Forensic probe urged into strike-triggering NBC bonuses

The weeks-long strike at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 2021 - which halted radio and television programs - was caused by the N$5.4 million paid to the executive management and a few selected senior managers as performance bonuses, the parliamentary standing committee on human resources and community development found.As such, the committee recommended that government should increase NBC’s subsidy and conduct a forensic audit of the broadcaster's finances.Tensions between NBC employees and management had been escalating for years before the strike, the committee's report into the stand-off found. The committee found that the N$5.4 million paid to managers was seen as a betrayal by employees who had not received a salary increase since 2020 due to alleged financial constraints.Employees also criticized NBC’s decision to purchase a vehicle worth N$1.9 million for director-general Stanley Similo, despite him already receiving a vehicle allowance.The report highlighted that some of the managers who benefited from the performance bonuses also received a 13th cheque. Workers had been expecting salary increases as part of an agreed 5.2% raise between NBC and the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu). However, NBC's board rejected the agreement and instead proposed a one-time payment ranging from N$10,000 to N$15,000, depending on the employee’s salary scale. This proposal was rejected by employees as it was not based on the negotiated agreement. The board later withdrew this offer, citing budget constraints after receiving a reduced budget allocation from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.Feeling betrayed not only by the management but also by Napwu, NBC employees embarked on the strike. They accused Napwu of failing to advocate effectively for their interests. The report noted that while workers were still considering the one-time payment proposal, NBC received N$127 million as part of its budget allocation from the ministry. Despite this, their salary demands were not met.A brewing stormFor years, NBC employees had voiced concerns about stagnant wages and job insecurity. The tipping point came when NBC managers reportedly awarded themselves N$5.4 million in performance bonuses while denying workers a 5.2% salary increase and permanent employment for contract staff. NBC cited financial constraints, but employees, represented by Napwu, went on strike to demand fair treatment.The committee reported that NBC employees endured economic hardships and work-related challenges due to the ongoing disregard by the NBC board and executive management.Despite the impact of the strike, NBC’s management defended its financial decisions, including the purchase of a N$1.9 million vehicle for Similo. The committee criticised NBC’s financial practices and questioned the disappearance of computers containing sensitive financial data. The report revealed that three computers from the finance department went missing or were stolen, yet no criminal case was opened with the police.The ministry of information, responsible for overseeing NBC, was also criticised for failing to intervene effectively. The committee stated that for 33 years, no sustainable solutions had been found for issues such as management, policy direction, and financial stability at NBC.Psychological toll on workersEmployees faced severe financial pressure due to salary deductions, with many losing their homes and vehicles. The report highlighted the psychological impact on workers, leading to alcoholism, drug abuse, debt, and suicidal thoughts. The committee also revealed that a union representative was dismissed after the strike, which many perceived as retaliation.The report further disclosed that NBC failed to negotiate in good faith. NBC’s management not only paid themselves N$5.4 million in performance bonuses but also went ahead to purchase a vehicle worth N$1.9 million for the director-general. Moreover, the agreed 5.2% salary increase or the one-time payment that was promised by NBC management was never honored. In addition, NBC did not comply with Section 12 (2) of the Labour Act No. 11 of 2007, which stipulates that any deduction on an employee's disposable or net income must not exceed one-third of an individual’s monthly salary.The way forwardThe committee recommended that the ministry of information should increase NBC’s subsidy and conduct a forensic audit of the broadcaster's finances. It also called for executive officials to be held accountable. Although NBC has pledged to review labour policies, employees remain skeptical about these promises.“Dialogue was crucial for NBC’s operations, which could have prevented the devastating strike that left many employees heartbroken,” the committee emphasized.

Forensic probe urged into strike-triggering NBC bonuses

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Forensic probe urged into strike-triggering NBC bonuses

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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