The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, says the recruitment process for Namcol's Chief Executive Officer is nearing a conclusion.

She said a formal submission has since been made to the ministry by the board.

Nghipondoka was responding to a query from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Hidipo Hamata about the timeline for the selection process.

"I have been urged by the Board to furnish an application for exemption in terms of Section 40 of the Puplic Enterprises Governance Act (Act No. 1 of 2019) to the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises. The request should seek his approval of the new CEO's remuneration package above the prescribed thresholds, as set out in the amended Government Notice No. 174 of 2010, directives in relation to the remuneration levels for Chief Executive Officers and Senior Managers of State-Owned Enterprises and annual fees and sitting allowances for Board Members. Having noted the above, I have requested the Board furnish me with further information that would enable my office to make an informed decision pertaining to their request. I have given them until April 18, 2024, to do so, and once I have received such information, I will apply my mind further to the matter and give them my final stance pertaining to the said recruitment."

She emphasised that a position such as this cannot be rushed, as it requires the utmost prudence and diligence to ensure full compliance with all relevant policies and statutes that guide the operations of Namcol as a public entity.