Tujoromajo Kasuto
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has overall vaccination status has reached 82 percent.
The company has implemented a number of initiatives to combat and contain the spread of COVID-19. Immanuel Mulunga, Managing Director (MD) states: “Namcor continues to relentlessly implement its vaccination directive throughout the company to have as many Namcor staff members vaccinated to maintain a healthy and productive workforce.“
The current vaccination status of Namcor is as follows: 84 percent at the Head Office in Windhoek, 80 percent at the National Oil Storage Facility in Walvis Bay, and 55 percent at its depots in Otjiwarongo and Gobabis combined, totaling 82 percent of all its employees vaccinated. These initiatives included providing all employees with a special leave day to get vaccinated, as well as hosting a mobile clinic at the head office to answer employees’ questions and administer vaccinations.
In addition, they had internal medical workshops and information/educational sessions, as well as various internal media campaigns being held to encourage employees to research the various vaccines available to make an informed decision on the type of vaccine that works best for them.
In response to the government’s request that more Namibians be vaccinated against COVID-19, Mulunga says Namcor has taken steps to ensure a safe and secure working environment for its employees and stakeholders, as well as contribute to the country’s drive to improve the national vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. Namcor’s unvaccinated employees are expected to provide a negative PCR test results weekly at their own cost. In addition disciplinary measures will be taken against those absent (forced leave) for more than two days.
Mulunga states that employees who do not want to be vaccinated against Covid-19, may be obliged to work from home to limit physical interactions with coworkers and reduce the risk of infection. According to media reports, this directive led to resistance from employees threatening to approach the High Court claiming they were not “guinea pigs”.
Namcor is the legally enacted entity under the Namibian Companies Act of 1973 with the Government of the Republic of Namibia as its primary stakeholder. Acting under the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1991, it has the mandate to carry out reconnaissance, exploration, and production operations.
