In a letter seen by New Era and widely circulated on social media, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has given a directive to its unvaccinated employees to provide weekly negative Covid-19 PCR test results.
The letter, dated 17 January 2022, also stated unvaccinated employees will have to bear the full cost of the weekly tests.
“In light of the mentioned, you are being ordered to go home as from today 17 January 2022 or to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test result. Kindly be notified that if you are absent from the office after two days (forced leave) that absence will be dealt with according to disciplinary code,” read the letter from Namcor’s human capital executive Maryke Krohne.
Krohne stated it is in the employees’ best interest to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and those around them.
She noted the pandemic continues with a negative impact on lives, work and activities.
Furthermore, in efforts to encourage employees to get vaccinated, Namdeb Diamond Corporation has embarked on a Covid-19 vaccination incentive program.
Namdeb’s incentive package offers all fully vaccinated Namdeb employees and contractors a once-off cash payment of N$2000, which will be paid through e-wallet to each employee or contractor upon producing vaccination cards.
The offer is valid until end of February 2022.
Commenting on the vaccination incentive, chairperson of the Namibia Employers Federation (NEF) Terence Makari said the federation continues to encourage its members to consult with their employees in terms of mandatory vaccinations, as there is no vaccine mandate, thus making vaccines voluntary.
“NEF supports its members on providing any incentives to their employees, aimed at encouraging voluntary vaccinations,” said Makari. – mndjavera@nepc.com.na