Former Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) chief executive officer (CEO) Albert Nicanor says he is considering legal action after being dismissed following disciplinary and appeal findings against him.
Nicanor rejected the outcome of what he describes as “an orchestrated disciplinary process” following his suspension in November 2025.
“The findings level serious allegations, including dishonesty, fraud, breach of trust and governance failures,” he says.
Nicanor says he does not accept that the disciplinary and appeal processes met the standards of fairness required under Namibian labour law.
“There is more to this dismissal than meets the eye. I categorically state that I do not accept that the disciplinary and appeal processes that led to these findings met the standards of procedural and substantive fairness required under Namibian labour law,” he says.
He says he is considering legal action.
“. . . including referral of the dispute to the appropriate statutory and judicial forums.”
Nicanor further claims his rights were violated during the process.
“My rights were repeatedly overridden by lies, cover-ups, non-compliance with company policies, character assassination, bias, apparent predetermination, retaliatory prosecution, and a hostile approach to the proceedings,” he says.
Nascam announced Nicanor’s dismissal on Friday after an independent disciplinary hearing found him guilty of gross insubordination, fraud, dishonesty and the negligent and unauthorised use of a company vehicle.
Despite the findings, Nicanor says he remains committed to professional integrity and good governance.
Disciplinary recommendations dated 6 May state that Nicanor was found guilty of “six serious charges, including dishonesty, fraud, breach of trust, and insubordination”.
“The chairperson therefore recommends summary dismissal as the primary sanction, given the seriousness and cumulative nature of the misconduct,” the ruling states.
An independent investigation report compiled by Labour Rights Consultancy Namibia in December 2025 found that Nicanor approved his own travel requisition and used a company vehicle while receiving a vehicle allowance.
Chief investigator Lawrence Huhua says the conduct amounted to financial mismanagement and dishonesty.
“The CEO’s actions, including withholding the truth from his superiors, caused significant harm to the employment relationship,” he states.
The report also found that some employees experienced a “stressful and toxic work environment”, while allegations of intimidation and bullying were partially substantiated.
An appeal outcome signed by review chairperson Elina Nashixwa on 8 May upheld the dismissal.
“The trust relationship has irretrievably broken down,” she writes.
Nashixwa says the sanctioning of the dismissal was fair and reasonable.
Nascam interim board chairperson Joseph Ailonga says the chief executive position carries significant leadership and fiduciary responsibilities.
“When these standards are materially breached, the employment relationship becomes unsustainable,” he says.
Nicanor was suspended in November last year following allegations linked to workplace conduct, intimidation and governance concerns.
At the time, Nascam said the suspension was a “neutral, non-disciplinary action” to allow an independent investigation to continue without interference.
Before the suspension, The Namibian reported on internal disputes between Nascam management and employees over alleged unfair treatment and forced contract changes.
Employees have also accused management of removing benefits such as medical aid and a 13th cheque, while some claimed they were threatened with dismissal for refusing to sign new contracts.
Former Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam) chief executive officer (CEO) Albert Nicanor says he is considering legal action after being dismissed following disciplinary and appeal findings against him.
Nicanor rejected the outcome of what he describes as “an orchestrated disciplinary process” following his suspension in November 2025.
“The findings level serious allegations, including dishonesty, fraud, breach of trust and governance failures,” he says.
Nicanor says he does not accept that the disciplinary and appeal processes met the standards of fairness required under Namibian labour law.
“There is more to this dismissal than meets the eye. I categorically state that I do not accept that the disciplinary and appeal processes that led to these findings met the standards of procedural and substantive fairness required under Namibian labour law,” he says.
He says he is considering legal action.
“. . . including referral of the dispute to the appropriate statutory and judicial forums.”
Nicanor further claims his rights were violated during the process.
“My rights were repeatedly overridden by lies, cover-ups, non-compliance with company policies, character assassination, bias, apparent predetermination, retaliatory prosecution, and a hostile approach to the proceedings,” he says.
Nascam announced Nicanor’s dismissal on Friday after an independent disciplinary hearing found him guilty of gross insubordination, fraud, dishonesty and the negligent and unauthorised use of a company vehicle.
Despite the findings, Nicanor says he remains committed to professional integrity and good governance.
Disciplinary recommendations dated 6 May state that Nicanor was found guilty of “six serious charges, including dishonesty, fraud, breach of trust, and insubordination”.
“The chairperson therefore recommends summary dismissal as the primary sanction, given the seriousness and cumulative nature of the misconduct,” the ruling states.
An independent investigation report compiled by Labour Rights Consultancy Namibia in December 2025 found that Nicanor approved his own travel requisition and used a company vehicle while receiving a vehicle allowance.
Chief investigator Lawrence Huhua says the conduct amounted to financial mismanagement and dishonesty.
“The CEO’s actions, including withholding the truth from his superiors, caused significant harm to the employment relationship,” he states.
The report also found that some employees experienced a “stressful and toxic work environment”, while allegations of intimidation and bullying were partially substantiated.
An appeal outcome signed by review chairperson Elina Nashixwa on 8 May upheld the dismissal.
“The trust relationship has irretrievably broken down,” she writes.
Nashixwa says the sanctioning of the dismissal was fair and reasonable.
Nascam interim board chairperson Joseph Ailonga says the chief executive position carries significant leadership and fiduciary responsibilities.
“When these standards are materially breached, the employment relationship becomes unsustainable,” he says.
Nicanor was suspended in November last year following allegations linked to workplace conduct, intimidation and governance concerns.
At the time, Nascam said the suspension was a “neutral, non-disciplinary action” to allow an independent investigation to continue without interference.
Before the suspension, The Namibian reported on internal disputes between Nascam management and employees over alleged unfair treatment and forced contract changes.
Employees have also accused management of removing benefits such as medical aid and a 13th cheque, while some claimed they were threatened with dismissal for refusing to sign new contracts.
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