Agribusdev job clarity tied to winding-up process, ministry says

Former Agribusdev workers remain uncertain about their employment status as the agency's dissolution continues, with the agriculture ministry saying the relevant legal and administrative processes are still under way.

Responding to queries from Namibian Sun last week, ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said matters relating to contracts, including formal communication with employees, fall within the legal and administrative processes governing the dissolution of Agribusdev.

The clarification comes amid concerns from workers at seven former Agribusdev green schemes, who claim they have not received termination letters or any official communication explaining their employment status or future after the company ceased operations on 30 June.

Muyunda said Agribusdev had its own governance structures, management and employer responsibilities.

“The ministry acknowledges the uncertainty experienced by the affected employees and wishes to assure them that the relevant processes are being attended to in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures,” Muyunda said.

He added that affected employees will be formally informed through the appropriate channels once the necessary administrative and legal processes have been concluded.

In limbo

Agribusdev previously managed government's green schemes before Cabinet resolved that the management and administration of the projects be transferred back to the ministry.

Muyunda confirmed that the ministry has already assumed responsibility for the management and operational oversight of the green scheme projects to ensure continuity of agricultural production and safeguard national food security objectives.

However, despite taking over the management of the projects, the ministry has not confirmed whether former Agribusdev employees will be absorbed into the ministry or another government entity.

“Any decisions relating to staffing arrangements will be guided by the applicable labour legislation, the public service legislative framework and government directives. Once these processes have been finalised, the affected employees will be formally informed,” Muyunda said.

Ongoing

On the dissolution of Agribusdev, Muyunda said the process is ongoing and progressing through the required legal, administrative and governance procedures.

He said outstanding employment matters, including any benefits due to employees, are being addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative processes linked to the winding-up of the entity.

“The ministry is working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that these matters are resolved in compliance with all applicable legislation,” Muyunda said.

While the ministry said it remains committed to providing certainty to affected employees, Muyunda indicated that no definitive timeline could currently be provided for when the outstanding matters will be finalised.