• By Adolf Kaure

The chairperson of the Okapale Fishermen, Godfried Kuhanga, says that the group of fishermen based at Walvis Bay do not form part of those who issued a warning to strike.

 
This follows a Confidente report regarding disgruntled fishermen at the Merlus Fishing Group threatening industrial action, due to discrepancies in their remuneration packages. 
Okapale fishermen as they are known, are those who lost their jobs due to the "Fishrot" scandal and as a result of mass dismissals due to illegal strikes in 2015. The government, in 2020 introduced a programme to re-employ them in the same sector. 
Meanwhile, Kuhanga indicated that none of the Okapale Fishermen form part of the mooted strike and those planning the action are not part of the Namibia Seaman and Allied Workers’ Union (NASAWU).
"Okapale Fishermen are not going to strike and have no intention to strike. We are also not part of Merlus Fishing Group and we have a different union,” explained Kuhanga.
“The Okapale Fishemen are part of a new union known as Logistics Manufacturing Fishing Retail Wholesale Union (LOMAFWRU)" he added.  
The Okapale Fishermen, who are now 558 in number, have been without work since 2015. The fishermen are waiting to be given employment through the Government Employment Re-address Programme (GERP).
Kuhanga also said that the government has promised to consult them on the way forward. 
"We are waiting on them to tell us when they will meet with us," said Kuhanga. 
Kuhanga further stated that 150 fishermen are set to be absorbed by the ManWare Fishing Company, 223 by Walu Fishing Company and the Mabasen Fishing Company will absorb 200.