NUNW to probe Ongopolo mismanagement

THE National Union of Namibian Workers says it will begin early this year to investigate alleged mismanagement that led to the near collapse of Ongopolo Mining and Processing (OMP).

Last year’s NUNW Congress decided to investigate Ongopolo and the decision was later confirmed by the union federation’s Central Executive Committee. However, nothing happened for over six months.NUNW Secretary General Evilastus Kaaronda said they would put their words into action early this year.Ongopolo was taken over by Weatherly International last year after the company almost collapsed.The NUNW was involved in discussions leading to the takeover and its President Alpheus Muheua said they acted swiftly, as workers had been about to end up on the streets.British-based Weatherly International committed itself to paying 17 million pounds (about N$183 million) in cash for its stake.Weatherly also signed an interim management agreement, under which it took over operational management during a restructuring period leading up to the completion of the transaction.Its equity interest in the Tsumeb mine could ultimately rise to a maximum of 70 per cent, according to details of the transaction published elsewhere.Ongopolo was revived in 2000 by unionists and former managers after the former TCL mine was shut down because of labour unrest.Since then, Ongopolo has been looking at a long-term agreement to smelt copper ore from Zambia in Namibia.However, nothing happened for over six months.NUNW Secretary General Evilastus Kaaronda said they would put their words into action early this year.Ongopolo was taken over by Weatherly International last year after the company almost collapsed.The NUNW was involved in discussions leading to the takeover and its President Alpheus Muheua said they acted swiftly, as workers had been about to end up on the streets.British-based Weatherly International committed itself to paying 17 million pounds (about N$183 million) in cash for its stake.Weatherly also signed an interim management agreement, under which it took over operational management during a restructuring period leading up to the completion of the transaction.Its equity interest in the Tsumeb mine could ultimately rise to a maximum of 70 per cent, according to details of the transaction published elsewhere.Ongopolo was revived in 2000 by unionists and former managers after the former TCL mine was shut down because of labour unrest.Since then, Ongopolo has been looking at a long-term agreement to smelt copper ore from Zambia in Namibia.