Namibians can fill strategic banking posts – NBWU

Namibians can fill strategic banking posts – NBWUSME Bank scandal 'caused by foreign executives' If Namibians were in charge, matters at the SME Bank would have turned out differently, says the bank workers’ union. OGONE TLHAGE

The investment debacle at the SME Bank has infuriated Moses Mamba of the Namibia Bank Workers Union (NBWU), who called a press conference to voice the union’s displeasure.

“NBWU calls against the appointment of foreign nationals in executive positions. We are deeply concerned that foreign nationals have been appointed in executive positions. We would like to urge these financial institutions to stop these practices,” Mamba said.

He cited SME Bank as a prime example.

The SME Bank has been placed under the curatorship of the Bank of Namibia after it was found that between N$181 million and N$196 million had been invested in instruments in South Africa which neither the board nor some members of its executive committee could account for.

“If it was responsible Namibians, the matters at the SME Bank would have been otherwise,” Mamba claimed.

According to Mamba, it is odd that expatriates are employed in strategic positions in the banking sector when there are Namibians who are suitably qualified to do the work.

“The Namibia Bank Workers Union observed with great concern that there are financial institutions besides the SME Bank that are employing foreign nationals at the expense of well-qualified and experienced Namibians. A few questions need to be answered in terms of the Immigration Control Act of 1993.

“How are these foreign nationals employed? How did they obtain their work permits and stay within Namibia?” he asked.

He questioned whether requirements pertaining to permanent residency, job descriptions, motivations why the posts had to be filled and details of enquiries into suitable Namibian candidates at employment agencies had been met.

Turning his attention to the SME Bank once again, he said: “The NBWU is convinced that there are well-qualified Namibians who can fill those vacant positions.”

He called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to enforce the Immigration Control Act.

The Trade Union of Namibia Congress secretary-general, Mahongora Kavihuha, supported the calls made by his colleague, saying: “It is not just in the financial sector but elsewhere too. It is time for the government of the day to intervene. What we want to see is the appointment of Namibians first. If there are no Namibians that can fill a position then the foreigners can take over.”