City says pay package for cleaners is fair amid ongoing strike

The City of Windhoek has stood by its pay structure for striking ward cleaners, saying their N$5 095 monthly package is fair and the result of years of steady improvements
Elizabeth Kheibes
The City of Windhoek has defended the current salaries of its fixed-term contract ward cleaners, stating that their total remuneration of N$5 095.70 per month is fair and reflects years of progressive improvements in employment conditions.
This comes as employees within the Solid Waste Management Division continue a protected strike that began on 9 October 2025 over pay and benefit disputes, demanding an increase to N$8 000.
In a statement issued last week by the City of Windhoek’s Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Public Participation Office, the municipality said it anticipated the strike and had put contingency measures in place to minimise disruptions to litter picking, street sweeping, and general cleanliness across the city. The city reaffirmed that it respects employees’ constitutional right to strike while ensuring that essential services remain operational.
According to the statement, the current total remuneration package for ward cleaners consists of a basic salary of N$3 300, a transport allowance of N$800, a pension allowance of N$716, a medical allowance of N$250, and a social security employer contribution of N$29.70.
The communications team said the current pay structure demonstrates the municipality’s continued commitment to the welfare of its workforce. “Over the years, the employment conditions of fixed-term contract workers have been progressively enhanced,” the statement read.
Alternative business model
It explained that in 2018, Council resolved to insource these employees through the adoption of an alternative business model that replaced the use of third-party contractors. According to the city, this decision afforded workers improved working conditions and greater socio-economic protection.
While noting that both parties have so far respected the agreed strike rules, the city expressed regret that “the city’s ongoing efforts and commitment to employee welfare appear to have been overshadowed by external influences that may not align with the best interests of the workers.”
The statement added that management continues to engage constructively with employees through their representative, John Paporo, with clear communication protocols in place to ensure transparent and timely dialogue. The new demands submitted by workers regarding wage increments and additional benefits have been received and will be tabled before Council later this month for consideration.
The City’s communications team also noted that similar proposals in the past had led to meaningful improvements, including salary adjustments and the introduction of pension and medical aid allowances. The municipality reiterated its commitment to engaging with employees in good faith, guided by mutual respect and constructive dialogue, to reach an amicable resolution that balances employee welfare with continued service delivery.
As the strike continues, the city has urged residents to cooperate by adhering to proper waste disposal practices and avoiding illegal dumping to help maintain cleanliness across Windhoek.
“The City of Windhoek remains committed to engaging with employees in good faith,” the communications team said. “Our goal is to reach an amicable resolution that safeguards both employee welfare and essential service delivery to residents.”