By: Nguriye Katusuva

The Security Association of Namibia (SAN) has distanced itself from tenders in the Kunene region.

This follows after the association raised concern regarding how security tenders are awarded by the Kunene Regional Council and Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings to the successful bidders.

The association’s national president, Dhiginina Uutaapama, said SAN has appealed to the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) to, at least, increase security guards’ fees, especially those that have worked for 12 months by N$10.00 per hour since the normal entry level is N$8.75 per hour for new recruits.

According to him, the current rate increases the high levels of security guards leaving their jobs and companies losing tenders which will later be awarded to new companies with the N$8.75 per hour rate.

The association has since written a letter to all chief regional officers, chief executive officers, and the chairperson of CPBN and procurement managers regarding what it terms as the non-compliance of the Labour Act 11 of 2007 and government gazette in awarding security guards’ tenders and to fairly look in the matter.

The association has also distanced itself from a number of tenders awarded last year, whose awarded amounts it says do not comply with the minimum wage required.

“We urge all the above offices and stakeholders to consider the associated costs and the legal implications of non-compliance with the minimum wage requirements before awarding any tender.”

Meanwhile, SAN says it has put gears in motion to return the association to the Security Labour Forum (NSLF) in order to revise the collective agreement.

NSLF is a bargaining forum for minimum wage negotiation on entry level and other negotiated levels in the security industry.

It was made up of SAN, Namibian Security Guard and Watchmen Union (NASGWU), and the Ministry of Labour as the facilitator.

SAN withdrew from NSLF in 2017 during wage negotiations for security guards.

Uutaapama further added that his office awaits an engagement from the government because the issue has been ongoing for a long time.

“It has been 28 years of having the act and no regulations have been made,” he said.

The association further calls on all stakeholders and procurement boards, whether in the private or public sectors, to look into the security issue and engage with the association for clarity in such matters.

“Adherence to fair and ethical procurement practices is essential to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth in the country. Therefore all parties involved should uphold the provisions of the law and ensure compliance with minimum wage requirements as stipulated in the relevant legislation,” Uutaapama told The Villager.

Approached for comment, CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala said that the Kunene tenders were not facilitated by the CPBN.

Kunene Region Governor Marius Sheya referred all queries to the Opuwo Town Council as his “office does not deal with tenders.”

Acting CEO of Opuwo Town Council Karui Rikambura said he was not aware of any letter of that kind.