• By Patience Makwele 

Namibia’s national meat processing c o m p a n y , Meatco, is engulfed in a deepening crisis as allegations of systemic victimisation, pervasive racism, flagrant financial mismanagement, and egregious procedural abuse surfaced within its own leadership. Speaking to Confidente on condition of anonymity due to fear of severe intimidation, former and current employees painted a vivid picture of a “toxic environment” at the core of Meatco. 

They claim black employees are allegedly targeted, silenced, and dismissed on questionable grounds, while their white counterparts implicated in misconduct are shielded from accountability. According to the employees, three black managers are currently facing disciplinary hearings, while a white manager was found to have transgressed but never questioned. This alarming pattern, is further detailed in a formal grievance letter dated June 12, 2025, from Meatco employees to the acting chief executive officer Patrick Liebenberg. 

The document highlighted “discriminatory practices and mismanagement” that allegedly disadvantage black staff while favouring white individuals. The source revealed that a private labour consultant, was reportedly contracted Meatco. “They bypass our internal delegation of authority. The consultant gets instructions directly from someone executive, even though there are proper procedures that should be followed.” Furthermore, it is said that the company is withholding crucial records required by dismissed employees to file proper appeals. 

“How do you tell someone appealing a dismissal to transcribe their own hearing audio instead of giving them official records? That is obstruction, plain and simple,” one employee indicated. 

BIG MONEY 

While the financial implications of these actions are equally alarming, the parastatal allegedly offered a staggering N$300,000 to a private individual to chair disciplinary hearings for the three managers. “A disciplinary hearing for three people over two days does not cost N$300,000. That is taxpayers’ money being diverted from core business operations to finance a witch-hunt.”

 The concerned employees added that the same individual reportedly declined the offer, citing a conflict of interest due to an alleged relation to one of the accused. “What we are seeing is not just a culture of fear, it is also a consolidation of power, favouritism, and the marginalisation of black professionals,” the sources shared. On Thursday, June 12, the escalating frustrations culminated in a peaceful demonstration by Meatco staff, who delivered a formal letter of grievance condemning ongoing victimisation, racial discrimination and unfair labour practices. 

Posters calling for the urgent investigation of senior executives and management were prominently displayed at the protest. The sources further highlighted that Meatco has received over N$738 million in government bailouts, yet employees are questioning the utilization of these substantial funds, especially as the company reportedly fails to meet internal obligations and staff morale plummeted to an “all-time low.” 

DEFENSIVE 

In his response, Liebenberg issued a robust defence of the corporation, further denying the accusations of financial mismanagement and racial bias in disciplinary cases. “In response to recent unsubstantiated accusations by uninformed parties, we wish to clarify that the appointment of external labour consultants at Meatco was a considered and necessary step, undertaken to ensure the fair, independent, and professional handling of complex and sensitive disciplinary matters,” said Liebenberg. Liebenberg asserted that the decision to engage external experts was made in line with governance best practices and with the full oversight of the board.

 Liebenberg further explained that the consultants were appointed through a transparent and cost-conscious approach, led by the procurement management department and in line with the public procurement act provisions, and their involvement was limited strictly to matters requiring independent facilitation. NO COLOR Addressing allegations of racial bias in disciplinary cases, Liebenberg firmly stated: “Meatco remains committed to fair, evidence-based, and procedurally sound disciplinary practices, while upholding a professional and respectful work environment.”

 “Meatco vehemently denies any allegations of racial discrimination in the handling or outcome of these disciplinary matters. The processes followed were guided strictly by the principles of procedural and substantive fairness, and the outcomes were based solely on the merits of each case, the evidence presented, and the conduct of the individuals involved.