NBC chief jumps before he’s pushed

THE Namibian Broadcasting Corporation has accepted the resignation of its suspended Director General, Gerry Munyama.

On Friday afternoon, the national broadcaster’s Board of Directors issued a statement announcing Munyama’s resignation. The resignation came 10 days after Munyama’s suspension on charges of alleged mismanagement and misconduct.He was suspended with immediate effect following an urgent meeting of the board called on November 15 at which, the board said, it had uncovered “serious mismanagement” on the part of Munyama.Munyama is alleged to have diverted N$345 995,88 from a fraudulently opened NBC Executive Account for personal gain.Munyama had sole signing rights to the account.By resigning, Munyama avoids a disciplinary hearing, which was to take place tomorrow, on which he would have had to answer to internal charges.According to well-placed sources, Munyama also owes the broadcaster around N$70 000 in exceeded entertainment allowances and subsistence and travel allowances.NBC Acting Director General Ponhele ya France earlier told The Namibian that in terms of negotiations between the NBC’s and Munyama’s lawyers about his resignation, he would have to acknowledge responsibility for paying back this money.Police have also been investigating a criminal case of fraud and forgery against Munyama since his suspension, but no arrest has been made.Ya France will remain as Acting Director General until the NBC board decides on a new Director General.Ya France said yesterday that the board would meet during the second week of December, and that the appointment of a new DG would be discussed then.The resignation came 10 days after Munyama’s suspension on charges of alleged mismanagement and misconduct.He was suspended with immediate effect following an urgent meeting of the board called on November 15 at which, the board said, it had uncovered “serious mismanagement” on the part of Munyama. Munyama is alleged to have diverted N$345 995,88 from a fraudulently opened NBC Executive Account for personal gain.Munyama had sole signing rights to the account.By resigning, Munyama avoids a disciplinary hearing, which was to take place tomorrow, on which he would have had to answer to internal charges.According to well-placed sources, Munyama also owes the broadcaster around N$70 000 in exceeded entertainment allowances and subsistence and travel allowances. NBC Acting Director General Ponhele ya France earlier told The Namibian that in terms of negotiations between the NBC’s and Munyama’s lawyers about his resignation, he would have to acknowledge responsibility for paying back this money.Police have also been investigating a criminal case of fraud and forgery against Munyama since his suspension, but no arrest has been made.Ya France will remain as Acting Director General until the NBC board decides on a new Director General.Ya France said yesterday that the board would meet during the second week of December, and that the appointment of a new DG would be discussed then.