Author: Kuzeeko Tjitemisa (Kuzeeko Tjitemisa )

Civil servants have been told to “wake up and smell the coffee” after government and unions representing workers reached a wage agreement, which the Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) described as “shocking”.

The Landless People’s Movement has been rocked by a spate of resignations, with the latest being that of local authority councillor for Mariental Frensis Gawases, who tendered her resignation with immediate effect late last week. 

Opposition parties in parliament have expressed solidarity with more than 43 000 “forgotten” civil servants, who last week overwhelmingly voted for a nationwide strike.

The Gobabis municipality, struggling to provide basic services to residents, is paying six suspended senior managers millions while they sit idle at home, waiting to be charged for over a year.

Former coalition caucus chairperson at the City of Windhoek Josef Kauandenge says the opposition parties in the council need to come up with a new strategy, as the current approach has failed.

Despite warnings by experts and begging by the government, civil servants are expected to cast their votes today and tomorrow ahead of what could amount to the biggest-ever strike since independence.

Information minister Peya Mushelenga has reaffirmed Namibia’s full commitment to the strategic plans of the African Telecommunications Union.

Education minister Anna Nghipondoka yesterday urged civil servants, specifically teachers, to act rationally and not only consider their needs and interests but also those of fellow citizens and the country at large.