Managers accused of abuse at Gendev fishing company

The fishing company Gendev at Walvis Bay, in which Swapo has shareholding, has been served with a petition for the removal of two of the company’s managers due to alleged abusive behaviour. The allegations are levelled against the company’s acting managing director, Ruby Rees, and quality manager Jonas Lamek. An employee in the company’s quality control department, Paulina Frans, told The Namibian on Wednesday that a toxic working environment has led to the resignation of many employees at the company. She also claimed hostile conditions have resulted in employees suffering from depression. “Our hours are being cut for no particular reason, resulting in us taking peanuts home to feed our families. If you speak up on these issues, you are being demoted as punishment or being fired. We have on several occasions called on the board of directors to come, but they don’t. The toxic behaviours of these two managers are really unbearable,” she claimed. In the petition, addressed to the shareholders and board of directors of the company on Monday and seen by The Namibian, it is claimed that two managers’ behaviour has created fear and discomfort among employees. According to the employees, they have previously raised their concerns through appropriate channels, yet nothing has been done. They are now demanding immediate action, saying they cannot continue to work in a toxic work environment. “It is crucial for any organisation’s success that its leaders prioritise creating a safe work environment where everyone feels respected and valued. Unfortunately, these two managers have consistently failed in this regard,” the petition stated. Lamek, who is one of the accused managers, said he is aware of the demonstration, although he has not seen the petition and what he is being accused of. He added that the accusations against him date back to 2016. “There is no truth to whatever they are saying. This smear campaign against me is being done by a certain individual that is using the workers,” he said. Gendev Group board of directors chairperson Paulus Ilonga said on Wednesday he is not aware of the petition, as it has not been shared with him. “I cannot comment on the allegations and demands of the employees at the moment,” he said.