Ramatex, partners turning over a new leaf, says PM

MALAYSIAN-RUN textile factory Ramatex is looking at the possibility of upgrading its products, employee training and even embracing a greener policy, Prime Minister Nahas Angula indicated to The Namibian yesterday.

At the same time he confirmed that plans were in the pipeline to possibly bring in more foreign workers, but said it would not be a “general importation”. The Prime Minister was responding to concerns over Ramatex Executive Director Albert Lim’s visit to the country last week, saying there was no need for concern.Ramatex workers alerted this newspaper to Lim’s presence in Namibia, saying that he had been meeting behind closed doors with Government officials since his arrival.They raised concerns over rumours that the Windhoek-based factory planned to bring in more foreign labourers – something they’re opposed to because of the company’s refusal to heed their calls for salary increases and better working conditions.Angula said that the company was in fact talking of boosting its foreign labour component.However, according to him, the only aim was to train Namibian workers currently employed at the factory.Describing the talks between Government and the company as “preliminary”, the Prime Minister told The Namibian that prospects of product upgrading, environmental care and employee training were among the issues discussed.”My understanding is that Ramatex wants to upgrade its product.They’re looking at penetrating the high-value markets by supplying brand names.So they want to train workers who have reached a certain level of competency.For this they’ll need to bring in some foreign workers to train workers.It’s not going to be a general importation of workers, though,” Angula said.Ramatex is apparently also contemplating the development of a “special company” to deal with environmental issues.The company has faced protests from environmental watchdogs, as well as residents of the area around the factory, over the factory’s impact on the environment.”All parties are turning over a new leaf,” Angula said when asked about the company’s future in the country.Ramatex, Angula said, was prepared to work with the Ministry of Trade, as well as with the Windhoek Municipality and Government as a whole to make the company’s stay in Namibia a success.Earlier this year, the company planned to leave Namibia, citing low productivity and bad publicity as key reasons.Government had been offered an opportunity to buy the factory, but instead proposed a turnaround plan.The Namibian Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Nafau) is currently in discussion with the company on this issue.Nafau was scheduled to meet with the company on Friday, General Secretary Kiros Sackarias said last week.Although Sackarias could not be reached over the weekend, it has been established that the meeting has been postponed to this week.The Prime Minister was responding to concerns over Ramatex Executive Director Albert Lim’s visit to the country last week, saying there was no need for concern.Ramatex workers alerted this newspaper to Lim’s presence in Namibia, saying that he had been meeting behind closed doors with Government officials since his arrival.They raised concerns over rumours that the Windhoek-based factory planned to bring in more foreign labourers – something they’re opposed to because of the company’s refusal to heed their calls for salary increases and better working conditions.Angula said that the company was in fact talking of boosting its foreign labour component.However, according to him, the only aim was to train Namibian workers currently employed at the factory.Describing the talks between Government and the company as “preliminary”, the Prime Minister told The Namibian that prospects of product upgrading, environmental care and employee training were among the issues discussed.”My understanding is that Ramatex wants to upgrade its product.They’re looking at penetrating the high-value markets by supplying brand names.So they want to train workers who have reached a certain level of competency.For this they’ll need to bring in some foreign workers to train workers.It’s not going to be a general importation of workers, though,” Angula said.Ramatex is apparently also contemplating the development of a “special company” to deal with environmental issues.The company has faced protests from environmental watchdogs, as well as residents of the area around the factory, over the factory’s impact on the environment.”All parties are turning over a new leaf,” Angula said when asked about the company’s future in the country.Ramatex, Angula said, was prepared to work with the Ministry of Trade, as well as with the Windhoek Municipality and Government as a whole to make the company’s stay in Namibia a success.Earlier this year, the company planned to leave Namibia, citing low productivity and bad publicity as key reasons.Government had been offered an opportunity to buy the factory, but instead proposed a turnaround plan.The Namibian Food and Allied Workers’ Union (Nafau) is currently in discussion with the company on this issue.Nafau was scheduled to meet with the company on Friday, General Secretary Kiros Sackarias said last week.Although Sackarias could not be reached over the weekend, it has been established that the meeting has been postponed to this week.