Gendev employees demand removal of directors

Employees of Gendev Fishing Group handed over a petition to management on Wednesday, calling for the removal of two company directors and raising concerns over the implementation of a recently signed wage agreement.“We are not bringing this petition lightly. We are employees who depend on Gendev Fishing Group for our livelihoods and those of our families. We want the company to succeed, but we believe meaningful change in leadership and management is necessary to restore confidence and move the company forward,” the petition reads.Less than a month ago, a 28-day strike came to an end following the signing of an agreement between the company and the Namibian Seamen and Allied Workers Union (Nasawu), which was intended to provide workers with improved wages, allowances, annual benefits and protection during periods when production is disrupted.Addressed to Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa, secretary for economic affairs Bernadette Jagger and shareholders of Gendev Fishing Group, the petition calls for the removal of Gendev chairperson Paulina Haindongo and deputy chairperson Andreas Joseph as directors of the fishing group.Employees allege in the petition that the company has experienced financial and operational setbacks and accuse the current board of excessive involvement in its day-to-day operations.“We believe that the continued leadership of Ms Paulina Haindongo and Mr Andreas Joseph as directors is no longer in the best interests of Gendev Fishing Group, its employees and its stakeholders,” the petition states.The employees are also asking shareholders to consider removing finance manager Ruby Rees and senior manager Jonas Lamek. According to the petition, their concerns relate to management practices, employee relations, accountability and workplace conduct.The employees further request an investigation into disciplinary processes involving Lamek, questioning whether company procedures were properly followed.The petition also raises concerns over the implementation of the collective agreement signed following the 28-day strike.Workers say that it was “clearly agreed” last month that they would receive a basic salary of N$6 002.10.“However, the company only paid the workers based on the rate per hour worked, and their basic salary was reduced,” the petition reads.“Employees were given two payslips for August 2026. The first payslip showed a basic salary of N$6,002.00. However, the management of Gendev Fishing Group was subsequently instructed not to pay the workers according to the agreement. Other payslips were then issued to the workers, reflecting a reduced salary. This is a clear violation of the agreement.”Govt must protect workersAdditionally, the workers called on government to ensure that fishing quotas allocated to Gendev protect employment and benefit workers.They said normal operations had not resumed since the conclusion of the strike and requested clarity on the continuation of their employment.“We are employees who depend on Gendev Fishing Group for our livelihoods and the livelihoods of our families,” the petition states.The workers added that the company urgently requires leadership that is experienced in the fishing industry, professional and accountable, respectful towards employees and capable of resolving workplace disputes constructively.They also asked that action be taken to restore production and financial stability and ensure a transparent environment for a healthy relationship between management and employees.The petition was received by Gendev Group acting general manager Deon Grunschloss, who said it would be forwarded to the relevant authorities.

Gendev employees demand removal of directors

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-09-18

Please login to leave a comment

Gendev employees demand removal of directors

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-09-18

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content