The ||Kharas Regional Council Chairperson, Joseph Isaack, has stated that allegations of corruption relating to the appointment of a staff member are false.

Isaack asserts that the appointment of Hermina Thomas was legitimate, refuting accusations of nepotism and favouritism.

It was reported that Isaack and fellow councillors Anseline Beukes, Willem Labuschagne and Jeremia Goeieman are facing corruption charges relating to nepotism and favouritism. 

The said charges stem from an Anti-Corruption Commission probe into the alleged irregular appointment of Hermina Thomas as the Regional Council's senior administrative officer. 

The councillors are accused of disregarding the recruitment panel's recommendation and instead endorsing the appointment of Thomas, despite her being ranked fourth in the interview process. 

During a media conference, Isaack asserted that the appointment of Thomas was justified. 

"The council has the mandate, in terms of the legal instruments, to vary from the recommendations of the interview panel, the human resources division, and the Public Service Commission. With each recommendation, the council takes a resolution, and if the council varies, reasons for the decision are given."

Isaack explained that the council's decision serves as a promotion of Thomas, who had been acting in said position for more than a year and who had gone through the recruitment process. 

"These given reasons are far removed from nepotism, favouritism and corruption.  The appointed staff member was found by the current council in council as a staff member. There is no conflict of interest in terms of the relationship between the councillors and the staff members, nor is there any gratification involved in this appointment or any other appointment in the council during our tenure."

The chairperson reiterated that the regional council followed the legal provisions that dictate and govern the council's functions and mandate.