Agronomic board orders staff to exit unofficial WhatsApp groups over misuse concerns

The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) yesterday urged employees to exit work-related WhatsApp groups not formally sanctioned by the board’s management. In an internal memo sent to employees and seen by The Namibian, board chief executive Felix Mwanza said no WhatsApp or other social media groups may be created or used for work-related purposes, including sport communications unless formally sanctioned by management. Mwanza said this is because some of these groups are being used for inappropriate discussions, including the sharing of unverified or defamatory information about the NAB and its staff. “It has come to management’s attention that certain WhatsApp groups have been created by employees consisting exclusively of staff members and used for inappropriate purposes. “Such conduct is regrettable and inconsistent with the values and professional standards expected of all NAB employees. It undermines teamwork, trust, and the reputation of the NAB,” Mwanza said. He said the code of conduct and conflict of interest policy places a collective duty on all employees to protect the brand, integrity and image of the NAB. Management, therefore, reminds employees that professional communication must take place only through official and approved channels, he said. “The NAB Secretariat Whats­App group is designated as the official platform and all employees must join or be added by the PRO within the next 48 hours. Divisional and subdivisional groups will be established by respective general managers or managers,” Mwanza stated. He adds that general managers from human resources or any other general manager nominated by the chief executive must be included as a member of any sanctioned group. Employees not adhering will be subject to disciplinary proceedings, reads the internal memo.