TransNamib workers protest again

Angry TransNamib employees took to the streets of the capital again on Tuesday on their way to the office of finance and public enterprises minister Ipumbu Shiimi.

This protest action has to do with the state-owned enterprise and national rail operator's CEO for human capital, Webster Gonzo. He was recently appointed for another five years after a 10-year career at TransNamib.

The acting general secretary of the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Natau), Narina Pollmann, escorted the disgruntled employees to the minister's office.

However, she said Shiimi delegated the ministry's executive director, Titus Ndove, to receive the complaint, who - in turn - agreed to give feedback within seven working days.

In the complaint signed by Pollmann, Gonzo's reappointment is highlighted as a problem. "Employees are strongly opposed to Mr Gonzo's reinstatement due to previous complaints [against him] during his term."

Among the complaints, the union highlighted a disregard of labour policies and legislation, as well as a preference of foreigners, manipulation of appointments, negligence in relation to appointments, reduced employee benefits and a faulty housing policy.

"These complaints are not being addressed and his reinstatement exacerbates concerns about management's disregard for employee well-being and feedback," the document read.

According to Pollmann, Gonzo's presence affects morale and working conditions at TransNamib, which has an impact on productivity and job satisfaction. The union is demanding that Gonzo be fired and investigated, that his position be advertised, that the board's decision be reviewed and that future appointments be discussed with employees.



'Nothing new'

TransNamib's CEO Desmond van Jaarsveld told Namibian Sun's sister publication, Republikein, that the rail operator's management is aware of the complaints against Gonzo.

"The union's concerns have been highlighted and addressed through various platforms," he argued. "The fact of the matter is that these concerns are nothing new, and have already been proven unfounded by independent parties. The ministry and the Anti-Corruption Commission have made public statements about these baseless allegations," he said.

According to Van Jaarsveld, Gonzo made an invaluable contribution to TransNamib, including as acting CEO over a difficult year-long period.

"The decision to retain the executive is strategically sound, and ensures that TransNamib's operations remain stable while we prepare for the purchase of new locomotives to power a new TransNamib."



Internal issues to improve

Issues of various court cases and court decisions condemning unfair labour practices were also raised by the union.

However, Van Jaarsveld did not want to elaborate on that, except that he insisted that TransNamib deals with labour issues fairly and with integrity.

Considering employees who have been in positions for years, he said things will improve now that the state-owned enterprise has now secured funding for its revival.

TransNamib announced in July that a loan of N$2.6 billion from the Development Bank and its southern African counterpart had been granted to the rail operator.

"Many of our internal issues will start to improve," Van Jaarsveld said.

He also confirmed that employees hired after 2019 no longer get a 13th cheque, but only a bonus linked to performance.

Medical benefits for retired TransNamib workers have not been stopped, but the affordability and sustainability of the benefits are being reviewed, he explained.



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