KATIMA MULILO - The indefinite strike declared by employees of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is likely to affect many people in the Caprivi Region who rely heavily on the local radio station.

Residents in the predominantly rural Caprivi Region rely on the NBC radio for a host of services, including the announcement of deaths. Many residents rely on the Silozi language service for their daily announcements, information and entertainment, including death and funeral announcements that bring together families.

Many people in the region and beyond were surprised to wake up to an information blackout on Thursday on both radio and television following a general strike by NBC employees over salary increments.

 “I was surprised about what is going on with our radio station when I woke up in the morning, all I could hear was just music the whole day,” said one ardent radio listener.
Employees at the regional station, who sat under a tree opposite the station building, were adamant that no work would be performed if salary increases are not effected.

“This is a general strike and we will only return to work after our increases are paid,” said one employee. NBC employees are demanding a reduced 4 percent salary increase, after they had initially requested a 13 percent salary increase in April this year.
Joel Kaapanda, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, earlier pointed out that the ministry had no money in its coffers to meet their demands.