Auleria Wakudumo
Security guards employed by Windhoek Security Services have raised concerns over what they describe as excessive monthly deductions for company-provided transportation.
They said the charges leave them with little money to support themselves and their families.
The guards claim the company deducts N$1 034.16 per month from their salaries for transport services, an increase from the previous deduction of N$744.
They argue that the amount is disproportionately high, considering their earnings and the nature of the transport service provided.
Most security guards employed by the company earn around N$4 000 per month, while those who work every day of the month, including weekends and public holidays, can earn up to N$5 000.
However, workers say a significant portion of their earnings is consumed by deductions.
One guard, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said employees are not transported directly to their homes despite the hefty deductions.
“We are only dropped off and picked up at designated pick-up points. From there, we still have to walk long distances to our homes or sometimes take a taxi, if you have groceries,” he said.
The company’s designated pick-up and drop-off points include Havana Four-Way Stop, Okahandja Park Taxi Rank and Goreangab soccer field.
The guard said the arrangement places an additional burden on workers, who already endure long and demanding shifts.
“I walk about 30 minutes to reach my pick-up point. I wake up as early as 03h20, start walking by 04h30 and arrive there by 05h00 to catch transport,” another one explained.
Several employees told New Era that they have repeatedly attempted to engage management regarding the transport deductions but their concerns have allegedly been ignored.
“We have tried many times to talk to our bosses, but nothing changes,” one said.
Another guard claimed that workers are often discouraged from questioning company policies.
“We are told there is nothing we can do because our boss is a big person. That makes many workers afraid to speak out,” he alleged.
In addition to transport costs, guards say they are also required to cover the cost of uniforms through salary deductions.
According to information provided by employees, a complete uniform package includes shirts, trousers, shoes, belts, suits, vests, blazers and beanies, amounting to N$2 837.
They claim that, when transport, uniform and Social Security deductions are combined, very little remains from their salaries.
Security guards further explained that an employee who earns N$5 000 in a month and has N$1 034.16 deducted for transport, N$2 837 for uniforms and N$60 for Social Security contributions is left with only N$1 068.84.
The guards provide security services at various institutions and businesses across Windhoek, including Meatco, Eros Ruanda Garden, ARSS, NQA, MVA fund, MTC, Telecom Namibia, among others.
While welcoming government efforts to improve workers’ welfare, the employees said deductions continue to undermine the benefits of wage increases.
The guards praised justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel for introducing the national minimum wage of N$18 per hour last year.
They said the move brought hope to many low-income workers.
However, they argued that deductions for transport and uniforms are eroding much of the financial benefit.
“The money remaining is not enough to pay rent, buy food and support our families,” another guard said.
The workers are now calling on the labour ministry to investigate the deductions and determine whether they are fair and reasonable.
They are calling for authorities to review transport and uniform charges, arguing that these costs primarily benefit employers while placing an unsustainable burden on employees.
Approached for comment, the owner of Windhoek Security Services said he would respond to New Era’s questions but had not done so by the time of publication.
Efforts to reach the company’s operations manager were unsuccessful.