Legal Dispute Erupts at Namibian Music Society
Albert Nicanor, the suspended chief executive of the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam), has declared his intention to pursue legal action against the organization. He claims that his suspension was not conducted in accordance with proper procedures and violated his fundamental rights.
The suspension, which was announced on Wednesday, came after the Nascam board raised “serious allegations concerning workplace conduct and the professional environment under the chief executive’s leadership.” The specific claims include allegations of bullying and psychological harm inflicted on employees.
According to the board, the suspension is a “neutral, non-disciplinary action” aimed at ensuring a full and impartial independent investigation can be carried out without interference. During this period, Nicanor will continue to receive his full salary and benefits, but he will have no access to company systems or premises.
“I am accused of things and I am not aware of who is accusing me,” Nicanor stated following his suspension. “No due process was followed. I was informed by the chairperson this afternoon that I was suspended. I will take legal action against the company for undue processes — that’s my legal right,” he added.
However, Joseph Ailonga, the Nascam board chairperson, dismissed Nicanor’s claims, stating that he had been given an opportunity to respond before the suspension was finalized. “We held a meeting with Mr. Nicanor on 29 October, where he was allowed to share his position on the issues raised against him,” Ailonga said earlier this week.
He also mentioned that the decision to suspend Nicanor followed a letter from employees raising concerns about his conduct, including allegations of intimidation. “The process cannot be done with the chief executive, as one of the issues raised against him is intimidation,” Ailonga explained.
Ferdinand Gertze has been appointed as acting chief executive while the investigation continues. “The board remains focused on ensuring a positive and ethical work environment that promotes the well-being of all employees,” Ailonga said, adding that updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
Historical Context of Employee-Management Conflict
Last year, reports surfaced that Nascam employees were in conflict with the society’s management over alleged unfair treatment and forced contract changes. In a letter addressed to the board in June of the previous year, staff members accused the organization of forcing them to sign new employment contracts without negotiation and of removing key benefits such as medical aid and a 13th cheque.
“The sudden removal of medical aid has negatively impacted employees’ well-being and health security,” the letter stated. Some employees claimed they were offered unpaid leave despite being eligible for annual leave, while others reported being threatened with dismissal for refusing to sign the new contracts.
The employees further alleged that internal disputes had delayed royalty payments to Nascam’s more than 8,000 registered artists, many of whom rely on the funds as their main source of income.
At the time, Nicanor confirmed receiving the letter but said the matter was being handled internally. “It is our policy to maintain confidentiality. There are established internal procedures for addressing such matters,” he said.
Then-board chairperson Sula Kyababa acknowledged awareness of the concerns but stated that the issues were administrative and would be addressed through internal processes. Speaking at the society’s open day in January 2024, Nicanor said the organization had operated without formal policies for 26 years, while Kyababa confirmed the board’s plans to replace annual bonuses with a performance management system.
Ongoing Tensions and Workplace Issues
The tension between management and employees has persisted since 2022, with recurring allegations of poor leadership and workplace bullying. These ongoing disputes have created a challenging environment for both employees and leadership within the organization.