Hodago throws lifeline to staff with partial salary payments

In a move aimed at dousing the flames of brewing worker unrest, Hodago Fishing has confirmed the payment of two months’ salary arrears to its embattled workforce.

The company, which has recently come under scrutiny for failing to pay employees since late last year, says it is finally turning a corner, though the path to full financial recovery remains uncertain.

Hodago, a company partly owned by Swapo, has faced intense public criticism after reports emerged that workers had been left destitute, reportedly unable to pay rent or provide for their families since November.

Speaking exclusively to Namibian Sun, Sedi /Gaoseb, the chairperson of Hodago Fishing, confirmed that while the company is not yet out of the woods, significant strides have been made to alleviate the plight of the workers.

“Two months have been paid. We are dealing with it. The situation is improving,” he said.

He added that management is actively pursuing various refinancing options to bridge the remaining gap.

/Gaoseb nevertheless remained tight-lipped on a specific deadline for the full settlement of the outstanding salaries.

“I cannot tell you a timeframe as to when all will be settled. I cannot give you internal information on the financial situation of the company,” he said.

Swapo connection downplayed

Despite the company’s ownership structure often drawing political fire, /Gaoseb was quick to distance the day-to-day operations of Hodago from the ruling party.

He maintained that the company’s struggles are purely commercial and should not be used as a political football.

“We don’t deal with the political party. Swapo does not run the company; the company runs itself,” he clarified.

/Gaoseb also took aim at the media and public discourse surrounding the company’s financial struggles.

The constant negative headlines are sabotaging the company’s efforts to secure the very investment needed to pay its staff, he noted.

/Gaoseb argued that the reputational damage caused by "negative reporting" has led to a flight of capital, with potential investors hesitant to commit funds to the enterprise.

“All negative reports are harming our reputation. Investors are pulling away because of negative reporting. The workers are the ones suffering at the end,” /Gaoseb lamented.

Calls for more quota

The company’s leadership believes that part of the solution lies in increased access to resources. /Gaoseb suggested that to ensure long-term stability and the consistent payment of wages, the company requires a more favourable standing in terms of fishing allocations.

“We should be allowed to get more,” he stated, implying that the current constraints on the company are hindering its ability to meet its obligations.

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