resignation of the Director General, Bob Kandetu, his management and the NBC's Board of Directors, accusing them of "downright corrupt practices".

Approached for comment, Kandetu told The Namibian yesterday that efforts to address the salary issue had been under way even before the strike. "Government wanted a business plan from us, that was the only way they would agree to talk to us.

That was done and in November it was submitted," Kandetu said. Discussions between the parastatal and Government were held in December, he added, and both had since been working on ways to come up with adequate funds. Kandetu was appointed as DG of the perennially troubled broadcaster in May 2006.

Windhoek-based workers and those at satellite offices around the country reported for duty, but were not at their work stations and instead picketed on the premises.All language services and the National Service only played music with occasional announcements that the services are experiencing problems.

The strike has brought most of the normal programmes to an abrupt halt. Radio DJs, television reporters and cameramen joined the general support staff and members of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) in protests at the NBC premises. In April 2007, NBC workers staged peaceful demonstrations during lunch hour on Fridays over much of the same issues which have resulted in this week's strike.
Source: The Namibian

NBC has 'no money' - Ya Frans

Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Board Chairman Ponhele ya Frans has accused protesting workers at the broadcaster of being unreasonable and unrealistic. Protesting workers demanded that ya Frans, the NBC Board of Directors and the top management resign, accusing them of being insensitive to their demands for a pay hike. Reacting to the strike, ya Frans said the NBC strike was illegal because it was "a dispute of right". He said the company could do nothing because there was no money.
" We were still working on their wage agreement, which is why a business plan was submitted to the State."

As a result, the chairman said, the board secured an understanding with Government to grant the corporation an overdraft to cover the workers' 6% increment. "What I fail to understand is that we tried by all means to address their demands, but yet they are still demanding the 9% back pay which was not part of the agreement. We understand their situation, this was not necessary and is unreasonable," he said.

Although the workers are bound to receive their salary increase, they still demand their 9% back pay by tomorrow (Friday). He said all NBC staff should understand that they are all responsible for the current situation at the corporation, starting with cleaners to the board of directors. Despite the staff accusing the corporation's management of incompetence, ya Frans is impressed with the significant strides attained thus far.

" It is so irresponsible for staff to demand that the management and the board should resign, turning a blind eye to the achievements reached. The NBC belongs to all of us and all should take ownership of what's happening, don't only blame the management," he said.
Source: New Era

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