Erongo governor warns staff against insubordination

Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses has warned regional government employees against ignoring supervisors and misusing labour laws amid rising workplace conflicts that could threaten service delivery.

The warning was issued at a joint new year meeting of regional government institutions held at Swakopmund on Tuesday.

Addressing political and administrative leaders, /Goagoses said a culture of refusing instructions from “rightfully appointed supervisors” will no longer be tolerated across the regional council, local authorities and state-owned entities.

She said some staff members subscribe to the notion of “you found me here, and you will leave me here”, which she described as the sabotage of institutional authority.

The governor also criticised the conduct of shop stewards, saying their mandate is being misapplied to intimidate appointing authorities, supervisors and elected office bearers instead of helping interpret labour rules and policies.

“It is not appropriate to misapply this Labour Act provision to intimidate appointing authorities,” she added.

Erongo Regional Council chairperson Lazarus Kanelombe called for stronger work ethics across regional institutions, saying professional conduct and commitment to duty are essential for service delivery.

“Our communities expect results, and they measure us not by plans or meetings, but by visible progress,” Kanelombe said.

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