By: Justicia Shipena
The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Vice-Chancellor, says he is powerless to resolve employee issues at the university.
This comes as employees of Limkokwing accused the administrators at the university of corruption, job threats and creating a toxic environment.
“I did everything within my power, but my hands are tied, and I couldn’t do much. And I think this is why some employees have approached the media,” Riruako said.
According to him, several complaints have been brought to his attention, but some of them are not resolved.
“As Vice-Chancellor of the university, you have the ultimate decision, but in this regard, it seems like some of the policies and regulations are in place. My hands are tied. So most of the decisions are taken by the transition team or born in Malaysia,” he explained.
He added that the environment at the university is a bit toxic.
“This is something that I had found when I came on board. I am trying to address this issue.”
Some of the employees had claimed that senior officials are threatening them with the loss of their jobs once they speak up on specific issues.
Riruako confirmed to The Villager newspaper that employees have come to him and informed him about threats from senior officials.
“I have written a document to the headquarters detailing these concerns. They were employees who came to me claiming that they have been told by senior members that they have the power to hire and fire,” he adds.
According to him, Namibia has labour laws that they adhere to; however, he said Limkokwing also has labour laws that should be followed.
“I am aware of a situation where one of the employees has been fired, and some say they are still being harassed.”
Riruako emphasised that the employees were afraid to echo and speak on these issues before he took the helm.
“When I took over, they had the confidence to come out and address their situation. Unfortunately, this situation came before my time, but I will try to see what can be resolved.”
Moreover, he stated that some management from Malaysia and Botswana would be coming to Namibia.
“We will then further address these issues to them as well.”
Speaking on students, Riruako said the issue of processing marks and the allegation that they are delayed is inaccurate.
“As far as I am concerned, there was no delay on students’ results, and I think that allegation is a little far fetched.”
In a letter by the employees, they claim that Limkokwing hires expatriates from Botswana and, together with human resources, are frustrating the workers.
Speaking to The Villager, a former employee employed as a student counsellor said that two weeks after she commenced her duties, employees approached her complaining that they were unhappy with their work treatment.
“Staff at the university don’t have a working relationship; people are involved in gossiping,” she said.
She added that if employees don’t dance to their tune, they are fired.
“Two of the staff there were told, I am the one who hired you, I can fire you at any time,” she expressed.
According to her, many employees are packing their bags because of frustration.
“The vice-chancellor cannot also attend to our outcry because he is undermined in everything. Before I left, when we were in a meeting, he was told to shut up while addressing an issue,” she said.
Furthermore, she said those who speak up are labelled as sabotaging the system.
“Especially me and the vice-chancellor, who tried to normalise things, are told that we think we know best, and they will deal with us,” she said.
