A group of Keetmanshoop Municipality workers is accusing the council of giving preferential treatment to some employees.

They staged a demonstration in the town, led by the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU).

The protestors singled out the municipality's acting CEO, Hansina Isaacks, as one of those favored by the council, as well as members affiliated with the Namibia Local Authorities Workers Union.

The disgruntled employees have now demanded her immediate removal from the two positions, that of CEO and Human Resource Strategic Executive, in which she serves in an acting capacity.

The group also accused Isaacks of fraud after she allegedly failed to present academic qualifications during a skills audit, as well as chronic absenteeism.

Cleophas Katuuo, the Regional Coordinator for NAPWU, read the demands. "As unhappy employees, we demand Ms. Hansina Isaacks be removed with immediate effect from the two acting positions, namely CEO and SE: HR. The employees have a vote of no confidence in Ms. Hansina Isaacks, and they are saying that because when an employee differs with Hansina or it is not in her favor, that position is advertised, and that is what we are not happy with."

When approached for comment, Isaacks dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and unfounded.

"I'd like to respond briefly to the allegations that have been made, such as the alleged false claim and the alleged false submission to SSC. I don't know who these workers are or whether NAPWU has the authority to decide on behalf of SSC that such a claim was false; I believe that only SSC has the authority to make such a value judgment."

She also denied claims of preferential treatment and challenged NAPWU to prove these and other allegations leveled against her.

Furthermore, protestors also demanded that the councilors stay out of administrative issues and instead allow heads of departments to perform their duties.

Mayor McDonald Hanse received the petition. "Mr. Katuuo also alluded to them as allegations; for now, they are allegations until proven factual."

The employees, through their representative union, NAPWU, have given the council until December 12 to respond to the petition.