About 20 Shilimela Security Services guards in the Zambezi region have gone on strike after going unpaid because the agriculture ministry has not paid their employer.

The strike, spearheaded by the Namibia Public Security Allied Workers Union (Napsawu) at Katima Mulilo, kicked off yesterday.

Union chairperson Alex Taimo yesterday said the union has been engaging the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform since last week to ensure it pays Shilimela, but without success.

He said the employees were due for payment on 25 October.

“However, on 27 October the owner of Shilimela Security Services told me they are unable to pay the workers again because the agriculture ministry has not paid them yet.

“I then went on to consult agriculture ministry officials, who confirmed that indeed they have not paid the company. We are now in November, and there’s still no salary. The agriculture ministry must pay the company, because these security guards have been working on empty stomachs every day,” Taimo said.

One of the guards, Victor Mabibo, yesterday said his children have not been going to school because they do not have any food, while the furniture shop, where some employees have accounts, are calling them every day because of non-payment.

“Our rent and water bills have not been paid either. Working without receiving a salary makes us feel like slaves. We have stopped working until we get our money. The agriculture ministry must do the right thing and pay our bosses so that we get paid,” he said.

Agriculture ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda yesterday said the ministry is aware that it has not paid the company and is working towards making a payment.

“We are aware of this situation, and we are handling it as a matter of urgency to ensure the company is paid,” he said.

Source: https://www.namibian.com.na/zambezi-security-guards-strike-over-unpaid-wages/