Security Officers at Unam’s Ogongo Campus Face Payroll Crisis
Security officers working at the University of Namibia (Unam) campus in Ogongo have reportedly not received their salaries since September, leading to growing concerns and threats of industrial action. The workers, employed by Shilimela Security Services, are demanding immediate payment of their outstanding wages, citing that they cannot continue working without financial support.
David Frans, the deputy secretary general of the Namibia Security Workers Union, has spoken on behalf of the affected employees. He stated that the company is violating the Labour Act by failing to pay its staff on time. According to Frans, the security officers are responsible for protecting the university’s assets and have been reporting for duty every day despite not receiving their salaries.
Efforts to obtain a response from Banda Shilimela, the owner of Shilimela Security Services, have not yielded any results. The union representative highlighted that the university had already adjusted its invoices to the company, allowing it to pay employees according to the newly gazetted national minimum wage for 2025, including back payments. However, Shilimela Security Services has not implemented these changes.
Demands for Immediate Action
Frans emphasized that the security officers are calling on the company to settle all unpaid wages, starting with those from September and other months. If the company does not comply, he urged the University of Namibia to terminate its contract with Shilimela and hire another security provider.
“The security officers are going for months without receiving any salary, yet they have to report for duty every day. This is unacceptable,” Frans said. “These are people with families, and some of them have debit orders that go off every month. How are they supposed to live while working under such harsh conditions? Shilimela must pay salaries on time or else they must not get government contracts again.”
The union representative also criticized the company’s lack of responsibility, stating that it is not only affecting the workers but also undermining the trust between the employer and employees.
University Stands by Its Position
Unam has clarified that it does not owe any money to Shilimela Security Services. The institution claims that all invoice payments are made on time each month. However, the situation remains unresolved, with the security officers continuing to face financial hardship.
This incident highlights the broader challenges faced by workers in the private sector, particularly those in roles that require daily attendance but do not guarantee timely compensation. It also raises questions about the accountability of companies that enter into contracts with public institutions.
Broader Implications
The case of Shilimela Security Services underscores the importance of adherence to labor laws and the need for transparency in employment practices. When companies fail to meet their obligations, it not only affects the workers but also damages the reputation of the organizations they serve.
For the security officers at Unam, the issue is not just about money—it is about dignity, fairness, and the right to be treated as valued members of the workforce. Their demands reflect a growing sentiment among workers across various sectors who are seeking better treatment and more reliable income.
Calls for Accountability
As the situation continues to unfold, there are increasing calls for accountability from both the company and the university. The union is urging all parties involved to take swift action to resolve the payroll crisis and ensure that the rights of the workers are respected.
The role of regulatory bodies and labor unions in such cases is critical. They must step in to mediate disputes and enforce compliance with labor standards. Without such interventions, workers may continue to suffer, and the trust between employers and employees may be further eroded.
In the long term, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for stronger oversight and more robust mechanisms to protect workers’ rights. It also highlights the importance of transparency in business operations, especially when dealing with public institutions.