Activists call for ‘The Namibian’ to reinstate long-serving journalist
PICTURE: Journalist Sheefeni Nikodemus/FAJ
The Federation of African Journalists
The Namibian newspaper has fired one of its long-service journalists, Sheefeni Nikodemus, who received a letter signed by the MD and Editor, Tangeni Amupadhi, terminating his services with immediate effect.
The FAJ joins its affiliate, the Namibia Media Professionals Union (NAMPU), in condemning in the strongest terms possible the arbitrary dismissal of Nikodemus, which, by all indications, is illegal, exploitative in its ramifications and unacceptable from an institution that pledges to defend media freedom and the rights of journalists.
According to a statement issued by NAMPU, the sacking of Nikodemus on 2 June is as a result of an ‘illegal disciplinary action’ at The Namibian. NAMPU expressed ‘concern and disgust’ about the conduct of the newspaper, ‘a media company which has for years stood as a pillar of press freedom and defender of workers’ rights’.
The statement revealed that Nikodemus ‘worked for five years without a valid employment contract’. The newspaper ‘slashed his condition of service without consultation and subjected him to a sham disciplinary process all in violation of Labour Act 11 of 2007’.
The Acting General Secretary of NAMPU, Jemima Beukes, said this was not only a labour rights issue, but also a freedom of expression issue: ‘You cannot have free and independent journalism while journalists are abused, silenced and left contactless.’
The disciplinary charges against Nikodemus were nothing but ‘a smokescreen to punish a journalist who had the courage to demand lawful treatment’
‘His demands were simple and reasonable: a signed contract, a clear job description and protection under a fair Code of Conduct. For this, he was met with threats, ambiguity and an illegal hearing devoid of process, evidence, or transparency.
‘This disgraceful conduct by The Namibian spits on the values of the Windhoek Declaration of 1991, which states: “The establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation.” ‘
FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman, said that the sacking of Nikodemus is ‘shocking and bizarre’, especially as it happened at a media outlet known for defending media freedom.
‘The arbitrary dismissal of Nikodemus undermines international labour standards and creates a dangerous precedent that can instil fear in the hearts and minds of the journalists and media workers at The Namibian.
‘The disciplinary process in itself is unjustifiable and undermines trade union procedures.’
The FAJ joins NAMPU in demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all disciplinary actions against journalist Nikodemus, as well as him being issued with a valid employment contract – these to demonstrate [the newspaper’s] commitment to the principles of the Windhoek Declaration.
- This article was first published here
