By Patience Makwele

Ticket collectors employed by KeyPlot Investment, which is contracted by the City of Windhoek, say they are being paid less than half of the salaries stated in their contracts. Workers told Confidente they earn as little as N$1,000 to N$1,700 a month, despite signed contracts stipulating a monthly salary of N$3,700.

“We are afraid of speaking to anyone about this because we need these jobs,” one marshal said. “The contracts we signed showed N$3,700 but sometimes we are only given less than N$1,700, especially the past two months.”
Others alleged that unexplained deductions are common and that poor working conditions add to their frustration. One supervisor explained that marshals generate more than N$2,500 daily in ticket revenue but receive no commission or recognition. “Our working conditions are also not good. We have no protective gear, not even tear gas to protect ourselves. Sometimes drivers harass us when we give them tickets,” he said.

Fearing retaliation, the marshals said they cannot approach the Workers’ Union. “If we speak to them we might lose our jobs and be replaced that very same day,” one worker claimed.

When asked about their hourly rate, most said they had no knowledge of how their pay is calculated. Several revealed that in recent months some staff received only N$1,000 or N$1,500. The workers also shared that in  March 2024, some of them were suspended after demanding to be reimbursed for money which was allegedly substracted unlawfully. At the time, workers earned N$2500 and only received N$1000 after the company deducted N$1500.

 
Since then workers fear raising their concerns to trade unions or the media. “We are not even supposed to be seen talking to any member of the media,” said another worker who also wished to remain anonymous due to fear of victimization. 
“Last year others spoke to journalists and the boss was not happy about it,” stressed the worker. Adding: “We just want to be treated equally, we have families to feed, we stand in the sun everyday and even disrespected by drivers on a daily basis and when pay day comes we are given the bare minimum. We just want them to keep their word, pay us what is on the contract or explain that they cannot pay N$3700 when hiring us. We are humans with responsibilities too.” Confidente reached out to the City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya who explained that Cow handed the tender to KPI as a five-year contract to manage and maintain specific parking within the Central Business District (CBD) which includes collecting parking fees and installing pay-display systems.  “City of Windhoek handed KPI the tender after they won it,” Amutenya said. “They are not contracted by the City of Windhoek and we do not know how they operate, please contact their office.”

When contacted for comment, KeyPlot Investment co-owner   Martha Talihun Namundjebo strongly rejected allegations of underpayment, saying she does not collect or withhold workers’ salaries.  “I do not think I am there to cheat anybody. I want everybody to get money. It is unfair for someone to work and not be paid... I created jobs through this company because those marshals are the future of this country. Why should I be happy to see somebody not getting the money they worked for? That would be unfair. I want everybody to get paid," said Namundjembo-Tilahun. 
 

She added that operational matters should be directed to the company’s manager and stressed that KeyPlot “created jobs” through its contract with the municipality.  Efforts to contact KPI’s manager known as "Dave" were unsuccessful, as this publication was informed that he had stepped out of office and that questions be sent to his email address.