WALVIS BAY – Emotions reached boiling point yesterday as protestors blocked the Sam Nujoma Avenue for two hours, demanding the dismissal of two managers of Shoprite, who allegedly bullied Fabiolla Zondjembo, resulting in her suicide last Wednesday in Walvis Bay. Coastal residents from all spheres joined Shoprite employees as the Namibian Police contained the large crowd that later occupied the open space in front of the shopping mall, demanding Shoprite
closes until the two managers are fired.

Chanting freedom songs while carrying
a picture of the late Zondjembo, who took her life after enduring emotional and verbal abuse, protestors demanded justice
for her and improved working conditions for other employees, saying they will not move until they receive letters that the two employees have been dismissed.

“We are scared we will lose our jobs after taking part in the protest, but we had to stand up for Zondjembo. Her death cannot be in vain. After all, she just wanted better working conditions for all of us,” one of the Shoprite employees said.

Backed by the Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters' frontman Micheal Amushelelo, the protesters said Zondjembo’s death only reveals the grim reality and constant abuse all Namibian workers face.

“Zondjembo did not die because she did not have a voice, but she died because she was powerless. How many of you are afraid to look your bosses in the face? You don’t want to go to work but you have to, as you need that salary. You are not happy. You are suffering in silence, because of money. Now look at what money has done. Our sister died to shine a light on what is happening in our country – suffering,” Amushelelo charged.

He said domestic workers, security guards and cashiers are all suffering, as the companies care only about profit, and not the well-being of their workers. 

“They suck the blood out of our lives. Now, they also want to take our lives. For how long are we going to allow them to take our lives? Yet, they say I am protesting for unnecessary things.”

According to Amushelelo, the system is failing Namibians. He said employers have more rights – and when employees seek assistance from police, they are sent to the ministry of labour. Yet, when the employer looks for assistance in instances such as protests, they are at the side of the employer,” he added.

Also speaking at the protest, Sabata Tjiriange said their sister’s death is a perfect example of the unhealthy working conditions employees suffer at workplaces.

“There are other Shoprite employees who experience discrimination, harassment and other forms of mistreatment behind closed doors. The management of Shoprite Namibia should address and implement
healthy workplace policies to avoid such tragedies,” he appealed.

According to him, their sister’s death also shows there is no internal complaint mechanism in place, and workers are left to deal with harassment and abuse on their own.

“This is the situation that led to the death of our sister, an employee of Shoprite and a resident of Walvis Bay. Therefore, we are demanding change, better working conditions and communication channels for all Shoprite employees in Namibia, he stated.

He also appealed that no Shoprite worker who took part in the demonstration should face
disciplinary hearings or be fired.

Jose da Silva, a senior employee of Shoprite Namibia, received the petition.

“I will make sure it reaches the relevant offices,” he said.

- edeklerk@nepc.com.na