B2Gold workers demand reinstatement of two suspended colleagues

OTJIWARONGO, 23 SEP – Over 100 workers of the Otjikoto B2Gold Mine Namibia on Friday evening marched along the Dr Hage Geingob and Dr Libertina Amathila streets at Otjiwarongo, demanding the reinstatement of two suspended workers.
The two workers have been on suspension since August this year, allegedly over WhatsApp comments they made.
On Friday morning, about 400 workers had staged a peaceful demonstration before resuming their duties at the B2Gold Mine near Otavi, where they handed over a petition to Acting General Manager, Eric Barnard.
Barnard received their petition without any comment.
The workers in the petition claim to have been victimised, treated unfairly, and facing unprocedural disciplinary action from the company’s management.
They participated in the demonstration around 06h30 at the mine under the guidance of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia’s Otjiwarongo executive branch.
Shortly after 18h00 on Friday, the same workers gathered at Otjiwarongo and marched the streets demanding the reinstatement of their two suspended colleagues, whom they asked not to be named.
“We want them back at work. We want them reinstated as they were unfairly suspended,” said B2Gold worker and union representative, Barnabas Goagoseb.
He also claimed that workers are being suspended or dismissed every week without due processes at B2Gold – describing this as shocking.
He said the two workers on suspension since last month were still being investigated by the company.
Another disgruntled worker, Gottfried Tsandib, said he participated in the street march at Otjiwarongo to show unity with the other workers’ concerns as there was “high favouritism” and unfair labour practices at the company.
“I want our voices to be heard. I condemn unfair labour practices, victimisation and unprocedural disciplinary hearings continuously taking place at the B2Gold Mine,” Tsandib said.
Managing Director and Country Manager of Otjikoto B2Gold Mine Namibia, Mark Dawe in a telephonic interview with Nampa the same Friday said he is aware of the workers’ demands.
Dawe said his office received the workers’ complaints and promised to attend to each point listed in the petition accordingly.
“We are also willing to continue negotiating with them,” Dawe said briefly. – NAMPA