WALVIS BAY – Those at the forefront of the demonstration at Shoprite in Walvis Bay said they will escalate their protest until the retail giant adheres to their demands. 

Namibia Economic Freedom Fighter member Michael Amushelelo said they will financially cripple Shoprite Namibia through demonstrations until they give in to their demands. 

Amushelelo, who was arrested over the weekend, made his first court appearance in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court and was granted N$3 000 bail yesterday.

Amushelelo, shortly after being released, greeted sympathisers, who were eagerly waiting for his release opposite the court and assured the fight with Shoprite is not over until justice is served.

“No amount of protests and shutdowns are going to bring back Fabiolla Zondjembo – it can be the change our workers need; hence, the fight for social justice is not over. We will continue with our protest in Windhoek,” Amushelelo said.

According to him, their demands are simple. 

He said they want only the two managers responsible for Zondjembo’s death to be fired as well as the young woman who was fired with her to be reinstated.

“Failure to comply with the things we are asking will cripple Shoprite in the rest of the county. Do not think that you achieve anything by blocking me from your little shop. You did not stop me. You cannot stop the will of the people, so please do what is right,” Amushelelo appealed.

He added that the protests of last week should be a warning for all employers. 

According to him, no life should be lost due to unfair labour practices.

“Thanks to Shoprite and its malpractices a life was lost; hence, I am standing up for every worker in Namibia,” Amushelelo said

Patricia Shinangolo, who was also fired along with Zondjembo, said she was working for three years as a casual when she was fired.

“I did not wear my name tag either. I had it with me but I forgot it in the canteen with the late Zondjembo,” she said.

According to Shinangolo, she was told by the same manager to clock out and never come back, despite explaining that the nametag was in the canteen.

“Since then, I have been struggling to accept her death. She encouraged me to fight for others while we were in the midst of our disciplinary hearing,” she said. - edeklerk@nepc.com.na