Namport has handed over a N$130 million dividend to the government, with Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi giving her concurrence for performance bonuses for employees of the state-owned port authority.

The minister said Namport employees had demonstrated their ability to deliver and should be rewarded for their performance, while the bonuses should encourage other state-owned entities to improve their own performance. “I give my concurrence for the employees of Namport to be given performance bonuses because, indeed, they perform,” Nekundi said. He said performance-based rewards were important because employees who work hard should receive recognition beyond their normal remuneration. “When people are getting performance bonuses based on performance, that is what we want. It should also serve as encouragement to other entities of the state that are not performing,” he said.

Nekundi added that hard work should bring an additional reward. “When you work hard, there should always be an additional reward in addition to your service. Therefore, these are well-deserved bonuses,” he said. The minister also expressed gratitude to Namport employees and service providers for their contribution to the authority’s performance. Addressing Namport Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kanime, he asked him to convey the government’s appreciation to the workforce and service providers. “Let them continue to provide the service. Let them continue to provide that hand that makes Namport a better-performing entity of the state,” he said.

The N$130 million dividend highlights Namport’s contribution to government coffers and its importance as a revenue-generating state-owned enterprise. The payment also comes as government continues to place emphasis on the performance, efficiency and financial contribution of public enterprises. For The dividend and bonus announcement therefore put performance, accountability and reward at the centre of the government’s expectations for state-owned enterprises.

By Rudi Bowe