Union gives NBC 14 days
Employees of the NBC have demanded answers from the corporation in 14 days but the board chair, Sven Thieme, says there is nothing to hide.
AUGETTO GRAIG
Workers at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation held a protest at the company’s head office in Windhoek on Tuesday.
They handed over a petition to the broadcaster’s head of human resources, Vezenga Kauraisa, in which they demanded answers to several allegations.
The employees, who are members of the Namibia Public Workers’ Union (Napwu), claimed that managers undertake unnecessary trips, spending “large amounts” on accommodation and subsistence and travel allowances.
They also complained about outsourcing of work that NBC employees are able to perform, which they described as “costly, unnecessary and questionable”.
Concerned about their job security, the workers say the corporation’s austerity measures have caused them “panic and stress”. They also complained about contract workers, some of whom have been on contract for more than seven years, “which is unlawful”.
Third-party payments such as medical aid, pensions and home loans were also addressed. “These payments are made according to the pay slips but not honoured as indicated and are hence considered as fraud.”
They demanded that the NBC honour its agreement with Napwu and reverse all austerity measures with immediate effect. Moreover, they demanded “transparency about the chief’s secret, separate payroll”.
They gave the NBC 14 days to respond.
Their dissatisfaction stems from a recent announcement by board chair Sven Thieme that the company was technically insolvent and its future was under direct threat.
The broadcaster needs N$100 million if it is to continue its operations.
However, its challenges do not end there. On Monday, the NBC halted the rebroadcasting of One Africa Television, which is now only available on the DStv and GOtv platforms, as well as on the internet.
One Africa had been piggy-backing on the NBC. Last week, the NBC notified One Africa that it would halt its rebroadcast.
Stefan Hugo, One Africa’s CEO, responded by asking what money would be saved by not broadcasting One Africa.
He also expressed concern about the decision’s impact on press freedom, the production of local television content and access to information.
Thieme spoke to Namibian Sun regarding the allegations made by the workers, saying: “There are bigger problems. Many companies outsource for reasons of effectiveness and skills.”
He added that there is no secrecy regarding salaries, “because I know they are far below par”.
Regarding the matter of unpaid third-party payments, Thieme said that was precisely why austerity measures were implemented.
“If you have to pay N$100 for food, N$50 for pension and N$50 for medical aid, but you only have N$100, what will you buy first? If there is no money there is no chance.
“This is why these measures are implemented. The mandate to inform the nation comes with costs and if government does not want to pay, it should change the NBC’s mandate,” he said.
Napwu demanded an independent investigation by information minister Stanley Simataa into alleged mismanagement of funds at the NBC.
The minister was not available for comment.
Workers at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation held a protest at the company’s head office in Windhoek on Tuesday.
They handed over a petition to the broadcaster’s head of human resources, Vezenga Kauraisa, in which they demanded answers to several allegations.
The employees, who are members of the Namibia Public Workers’ Union (Napwu), claimed that managers undertake unnecessary trips, spending “large amounts” on accommodation and subsistence and travel allowances.
They also complained about outsourcing of work that NBC employees are able to perform, which they described as “costly, unnecessary and questionable”.
Concerned about their job security, the workers say the corporation’s austerity measures have caused them “panic and stress”. They also complained about contract workers, some of whom have been on contract for more than seven years, “which is unlawful”.
Third-party payments such as medical aid, pensions and home loans were also addressed. “These payments are made according to the pay slips but not honoured as indicated and are hence considered as fraud.”
They demanded that the NBC honour its agreement with Napwu and reverse all austerity measures with immediate effect. Moreover, they demanded “transparency about the chief’s secret, separate payroll”.
They gave the NBC 14 days to respond.
Their dissatisfaction stems from a recent announcement by board chair Sven Thieme that the company was technically insolvent and its future was under direct threat.
The broadcaster needs N$100 million if it is to continue its operations.
However, its challenges do not end there. On Monday, the NBC halted the rebroadcasting of One Africa Television, which is now only available on the DStv and GOtv platforms, as well as on the internet.
One Africa had been piggy-backing on the NBC. Last week, the NBC notified One Africa that it would halt its rebroadcast.
Stefan Hugo, One Africa’s CEO, responded by asking what money would be saved by not broadcasting One Africa.
He also expressed concern about the decision’s impact on press freedom, the production of local television content and access to information.
Thieme spoke to Namibian Sun regarding the allegations made by the workers, saying: “There are bigger problems. Many companies outsource for reasons of effectiveness and skills.”
He added that there is no secrecy regarding salaries, “because I know they are far below par”.
Regarding the matter of unpaid third-party payments, Thieme said that was precisely why austerity measures were implemented.
“If you have to pay N$100 for food, N$50 for pension and N$50 for medical aid, but you only have N$100, what will you buy first? If there is no money there is no chance.
“This is why these measures are implemented. The mandate to inform the nation comes with costs and if government does not want to pay, it should change the NBC’s mandate,” he said.
Napwu demanded an independent investigation by information minister Stanley Simataa into alleged mismanagement of funds at the NBC.
The minister was not available for comment.
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