By Victor Angula /
The Namibia Media Professionals’ Union (NAMPU) has expressed its outrage and disgust at the conduct of The Namibian newspaper after the daily fired one of its long-serving journalists.
NAMPU said that the sacking of Mr Sheefeni Nikodemus by The Namibian was a result of “exploitation, victimisation, and illegal disciplinary action” at the newspaper company.
In a statement released by NAMPU’s acting secretary general Ms Jemima Beukes, the union has expressed dismay at the conduct of The Namibian, a media company which has for years stood as a pillar of press freedom and a defender of workers’ rights.
“The Namibian, which once stood as a pillar of press freedom in Southern Africa, has forced Mr. Nikodemus to work without a valid employment contract for nearly five years, denied him job clarity, slashed his conditions of service without consultation, and then subjected him to a sham disciplinary process, all in violation of the Labour Act 11 of 2007, and in betrayal of every principle the media industry claims to uphold,” Beukes said.
“Let it be clear: This is not only a labour rights issue — it is a freedom of expression issue. You cannot have free and independent journalism while journalists are abused, silenced, or left contractless [sic].”
Beukes said that the disciplinary charges against Nikodemus were nothing but “a smokescreen to punish a journalist who had the courage to demand lawful treatment. His demands were simple and reasonable: a signed contract, a clear job description, and protection under a fair code of conduct.
“For this, he was met with threats, ambiguity, and an illegal hearing devoid of process, evidence, or transparency. This disgraceful conduct by The Namibian spits on the values of the Windhoek Declaration of 1991, which states:
“‘The establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation.’
“The press cannot be free when journalists inside are shackled by fear and denied the most basic condition of employment — a valid contract.”
NAMPU stated that the case of Nikodemus is not an isolated one.
“NAMPU has observed with grave concern a dangerous trend emerging where media houses parade a public image of press freedom while engaging in authoritarian and exploitative internal practices. This is hypocrisy of the highest order.”
NAMPU further demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all disciplinary actions against Nikodemus, the urgent conclusion and signing of a valid and lawful employment contract, a public admission by The Namibian of wrongdoing, and a recommitment to the Windhoek Declaration by The Namibian – as well as an industry-wide reform to end “contractless journalism” and “restore dignity to the newsroom”.
“The Namibian cannot pretend to champion democracy while treating its workers like they have no rights. NAMPU will not stand by while journalists are punished for demanding justice,” Beukes said.
When contacted for comment by Omutumwa, despite taking more than a week to respond, The Namibian’s Editor Mr Tangeni Amupadhi dismissed NAMPU’s statement, saying that NAMPU is a group of pretenders whose aim is to tarnish the image of The Namibian.
“I’d like to bring to your attention that whatever labour matter/s you refer to are internal and thus have to run their course. We’d deal with them through set procedures of The Namibian and due regard to the rights of employee/s involved,” Amupadhi said.
“Suffice to add that The Namibian has taken note of people masquerading as unionists and journalists while maliciously acting with a stated (and unstated yet obvious) intend to tarnish The Namibian by ignoring basic professional conduct of the values they claim to advance.”
In the photo: NAMPU’s secretary general, Jemima Beukes.
