Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) has called on president Hage Geingob and ministers to halt international trips, in order to save money, and rather do everything in their power to avoid a civil servant strike.
The association also suggested that the cash-strapped government give 10% of tax revenue collected from civil servants back to them to stave off the industrial action.
Geingob and a delegation, which includes first lady Monica Geingos, had been expected to travel to Jamaica on Thursday for a five-day state visit, according to media reports from that country.
However, State House said yesterday that trips to both Jamaica and Cuba had been cancelled “to deal with the strike”.
Naloba vice president Peter Amadhila yesterday said the government should do everything in its power to avoid a civil servant strike.
The pleading by the business lobby group for Geingob and his ministers to stay put in the country comes at the time when there are concerns that a large number of government officials are allegedly booking first-class flights to Cuba.
Government employees last week voted in favour of embarking on industrial action over salary increments.
Results from the national verification centre on Sunday showed that 42 216 civil servants voted ‘yes’, with only 1 232 voting against striking.
Economists have already warned of the devastating impact on the Namibian economy if the strike goes ahead.
“Government services to the gross domestic product (GDP) are significant,” economist Salomo Hei said on Sunday.
He believes of bigger concern is how the strike would impact demand, and the ripple effect it may have on other sectors.
“No pay means no honouring of instalments on mortgages and insurance – the biggest threat to our economy,” he said.
“Naloba advises the government to give back 10% of the tax threshold or portion to every civil servant, resulting in an increase on their net salaries on an interim basis until further notice when economic issues have stabilised and funds are available to effect pay rises as per demand and agreements,” Amadhila said at a press conference at Ongwediva yesterday.
He urged civil servants not to strike as this would have a devastating effect on the country’s economy.
“The proposed possible strike by all public civil servants is a scary moment. In light of the above, Naloba wishes to advise president Hage Geingob and his entire Cabinet not to leave the country due to costs until this disturbing situation is solved,” he said.
TRIPS TO JAMAICA AND CUBA CANCELLED
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said yesterday evening: “The president takes governance seriously. For that reason, the president will remain focused on dealing with the issue of a potential strike by a section of the civil service, which is 42 000 out of about 120 000 civil servants.
“The president has respect for the Constitution and democratic process, which gives Namibians the right to industrial action in an orderly and peaceful manner.”
Hengari added that “it is important to be cognisant of the fact there are rights and responsibilities – and the rights of one person commence where those of another person end”.
“The president has cancelled a state visit to Jamaica where he was the guest of honour for the jubilee celebrations of the independence of Jamaica. He also cancelled a state visit to Cuba, to deal with the strike.”
Geingob and the first lady was expected to be in Jamaica from 4 to 8 August, where they would be special guests at Jamaica’s 60th independence celebrations on 6 August.
Geingob was also expected to address a special sitting of the Jamaican parliament.
He would also have held bilateral discussions with Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, and other Jamaican government officials, and was expected to pay a courtesy call to the governor general, Patrick Allen, reports said.
Other items on the itinerary included attending the Jamaica 60 independence grand gala, and laying a wreath at the shrine of Jamaica’s first national hero, Marcus Garvey, according to international media reports.
SHUTTING DOWN OF HOME SHOPS
Meanwhile, Amadhila said Naloba also condemns the City of Windhoek’s threat to shut down home shops in Windhoek last week. He said home shops are primary sources of income for many in the capital.
“These small businesses bring bread and butter to the table for many families. They have also resulted in much employment creation,” he said.
Amadhila said many of the shops are certified by the City of Windhoek and contribute to municipal revenue.
“A lack of established vending outlets, which are normally established by municipalities in all residential areas, is what is causing residents to convert their garages into home shops,” Amadhila said.
Amadhila said the City of Windhoek should find proper mechanisms to regulate shops.
The municipality should clearly take note, and respect the contributions made by the micro-economic sector in society, he said.
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