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Namibia: NUNW Raps Govt On Ramatex
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New Era (Windhoek)
15 April 2008
Posted to the web 15 April 2008
Kuvee Kangueehi
Windhoek
The Secretary General of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), Evilastus Kaaronda, says the Government was highly negligent in its handling of the Ramatex issue, from the time the company started its operations in the country.
Kaaronda said given the background of the company and the way it operated in other countries, the Government should have been more prudent dealing with the Malaysian textile company but instead it gave the company carte blanche.
Kaaronda made the remarks yesterday at a press conference. It was the first time that the NUNW made an official statement regarding the closure of Ramatex last month, which left over 3000 young Namibians jobless.
The outspoken union leader said up until now, the Government has not given the people of Namibia and especially the thousands of people that lost their jobs assurances about their future.
He said it was good and well that the former minister of Trade and Industry, Immanuel Ngatjizeko, addressed parliament on the closure of Ramatex but the Government has failed to inform the nation why it has been so negligent and what lessons they have learnt from the Ramatex flop.
Kaaronda said it is no secret that the Government had good intentions but the methods it applied to ensure that Ramatex operates in the country were unprofessional.
He added that the Government failed to draw up proper agreement contracts with Ramatex, a loophole the company used to exploit the Government.
Kaaronda also took a swipe at Prime Minister Nahas Angula, saying the head of government has been quiet on the issue and instead of providing leadership to the country he spends his time calling other people names.
The NUNW secretary general said the statement by Ngatjizeko in parliament was superfluous and until now crucial issues such as what happens to the Ramatex building have not been answered. Questions like what happens to the workers that have acquired skills and experience and whether there are potential investors, have also not been addressed.
Meanwhile, the main May Day celebrations this year are expected to take place at Walvis Bay. Founding President Sam Nujoma is expected to be the main speaker.
Other events will take place and Otjiwarongo and Araimsvlei.
The Nammic Financial Services yesterday handed over N$255000 to the NUNW for the May Day celebrations.
The donation was part of the agreement between NUNW and its affiliates and Nammic Financial Services that it will sponsor all national congress and events.
Speaking at the official hand over, the Chief Executive Officer of Nammic Financial Services, Walter Don, said the affiliated unions play a vital role in negotiating payroll deduction and collective agreements with employers.
"Nammic receives commission for managing the administration of the loan application when a union member takes out Nammic loan and then Nammic pays a part of this commission to the union of which such Nammic loan client is a member."
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He noted that the NUNW could always rely on Nammic as a business arm for continued support.
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