Ester Mbathera
Sinomine, the new owner of the Tsumeb Smelter has clarified the recent changes to its executive structure following public concerns over the secondment of ten foreign staff members.
Earlier this week the company issued an internal memo seen by the Windhoek Observer to introduce new team members seconded from Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd., to the smelter.
Brumilda Britz, director of human resources, in the memo, explained that the team members are seconded to support our existing workforce.
“We thank everyone for their continued support in welcoming them as we expand our capacity and capabilities as a business to meet the evolving needs of the industry, “said Britz.
The announcement caused an uproar on social media, with many Namibians questioning if locals could not qualify for the position.
“Who is in for a demonstration? This cannot be. Our local people are qualified for some of these positions. If we don’t raise them, even those pushing wheelbarrows will come from China. I have a job, but for the sake of our graduates and parents, I will resist this,” said community activist Johannes Johannes.
“Only three people are supposed to come to Namibia, the chief executive officer, the executive vice president, and the director of finance. That’s all. The rest are the engineers, supervisors, and HR. We have competent people here. Where is Mr. Kazeeta now ?,” Freedom Angula.
“Everyone complaining about this appointment has no understanding of what is happening. They do not know how the smelter operates. The smelter employs over 600 Namibians and your complaint is why are there Chinese officials appointed in some positions? There are more black people in decision-making positions there than the few Chinese that have been appointed. Even if you bought the place and actually wanted an efficient and profitable operation, you would appoint those you trust to do so. It has nothing to do with politics or racial discrimination,” said Matias Simon.
“The lack of information, lack of understanding is worrisome. The old management is still functional and is still working. There is a lot of money being invested to make the smelter state of the art, and if the investors want an eye to be there to make sure money is not being wasted, I welcome them,” said Ettiene Titus.
The move, according to Sinomine Chief Executive Officer Logan Lou, is part of an initiative to enhance its operational capabilities while maintaining its commitment to employing a predominantly local workforce.
“Only three of the nominated team seconded from the group’s corporate head office form part of the executive management team. The other colleagues will serve as an additional resource on a secondment basis,” he said.
Depending on the project’s needs, the secondment lasts up to two years.
Sinomine acquired the Tsumeb smelter on 1 September and retained all the company’s leaders.
Zebra Kasete is now holding the title of executive vice president of business development and reports to Lou.
The executive team of Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter comprises 6 Namibians and 3 expatriates.
According to Lou, Namibians make up 98% of the smelter’s 600 employees, with foreign workers comprising only 2% of the workforce.
He explained that the seven expatriates will serve as an additional resource on a secondment basis.
“We are committed to enhancing our copper business and introducing new project initiatives, namely the caesium and germanium projects. These efforts are anticipated to create further employment opportunities for Namibians, contributing positively to the local economy,” said Lou.
He reaffirmed the company’s adherence to all the country’s regulatory requirements, including those set by the Namibian Competition Commission regarding employment.
On Thursday, the Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Epafras Mukwiilongo and member Michael Amushelelo visited the smelter.
Amusheleo said they were given assurance that the foreigners in the company are less than 0.5%, whilst the majority of the people employed remain Namibians.
“They have assured us that they continue to adhere to strict safety and environmental standards. We are pleased with the openness and transparency that Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter accorded us as well as the hospitality. When we engage companies, we do so with the primary purpose of getting clarity, resolving issues, and ensuring that our people are treated with dignity and respect,” he said.