By Michael Liswaniso OPUWO Health and Social Services Minister, Dr Richard Kamwi, has strongly advised nurses to read thoroughly Section 58 of the labour act. Last Thursday, Dr Kamwi addressed nurses and other medical staff of the Opuwo state hospital about the “unlawful overtime payments” and the planned strike. He said reading thoroughly the section of the Act would help the nurses to get a clear picture which would enable them to understand reality just like other civil servants. He blamed the varying interpretations of the labour act on the management team who, he said, had allowed the “unlawful overtime payments” to drag on for years. “The error was detected, and circulars explaining the changes were sent all over.” He said nurses will continue to receive overtime payment but only for their shifts on Sundays and public holidays, adding that if the government owed anyone money, it would definitely pay instead of what he termed as “the other way around”. “When you are owed by government, you will definitely be paid, rather than the other way around.” He advised nurses to respect the laws of the country whist, at the same time, assuring them that they are eligible to join any trade union of their choice. He noted that although some nurses are members of the Namibia Nurses Union, when it comes to salary negotiations government can only negotiate with those trade unions with which it has a recognized agreement contract. And at present, with regard to nurses’ grievances, only the Namibia Public Workers’ Union (Napwu), which represents all civil servants, can represent them. “Government can only discuss this case with Napwu unless otherwise resolved by a court of law, then it will be a pleasure for government to work with Nanu.” Commenting on the planned strike, Kamwi warned that those who would take part in the strike, leaving patients behind, would be dealt with accordingly. “Let us not be misled. Government will not sit and fold their hands but will act swiftly, and those who take part in the illegal strike will suffer the consequences. We need disciplined nurses,” he warned. He appealed to nurses to remember the oath they took and advised them to take note of the constitution, the public service act, the labour act and the nursing act. “There is a Nursing Act which most of you nurses know better than I do. There are procedures. In government you do not just demand; trade unions negotiate.” According to Kamwi, Namibian nurses are the highest-paid in sub-Saharan Africa, and if there is a need for an increase then procedures have to be followed. “We are even beating the giants of southern Africa when it comes to nurses’ salaries. How did this come into place? Was it not Napwu that negotiated for this?” the minister asked. He requested parents to encourage children to take up science subjects which, in turn, would help them take up studies in the medical field to curb the current shortage of nurses in the country. He stated that by 2010, the country would be on a better footing, looking at the current training programmes. The minister was accompanied by Gloria Muballe, the chief control registered nurse who condemned last year’s demonstration, saying it tarnished the image of the nursing profession in the country. She said nursing was a calling and a profession, and thus nurses should be professionals of high standards who should desist from strikes organized by people with hidden agendas. A substantial number of nurses and other medical staff attended the meeting which was presided over by Kunene’s acting regional director in the ministry of health and social services, Ebong Okpabio. Kunene Regional Council’s acting chief regional officer, George Kamseb, welcomed the minister and the gathering, while Weich Mupya of the ministry of information and broadcasting assisted with translations into Otjiherero.