Renthia Kaimbi
The chief executive officer of the Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music (Nascam), Albert Nicanor, will continue to receive his full salary and benefits while on suspension.
Nascam’s board announced Nicanor’s immediate suspension on Wednesday following allegations of workplace misconduct.
The board said the decision was a neutral administrative step intended to ensure an unbiased investigation.
The board stated that the allegations relate to workplace misconduct, including bullying and causing psychological harm under Nicanor’s leadership. During his suspension, he is barred from entering company premises or using its systems.
To ensure operations continue, the board appointed Ferdinand Gertze as acting chief executive officer, while interim board chairperson Joseph Ailonga, known as Jossy Joss, will oversee management and handle external communication.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Ailonga said the investigation focuses on internal administrative issues, not financial wrongdoing.
“The allegations are mostly administrative and do not include allegations linked to the misuse and mismanagement of funds. We are counting on an independent investigative team to get to the bottom of this,” he said.
He added that Nascam’s leadership is working to fix long-standing administrative problems to ensure artists benefit more from their work.
Ailonga revealed that the organisation collects about N$7 million in royalties each year, of which around N$5 million goes to administrative costs.
The remaining N$2 million is used for royalty payments and a social grant fund.
“From the remaining N$2 million, 10% goes to the grant fund, which only benefits creatives when they have passed on. We need to change this. Our creatives need to benefit from their work while still alive,” Ailonga said.
He also expressed optimism that the long-pending Copyright Bill would be passed soon, noting that it would strengthen Nascam’s core operations.
The bill proposes a copyright levy that would allow artists to earn fees when their work is copied.
“The Copyright Bill will allow anybody who has their work copied to benefit from a certain fee… that would help artists,” Ailonga said. He added that the government has shown willingness to help subsidise Nascam’s administrative costs next year. “The government is positive about providing a subsidy next year towards the administrative costs, and the bill will ensure the full collected royalties are paid to the rights owners,” he said.
Artist Reinhardt Terence Pieters, known as Raxa from Tswazis, welcomed the suspension, saying it should drive change within the organisation.
He said the move is an opportunity for Nascam to reflect on its mission and address deeper systemic challenges.
“This is exactly where Nascam leadership and mandate should be most visible: ensuring fair value, empowering artists with knowledge, and building a transparent, digital system for rights tracking and royalty distribution,” Pieters said.
He said he hopes the investigation will lead to full reform and a shift toward accountability, digital modernisation and empowerment for artists.
The board said it will provide further updates as the investigation continues.
