City of Windhoek cleaners said they want to be appointed and enjoy benefits, as many of them have been working on a contract basis from as far back as 1990. 

These workers sweep roads and clean open spaces, stormwater catch pits and culverts, issue black bags to households in informal settlements, collect household refuse in informal settlements and empty all pole refuse and street bins.

About 500 employees participated in a demonstration that started on 13 February 2023, demanding permanent employment and benefits, among others, which the city deemed illegal and did not receive any petition from the workers. 

The workers then went back to their duty stations.

Meanwhile, workers yesterday marched to the city head office from Katutura to deliver a petition to management, demanding benefits, permanent employment and improved working conditions. 

Management was given until Friday to act upon the demands of the workers or they will demonstrate every Monday. 

Reading the petition on behalf of the workers, Tiranus Kavaara said throughout their employment, they have never enjoyed any fringe benefits from the employer.

“The current medical funds of N$250 allocated to us are not sufficient and cannot be equated to the type of work we do. As disciplined and committed workers, we have been subjected to torture, abuse, and suffering – both psychological and physical – from our supervisors,” he stated.

Kavaara listed that workers are demanding a special housing scheme, danger allowance, overtime for Saturdays, annual bonus, health and safety training or upscaling and psychosocial support.

 He further said some ghost employees are being called out at roll call but they are nowhere to be found, which remains suspicious. 

He further noted deductions of income tax and social security are not appearing with the relevant authorities, and management should investigate these irregularities. 

On contracts, Kavaara added the city contract employees are without formal paperwork, and they are merely told verbally about the job description, working hours and other conditions, he stated.

According to the petition, many of these employees are soon to go on retirement and need to be compensated for services rendered.

“A majority of ward workers strive to serve the city for decades. We dedicate our lives to cleaning our city with pride. We just need management to recognise such commitment and reward it accordingly. We do not wish to be lifetime contract employees,” said Kavaara.

Receiving the petition on behalf of acting city CEO Faniel Maanda, Archie Nikanor, who is the acting strategic executive for human capital and corporate services, said the city noted the demands and is happy that some of them are already under scrutiny at management level.

Nikanor added demands will be given due consideration and received attention before reverting to the group.

Last month, urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni slammed the city’s leadership for failing to agree to the terms with striking cleaners. 

The city’s line minister did not mince his words, saying leadership needs to do something as a matter of urgency.

He intervened after the workers left Independence Avenue in a filthy state during their first attempt at a strike. 

The frustrated workers left the rubbish strewn all over the main road, running through the city’s central business district. 

However, the city sourced additional workers to clean up the mess from the striking workers. 

- mndjavera@nepc.com.na