Workers claim discrimination at Limkokwing
Employees at the Malaysianowned Limkokwing University of Creative Technology have accused administrators at the university of corruption and discrimination, putting the blame squarely at the doors of its foreign administrators.
In a letter seen by New Era, frustrated employees accused the university of hiring expatriates from Botswana, who, according to them, are members of the transitional team and are working with the “Herero-dominated human resources department” to frustrate all other ethnic groups.
The university has, however, denied the allegations. “So far, coincidentally or by a ploy, all the people being targeted for firing and those who left the university because they were frustrated, are all Aawambo. The employees are frustrated, and they don’t know who to turn to because the vice chancellor doesn’t have power. All decisions are taken from Botswana and Malaysia. Thus, he is useless or helpless to do anything,” reads the letter.
According to the employees, foreign workers who were allegedly denied work permits are working full-time at the university without the relevant papers, in direct disregard of the laws of Namibia.
“These foreign workers without work permits are abusing Namibians at the university. The finances of the university are in a mess. The director of human resources and the foreign workers awarded themselves the security and cleaning services at the university,” alleged the workers.
“They are now using their security company to stop anyone other than themselves to enter the finance offices, maybe to hide the money they are misusing. There are rumours on campus that the university has not paid any form of tax to the government of Namibia since 2016. It pays all its employees below the going market rate,” they charged.
Contacted for comment, vice chancellor Hoze Riruako said the complaints as circulated to the media have been brought to his attention, and the challenges are inherent challenges to most institutions, including universities which operate within a diverse society.
“Everything alleged against Limkokwing University can be addressed internally by approaching the appropriate departments,” he added.
However, Riruako said the allegations of tribalism at the university are serious.
“I am a believer in the principle of One Namibia, One Nation, and have devoted my life and proven throughout my career to be a humanist,” he added.
“Those raising concerns about a brewing tribal climate at the university must rest assured that I would use everything in my power to create an atmosphere that is conducive, harmonious and tranquil for Namibians from all walks of life to thrive in.”