Disgruntled former employees of Marula Conservation Park and Lodges have accused their employer of mistreatment, unfair dismissal and unpaid severance packages.

However, the lodge owners have dismissed the allegations as unfair and baseless.

The former employees who lodged a complaint with the Office of the Labour Commissioner allege that since the new management took over, more than 30 workers have been unfairly dismissed.

The conservation park and lodges situated about 60 kilometres southeast of Windhoek are a private wildlife and tourism destination that combines conservation with hospitality and ecotourism.

Justine ꟾꟾHoxobes is one of the dismissed employees of Marula Game Ranch who says, "She is saying that we are nothing. That we only depend on Mr Rashid's money that is being paid to the farm's rental and paid to the government, we are seriously tired. We are crying out loud. Can the president and the minister please come and help us?"

Kamwanga Laurentius is another dismissed employee who adds, "When they terminated my contract, they didn't even feel like paying me my money that I worked for for 3 years. My severance pay was not paid. My notice pay was not paid. For my public holiday that I signed in the contract from 2022 up to now, nothing was paid."

The Tourism and Allied Workers Union of Namibia's David Nenghete says the employees have lodged a case with the Labour Commissioner.

"We registered a case immediately on an urgent basis, which currently needs to be ruled. As a dispute of rights, they needed to be ordered to follow and respect the law of the country. "

The Director of the Marula Conservation Park and Lodges, Elena Hoffman, told nbc News that each case is being addressed individually and that all actions taken were in full compliance with Namibian labour laws. 

Management further stated that the reported number of dismissed employees has been exaggerated, and Hoffman has opened a case of harassment against the employees.

Hoffman says while they understand losing employment can be stressful, the decisions taken were lawful, procedurally fair and justifiable. 

The Chief Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Maria Hedimbi, confirmed that the Office of the Labour Commissioner is aware of the cases involving Marula Conservation Park and Lodges. 

The first conciliation hearing is scheduled for January 2026, and all prescribed procedures will be followed in an effort to achieve possible reconciliation.