Grootfontein
Employees at Pep Store in Otjiwarongo have accused their manager of behaving like an overzealous slave driver who reportedly subjects them to a 12-hour daily work shift in breach of the Labour Act, without giving them overtime in her machinations to force them to quit.
Some long-serving workers at the store have apparently quit their jobs as they could no longer bear the long shift introduced by the new branch manager, Belinda Nganjone, who apparently brags she wants all staff to resign so that she can replace them with her jobless friends and relatives who have been nagging her for employment as she is a manager. Workers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals from their manager said they have in recent months been compelled to work from 07h30 to 20h00 without overtime.
“We are definitely working under harsh conditions here, we work the entire day without a break and on top of that we work excess hours without overtime. When we inquire she just tells us ‘there is no overtime, period’,” said the employee, who described Nganjone as a ruthless self-centred manager with no compassion for her subordinates.
Workers are saying since Pep does not provide them with transport they are also afraid they could be attacked by thugs when they finish working the shift at night.
“One of our colleagues was stabbed twice by gangsters while standing at the door, and no compensation was offered to that person apart from the N$10 they gave to go to the hospital. So we are not even protected here, there are no guards even,” said another employee.
When contacted for comment Nganjone refused to say anything unless New Era went to her office with the persons who complained about the unfair labour practices.
“I will not answer anything telephonically, If you want me to answer any of your queries come along with the persons who gave you the information,” said Nganjone.
Pep Store, which has branches in Namibia and South Africa, generates billions of dollars in profit each year.