Diploma, although he has about 15 years experience.

Swakopmund CEO, Eckart Demasius, also did not wish to expound on the issue, accept that he was aware of it.

"It's an internal matter and disciplinary proceedings will follow soon," is all that he would say, not identifying who the person(s) is/are that will face the disciplinary hearing.

The Namibian learned from reliable sources that a municipality may have its own "in-house policies" regarding recruitment procedures, and that this would be clearly stipulated in its policy.