MR PRESIDENT, it is with great sadness that we write this open letter to you and your government on behalf of the ex-employees of SME Bank Limited.
We have attempted numerous times to get your audience to discuss our grievances regarding the shutdown of the now liquidated SME Bank. Your office promised to secure a meeting with us, but it has been more than a month and we still have got no response from your good office.
It is indeed extremely sad and inhumane to see hundreds of young people, who put you in power (remember the 87% votes, a record in Namibia’s electoral history), lose their jobs because of a few greedy individuals. Mr President, as you boast about the 87% victory in your political speeches, be reminded that it is now your turn to uphold your end of the bargain.
We need your help as the economy is pressing on us and this is not what we have voted for.
On 17 May 2018, we delivered our petition to the ministries of labour, trade, finance, the prime minister and to the Presidency. None of these institutions have responded to our plight. All we get from a government, we helped into power, is a cold, silent and stepchild-like treatment.
More than 200 staff members lost their jobs when the bank closed down about two years back. Most of them remain unemployed (and underpaid) due to a certain stigma attached to the SME Bank.
Mr President, place yourself into our position.
As was stated in our previous communication to your office, we would like some kind of compensation from the government, be it monetary terms or jobs.
You made provision for the ‘struggle kids’, so why not take care of us too? We are also victims and are paying for a crime we did not commit.
The Zimbabwean shareholders have taken care of all their employees by giving them permanent jobs in Zimbabwe or elsewhere.
Thus we humbly implore you to also think of helping us as well.
Ex-SME Bank employees
Via email
