Workers at Meatco have intensified their dispute with management, tabling a damning petition during a protest in Windhoek yesterday that alleges financial mismanagement, labour violations and conflicts of interest at the state-owned entity.
The demonstration, led by Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union, stems from delayed salary negotiations for the 2026 financial year. Workers claim that despite the company recording a N$100 million profit for the first time since its inception, management has failed to offer a reasonable wage increment.
Duri
ng the protest, union representative Joseph Kambala read out the petition, which outlines a series of allegations against senior leadership.
Among the concerns, workers questioned an amended travel policy, alleging executives continue to fly business class—even on regional routes—despite calls for cost-cutting. They also called for an independent investigation into a reported dealership arrangement between
Meatco and a South African firm, UBSA CC, which allegedly receives a 5% discount not extended to other clients, raising concerns of possible conflicts of interest involving senior executives.
The petition further cites unaudited financial statements for 2025/2026, which allegedly reflect losses in the first quarter of 2026 despite high production volumes, prompting workers to question how the company could incur losses under such conditions.
Serious concerns were also raised over leadership and governance, including the appointment of the chief financial officer and acting executive for human capital. Workers argue these appointments warrant investigation, with calls for both officials to resign, alongside demands for the entire board to be dismissed and replaced.
Labour-related grievances featured prominently, with allegations that some temporary employees are working without contracts and being paid in cash, in violation of Namibia’s labour laws. Workers also demanded the immediate implementation of production bonuses during peak output.
Operational inefficiencies were also highlighted, including delays in product dispatch, concerns over pricing strategies, and calls for government intervention in Northern
Communal Area operations, particularly regarding the Katima Mulilo abattoir. The petition further demands accountability over 400 allegedly missing cattle and calls for the suspension of a technical manager accused of ongoing misconduct.
The workers are demanding improved wages, transparency, accountability and permanent employment for casual staff, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could result in an indefinite strike after 30 April.
Responding to the petition, acting executive for human capital Erastus Shanghala acknowledged receipt and said the company would provide a response.
phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na
