Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Donald Matthys
Published on 2024-03-10 06:00:00
Years after losing his job as a fisherman at Namsov due to quotas being diverted away from the company in what became known as the Fishrot saga, Thomas Haimbala is still struggling to find employment. The impact of losing his job has had significant consequences on his life, as he shared with the authors of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report titled ‘We Are The Ones That Suffered the Most’.
Haimbala expressed his frustration at not being able to afford the things he wants, such as getting married, due to the lack of funds. His story is just one of many, as the report compiled by IPPR researcher Frederico Links and reporter Ester Mbathera sheds light on the devastating effects of the Fishrot corruption scandal on the fishing industry workers.
Haimbala was one of the 1,000 individuals who lost their jobs at Namsov Fishing Enterprises when quotas were redirected to Fishcor as part of the Fishrot scheme. Prior to losing his job, he was the sole provider for his own children, his mother, eight siblings, an unmarried aunt, and her seven children.
The report goes on to detail the personal stories of other individuals affected by the scandal, such as Abraham Abraham, who worked on the Geysir trawler of Saga Seafood. Abraham described feeling as though he is dead while still alive, with his dreams shattered by the Fishrot scandal.
Job Timotheus, another former fisherman who worked on the Geysir trawler, shared how he used to support three households during his time at Saga Seafood. However, since losing his job in August 2020, he has been unable to support himself or his extended family.
Martin Sakeus, who worked as a factory hand on the Heinaste trawler of ArcticNam Fishing, also spoke about the challenges he faces since losing his job in November 2019. The once thriving life he had is now a distant memory, as he finds himself struggling to cope with his circumstances.
These personal accounts highlight the immense impact of the Fishrot scandal on the lives of the individuals who were employed in the fishing industry. Many of them are now left struggling to make ends meet, with no clear path forward.
The IPPR has called on Icelandic fishing company Samherji to apologize for its role in the Fishrot scandal and provide compensation to those impacted. The institute also recommended the creation of an independent Namibian foundation to offer lasting assistance to the victims of corruption.
The Fishrot scandal has led to pending prosecutions of several individuals and companies involved in the alleged illegal activities related to fishing quotas. The case is currently ongoing in the Windhoek High Court, with several key figures facing charges.
In conclusion, the devastating consequences of the Fishrot scandal extend far beyond the economic and political spheres, leaving many individuals without livelihoods or hope for the future. It is essential for responsible parties to be held accountable and for support to be provided to those affected by this corruption scandal.
Read the original article on The Namibian
