Security guards and members of the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Natau) working at state schools in the Rundu Urban constituency have been struggling to get back pay from the education ministry since 2020.
Affected security guards work at Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School, Rundu Secondary School, Andreas Kandjimi Primary School and Rundu Senior Primary School.
According to the group representative, who opts to remain anonymous due to fear of victimisation, the security guards work without any leave.
“We work from Monday to Sunday, [from the 1st] to 31st of each month. We don’t have off days or annual leave. Even if you’re sick, there’s no one on standby.”
“We demand that the ministry [pay us back pay] as we agreed to the amount of N$38 400.”
He says the education ministry is taking a long time to settle the payments, while other security guards working at schools in the constituency were already paid a long time ago.
“We submitted our names and calculations of the total amount to be paid into our accounts, as requested by the chief accountant, Tuhafeni Hashoshange, twice,” he says.
The prolonged non-payment has affected the security guards negatively as they can’t support their families, he says.
The group budgeted for the payment in December in the hopes that they would receive the money, but to no avail, he adds.
“We don’t have time for our family, we don’t fully participate in family gatherings and family responsibilities are limited due to no annual leave days or off days.”
Additionally, security guards can only have off days if they are booked off by a doctor, he notes.
Natau field organiser Ladislaus Ihemba says the union is fully aware of the payment delay and has submitted more than six letters with the names of the affected members to the ministry.
“The majority of schools in the Kavango East region have recruited private security guards since 2020. Both private and employed companies’ [staff] did not go on leave or have any off days,” Ihemba says.
He says Natau is demanding full back pay for the affected workers in the longstanding matter.
“Every time we go for a follow-up, the chief accountant tells us the paper was lost. The last time we went there was in November. We were told the person responsible is on leave and they can’t process [the payment].”
Ihemba notes that Natau submitted another letter on Wednesday and if the ministry fails to respond to their demands or provide any feedback, the union will take further steps.
Kavango East education regional director Christine Shilima says the group was asked to provide their demands in writing, alongside their details.
“I didn’t receive the list from the security guards ever since I requested them to do so. I can’t reinforce a submission if I don’t have their details in writing,” she says.
According to Shilima, a process needs to be followed in terms of confirming with school principals if individual security guards indeed worked at specific schools.
“I am ready to assist them. Let them bring their list, attached to a formal request, to send to the executive director for feedback,” Shilima says.
She asserts that she does not have the mandate to tell the group members if they will be paid or not, as only the executive director can provide a response.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
