By: Uakutura Kambaekua – Gobabis
Former Omeheke Education Director Pecka Semba, who was recently appointed as the substantive Chief Regional Officer (CRO) at the Omaheke regional council chambers, has promised to strengthen the region’s development with Council support.
Semba was appointed to head the previously troubled regional council, a position he will serve for the next five years. Semba, a renowned educator with experience in administration and management ranging close to 35 years, succeeded Maria Vaendwanawa, who left in 2019. She was suspended on several charges ranging from maladministration and financial irregularities in 2018.
During an exclusive interview with the Villager, Semba said that it’s impossible to name the managerial quality he possesses, adding that he is looking forward to the position.
“Being at the helm of the accounting officer, managerial qualities will be needed in many ways and in many situations. The regional councillor will hopefully benefit from administrative qualities, which have been with me for many years as an educator,” said Semba.
He added that through his managerial skills and as a firm devotee to unity, he would strive for harmonious interpersonal relationships amongst the staff, noting that it’s imperative for generating positive outputs for everyone.
“I am a firm believer that harmonious interpersonal relationships amongst staff are absolutely crucial for generating positive output from everyone. If you miss the interpersonal value of colleagues you work with daily, then we will have problems in our operation. Interpersonal relations for me are very dear in trying to contribute to the harmonious relationship that exists, not only in the Omaheke regional councillor but in every organizational setup,” said Semba.
Furthermore, Semba said decision-making becomes an everyday virtue, a quality he said he would drag along to the council chambers.
“I have to make decisions, whether popular or unpopular, and I have to make them quickly in this position which I have been doing all these years. I have to be decisive in my decision-making. I have to choose the correct one for the work to be effective and efficient. Otherwise, many things will pass you without actually being effective and efficient. That is a managerial quality that I also hold very dear,” said Semba.
Touching on other issues in his manifesto, the CRO stated that as a leader, he will not only supervise but will also play a guiding role for his subordinates, adding that proper guidance contributes to a positive workforce.
“You know it’s impossible to manage staff without proper guidance and a proper work environment. In the absence of guidance, this could easily lead to frustration, and some of them will claim they have never been guided,” he said.
Semba, who has also been part of the regional council since 2007, serving in various positions such as chairman of the Procurement Committee, stated that he would address the plight of the residents of the Omaheke region through honest interventions.
He possesses a B degree in Education and Law systems and a B Honors degree in Organisational Management and Leadership, including a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Organisational Development.
Omaheke Regional Council spokesperson Kauno Iileka confirmed Semba’s appointment, stating that he was awarded a five-year contract and will subsequently be responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Regional council operations.
Semba’s appointment brings to an end years of a leadership vacuum at the regional council following more than two years during which the CRO’s position at the council chambers has been operating on a provisional basis.
Amongst those who headed the regional council on temporary appointment were Karukirue Tjijenda and Sophia Eises. Pederius Tjihoreko was the last substantive CRO of the Omaheke Regional Council.
