WINDHOEK – The Namibia Financial Institutions Union (Nafinu) is demanding that Zimbabwean nationals employed at the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank (SME) Namibia pack and leave to provide employment opportunities for Namibians.
Nafinu president, Sylvester Kabajani made this bold demand at a press conference yesterday, amid accusations that Zimbabwean nationals were being appointed in ‘soft’ positions that Namibians could fill, such as company secretary, chief internal auditor, finance manager and head of operations. He lashed out at the bank’s chief executive officer, Tawanda Mumvuma calling him “bombastic and arrogant.”
The SME Bank did not respond to queries when approached for comment yesterday. The union alleges that the bank has adopted an anti-union stance and is refusing to sign a recognition agreement, despite accepting Nafinu’s application as the exclusive bargaining agent last year.
“To date the agreement remains unsigned without any valid reasons from their side and salary negotiations are also delayed,” Kabajani fired yesterday. He also alleges that the bank’s recruitment process has been characterized by favouritism from the outset and is discriminatory and unfair having created huge salary discrepancies among employees performing work of equal value.
“The questionable appointments continue unabatedly and without any consultation with the recognized trade union, despite numerous objections to such,” he added. Nafinu further accused the SME Bank of victimizing and intimidating its shop stewards, who can apparently not speak freely or voice their concerns on matters affecting them as provided for in the labour law.
“We wish to warn that should this behaviour persist it will have detrimental effects. As a trade union we reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary to protect the interests of our members,” said Kabajani.
By Magreth Nunuhe