Employees of the Tsumeb Municipality, supported by the Namibia Local Authorities Workers Union (NALAWU), have submitted a petition to management accusing the council of mismanaging funds, delaying salary negotiations, and promoting unfair labour practices.

Their concerns include a N$6.4 million contract awarded to a South African company for asset auditing, a lack of transparency in promotions, salary disparities, and the outsourcing of key HR functions.

NALAWU’s Fillemon Mvula criticised the leadership for creating positions without consulting the union and questioned why local expertise was overlooked.

The workers are demanding immediate intervention, a review of the salary structure, and fair treatment. They have given the municipality seven working days to respond, after which they may escalate the matter to the Labour Commissioner.

In response, Acting CEO Frans Enkali said salary negotiations are still pending and highlighted the municipality’s limited financial capacity due to Tsumeb’s challenging economic situation.