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EXPOSED: SDV Company WORKERS OUTLINE SERIOUS Irregularities “WE ARE OPPRESSED Only Unqualified FOREIGNERS Are REAPING GOLD”
SDV Zambia Ltd is one of the leading clearing and forwarding companies in Zambia. It is in 89 Countries and has 52 agencies world over with 28, 000 professionals. And has its Zambia head office in Lusaka
What makes SDV the leading company? Is it the top management or is it because of the causal workers right up to top management who put in their best? Is it because we work as a team or as top management? Can a company be operating only with the head? These and many more questions are what we are asking ourselves, and the most unfortunate part is that, SDV is currently operating as a head only and has forsaken the rest of the body parts.
Top management thinks that the workers below are not important. Year in, year out, we get low salary increase while top management give themselves fat salaries and profit shares made by us Zambians.
Top management stay in company houses while we get low housing allowances and they have personal to holder cars and free fuel while we get low housing allowances as low as K300, 000.00.
If a top manager makes a loss on a file, such a thing is overlooked, but if a Zambian worker makes a mistake or error that makes the company lose money, they are charged for it.
Top management consists of white people only, so who do we have to represent us on that level? The answer is NO ONE!
We are not asking that all of us should be promoted all we are simply asking for is to have reasonable salaries and to be looked at as people who are an important part of the company, just as the Bible says ‘we should put on the full armour of God, so as to withstand the enemy in time of evil so that after the battle, we will be able to stand firm, (Ephesians 6:13).’
A productive Labour force is the key to every company. So the million dollar question is, how important are we to top management or do they feel they can do as they please and we will sit back and watch? Does the colour of our skin make us less important in this company?
*QUALIFICATIONS/ PROMOTIONS*
How many Zambians are in top management? The answer? None!
The appointment of Tracey Bremner as assistant operations manager is more or less a joke and an insult to the qualified personnel of the position she currently holds. She has no qualifications what so ever for this position, but what seems to qualify her is her skin tone or type. So we wonder what form of criteria is used to promote or appoint people to higher positions
The job of achieves manager should have been given to a qualified person and thus, we feel and know that the only qualified personnel are Zambians (blacks). Why can’t a Zambian be given that job or any other job in top management according to the required qualifications?
Besides, how many of these whites are really qualified for the positions they are holding? We have seen Janice Sutherland learning how to invoice, check invoices and make losses on files by under invoicing. We have also seen Richard Beakers learn how to work. Why can’t a Zambian be given that chance?
*WORK CONDITIONS/SALARIES*
A white man is favored compared to a Zambian as he/she will be appointed to a higher position in management even without qualifications for the position.
White managers in management get more if not better conditions of pay and treatment than Zambians.
A Zambians salary in SDV is so low equating it would be close to just peanuts or nothing after a months hard earned work. It is only increased by a 10 – 13 percent raise which is not enough as it accommodates things like Rent, transport, food, power, etc…
For an employee who has worked for 25 years for SDV, he/she retires with a messily 25 – 30 million, which is just like nothing compared to the work hours and effort that one had put into his work.
In middle management, the salary increase is not subject to negotiations.
Why is this so? And at the end of the day, which senior management wishes such a life for its employees? This has to change. We need better work conditions and services.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Our human resources manager is weak! All she does is to receive orders and cannot stand on our behalf as employees of SDV. She has a good salary and she just got a car loan easily, while it takes ages for us to get a loan or even a salary advance.
She is being paid now to go and learn about the HR practice of which is totally unfair as there are people in the company who are qualified to take up the position as Human Resources Manager.
We are planning to sign a petition to have her removed as HR manager as she is not standing as a go between for management and us.
Our SDV HR statement even on our website states that;
Ø To help each individual achieve his/her full potential,
Ø To encourage the sharing of knowledge,
Ø To provide ample opportunities for career development and
Ø Our HR policy is based on clear objectives.
It also says on the same web page that we (SDV) achieve these goals (goals in the HR statement) by listening to our employees and monitoring each individuals potential. So then how come we as SDV are not living up to the standards we set up ourselves?
IMMIGRATION/ACQUISITION OF WORK PERMITS
We would like to find out what these people tell immigration when getting their work permits and what really are their job descriptions and what they come to do in Zambia.
The immigration department needs to come and find out what these people do before giving out the work permits.
Richard beakers applied for a permit as a volunteer, but why is he the finaical controller?
Stephan Farineru applied for a permit as General Manager – IBD when in fact he is the Financial Manager a position every one who comes into Zambia holds. He is a lawyer by profession, but practicing in the wrong field. The same applies to Richard beakers. Stephan signs auditor’s reports from our external auditors as what?
We do not know what ZICA and the Law say about this, but we shall soon find out.
Find attached the true job tittles for Stephan Farineru and Richard beakers.
*LEAVING OF STEPHAN FARINERU*
A lot of workers are happy that he is leaving and will not be missed by many. Only by those he favored by giving promotions. He was always against the employees when it came to reasonable salary increase.
A good manager looks at both sides not as long as he is given a new contract and a better pay for himself.
SDV France thinks he has cut on costs but in actual sense, he has been giving low salaries to cover the other costs that have been going up each year.
He would not have done it without the hard work that all of us put in. We will be at the party because it will give us so much joy that he is going.
But what has he lift us as SDV employees to remember him by? Nothing.
From the accounts department he was heading, everyone complains as well as all the other departments.
You reap what you saw if not today one day. Do to others as you would want them do unto you. The only people who will give a speech at his farewell party are the ones who benefited.
SUMMARY
We make money for this company but what do we gain from it? All the foreigns get a profit share from the company and what do we get as Zambians? Low salaries.
Is it company policy that all top management are all supposed to be white?
They stay in company houses for free and all their bills are paid for?
All we are asking for are better salaries and they say we ask for too much.
Not a month passes without one of the houses they occupy is renovated. Why can’t they reduce costs on unnecessary renovations to the houses and help reduce other costs than them reducing the salary expenses so that they can have more profit to share?
We are peaceful people but we should not be taken advantage of. The time to act is now. What is SDV without the causal workers who load the trucks, the clearing agent who goes to clear goods for the client, the people who open files, the people who invoice the clients, the people who collect payments, unionized workers, middle management and some senior management workers? Do they think they can run this company without us Zambians?
We want to walk with our heads high and happy that we work for a company that takes care of its employees. And not getting paid today by the next day we are broke because our salaries are too low.
SUFFERING-OPPRESSED ZAMBIAN SDV EMPLOYEES
Posted by Admin
on December 15, 2011. Filed under HEADLINES, LATEST NEWS.
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Bwafya Pa Zambia
December 15, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Bwafya pa Zambia.
Donpatie
December 15, 2011 at 12:10 pm
point there! Its really unfair mwe!
Wm
December 15, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Go on strike what are you waiting for
bana junior
December 15, 2011 at 12:27 pm
We get your plight.imwe what are you really waiting for.Down your tools and see how much the top dogs really depend on you.Without you they cease to function.Do it together elyo ba muzungu anikonde,leave them out.Soldier together and before you know it there will be results.Shake them from their comfort zones.Go SDV
zambian manager
December 15, 2011 at 12:51 pm
GUYS UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE LIVING IN THIS ERROR AND SOME PEOPLE WANT TO BE RACIST.
IF SOMEONE CAN EMONSTRATE THAT THIS CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY EXPOESED., I WIL ALSO GIVE YOU DETAILS FOR A COMPANY I WORK FOR WHERE THE SAME IS HAPPENING.
ITS SAD…PF SHOULD ACT.
EDUCATED
December 15, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Our labour laws ar weak, if at all they exist. These foreign companies are insulting the integrity of the Zambian people.
Kanjinks
December 15, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Yes, Down Tools and show these Idiotes that we are the People that do the Job and yet some of them ran away from their countries becoz their country would not give them anything to do becoz they dont have Qualification. Mr. President, pliz look into this as these pipo are taking us for Granted in our own Land………………..
janet c
December 15, 2011 at 1:20 pm
fantastic job SDV workers. You see companies in Zambia seem to under-estimate the power of new technology. Nowadays companies can be brought down through social media – lest we forget, the power houses in North Africa were brought down by facebook and twitter.
It is high time Zambians stood up for themselves – these things would never happen in other African countries like Nigeria.
ben
December 15, 2011 at 1:21 pm
white pipo are not good we make money for them they dont appreciate let them go back where they come from and exploit there son
T richie
December 15, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Chankalipa sanaa!go slow is the best 4 u guys.
Mary
December 15, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Ba Shamenda do something. Even the chinese child difilers in Luanahy got WORK PERMITS TO COME AND WORK AS CARPENTERS AND BRICKLAYERS? Pa Zed what is happening. Wondering where Liato was CASH CROPING?
CORRUPTIONS AT ITS BEST. Where are our children going to work if work permits are issued on demand by the “INFESTERS” Check out also 300 Indian Labourers working at Kafue steel Mill? How is money going to get into our pockets if cheap labour is imported? Wake up PF Government. We are watching and waiting.
Nick. j
December 15, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Janice Sutherland is well qualified and has immerse experience I know her and have followed her being a junior in the freight industry myself; she once worked at Danzas, Global Logistics and at one time when my company i once worked for couldnt handle exports and issues of bonds as i was new in the industry and though I was getting money more than herself, she handled it very well to my company’s satisfaction and thus profits above all, i learnt a lot from her despite my chain of degrees and other professional experiences/qualifications; and as a company we would call her or i would personaly go to her office last on your south end of da building down the corridor past the reception; ask your guy in commercial department – Mkandawire; on yo immediate left upon entering reception or something
Mary
December 15, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Ba Shamenda do something. Even the chinese child defilers in Luanshya got WORK PERMITS TO COME AND WORK AS CARPENTERS AND BRICKLAYERS? Pa Zed what is happening. Wondering where Liato was CASH CROPING?
CORRUPTIONS AT ITS BEST. Where are our children going to work if work permits are issued on demand by the “INFESTERS” Check out also 300 Indian Labourers working at Kafue steel Mill? How is money going to get into our pockets if cheap labour is imported? Wake up PF Government. We are watching and waiting.
Common Problem
December 15, 2011 at 1:33 pm
This is a common problem in all foriegn companies operating in Zambia, weak HR, Immigration department, no management representation, unfair conditions of service etc and while we are busy lowering our jaws at the unearthed K2.1BN at former labour Minister what is the new minister doing to address these problems?
Mpika girl
December 15, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Boers must go back !Period!They have brought the racism from southafrica to our mother zambia.Go back and farm the vast farms you own in southafrica,thats your job description,not in an office,these are the results,mapulation at its best,eating masukus on our heads.Pabwato has ROGERED THIS! Roger Roger Twaisa!
VIVIEN CHAMBWE
December 15, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Mwachuleni.
OBSERVER
December 15, 2011 at 1:43 pm
The companies in zed are a problem,EML WG is another company were workers are threatened and are not allowed to use cell phones in this time and era. A worker who travels out is given K17,000 yes K17,000 as daily allowance in which to eat from BF-LUNCH & SUPPER. The new govt should go there force an audience with the workers in private and her for themselves. The products they sell is because there is market here in zambia ask them to leave and they won’t go because Europe is already saturated by sound investers. Help the workers please.
Pimp$lim
December 15, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Its about time we Zambians set up our own companies and stop complaining about the poor working conditions
from abercorn
December 15, 2011 at 1:49 pm
When you try to find out this story you will be surprised that its actually our people who are to blame. The problem with us is we spend too much time doing nothing and just complain. Lets work hard and have ownn muzulu, by the way how many Zanbians have companies outside Zambia.
MUTWE-MUTWE
December 15, 2011 at 2:03 pm
it is really sad the man has spoken out so straightly and clear. Personally I dont hav any specio regads 4 these white folks bcoz they oppressed my Fore-fathers and now its my brothers. Cant someone do something about? Immigration dept should really extend its wrk to followin up wat foreigners come to do in ths nation
jaya
December 15, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@Nick.J Get the story right.Can you justify people giving their friends of the same race jobs and incentives like that?Besides us who work in foreign owned companies have heard of that bullshit story about a “well qualified ” bra bra person with “immense exprience”.That line is becoming a cliche.Do not use that line in giving your friends jobs.We know our country is corrupt but have some decency also to respect and protect local jobs.We are no longer in post colonial days when the number of qualified locals was negligible.I feel qualification and job demand assessment has to be introduced for work permits like it is in RSA or Australia in order to stamp out corruption.
love
December 15, 2011 at 2:04 pm
abercorn, are you crazy…….bazungu are just plain ******…..we zambian are hardworkers and wats wrong with demanding a fair wage…..ala
JK
December 15, 2011 at 2:06 pm
The problem is not the boers but the government.So many jobs have been created in Zambia of late but they are ending up being given to foreigners. Mr Sata please, you did not promise to PUT MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF FOREIGNERS. I am writing from South Africa. I have noted adverts of immigration agents specialising in obtaining Zambian work permits here. Here in South Africa, no matter how much a foreigner is qualified, preference in given to South African contestants. What is wrong with us Zambians? The government should do a through audit of all jobs being done by foreigners in the country and ask the companies concerned to float them back on the open market. Only those that cannot be done by Zambians should go to foreigners. Zambian have never been xenophobic, and there is no need to make them start harbouring this inclination. Mr Sata, do the right thing at least on this issue. Zambians need those jobs for their pockets to be filled with money. You do not need to be a magician to do that, you are in control period
Drugsquard
December 15, 2011 at 2:17 pm
I was part of this group, what did i do? I jumped out and its about six months ago now i am confortable, in fact i have been given a lower position than i had with SDV but the take home is very impresive. Of late they have lost qualified and competent staff (Zambians)in preferance to the so called whites. Shame on this good for nothing company. They buy vehicles every year but when it comes to salaries oops!.its like buying food for the dog forgeting the one who feeds that it.
noname
December 15, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Zambians are not trustworthy, regardless of how educated they may be. Look at all these scandals reported in your local newspapers. They are committed by educated & high ranking members of society. Ministers, Army generals, Accountants e.t.c. We are better off employing an unqualified but trustworthy foreigner. They will learn the job as time goes by just like Janice Sutherland. Your government can’t do anything, they are docile. Just a flash of a few bucks in their faces and they will go mute. The contravetial K2.1 bn was given to Austin Liato to make him keep quite after people like you complained to him on labour issues. You can report to the current labour minister if you like. History will still repeat itself. Meanwhile, we’ll keep enjoying the money
*********
Nick. j
December 15, 2011 at 2:28 pm
@ JAYA my friend i agree with you and obviously alive to the fact that a lot need to be done in as far as the plight of our colleagues is concerned here, only am saying Janice Sutherland being mentioned in the manner she has been above/in this article was in my view rather unfair if not skewed in a negative way; thus generalized as a result of the discontentment towards the general top management…I have been to her office ;not once and we really as a company appreciated the service/advise/help for free she would render; appreciated the versatility and top notch kind of hands on performance she does; ask anyone in the industry they’ ll tell you, yes she is colored; but i think in my view she is different from the other bazungus work wise…even as we write articles here, believe u me she is currently obviously stuck with a heap of files to dispatch; bonds, exports, clearance, imports, name them…yea may be other muzungus are lazying around but her i doubt…this also does not be labor the fact that SDV employees need better conditions of service especially looking as the huge amount of business this company is currently enjoying; instead of heaping them in those buses get them respective/individual car loans
JK
December 15, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Here is an extract from the the guidelines by the Ministry of Labour for employers when applying for work permits:
WORK PERMIT GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS
Some employers in Zambia may find it necessary to recruit and employ temporary workers overseas for the purpose of filling particular positions that cannot be met from within Zambia. The following are the guidelines in question and answer for.
1. How do I go about employing an overseas worker?
Zambian employers may apply to the Chief Immigration Officer at immigration officer to employ a foreign worker (s) as long as they are able to establish that there are no Zambians suitably qualified by training or experience available to perform the job.
Why are these guideline not being followed? Should we blame the boers or the government? Those who want to do business in Zambia should ready to work with Zambians. foreigners should only be employed on a temporary basis and as soon as Zambians become conversant, with the work demands of the position held by a foreigner, the position should be relinquished a Zambian. Mr Sata is out of the country but I am sure others are listening and will brief him.
democracy pazed
December 15, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I’ve also seen this trend in Zambia.Why should foreigners lead us in our country.In Russia foreigners are not allowed to be managers of all companies in Russia.It’s a policy of the Govt.It seems black people or Zambians are still worshiping Whites.Most Zambians think white people are intelligent coz of lack of exposure.There are white s who are very ****** and empty in the head.I used to beat whites in class .Therefore i can’t except a white man to manage me who is not qualified.Whites have been taking advantage of black people thinking black people especially Zambians think that they are intelligent.That is nonsense.Where is our govt please?can we stop underrating ourselves now!!!I feel bad when i c a white person shouting at black people.another problem is that black themselves think they not shap enough hence whole respect to whites.ooooooooooooooo fuuuuuuuuuuuuulll Zambias.let us stop the nonsence
ZED DUDE
December 15, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Human Resources managers in Zambia SUCKS!!!!!! big time. We dont have sharp HR managers, its a shame to a profession. What i have notice is that HR manager dont hold relevant qualifications. I have never come across an HR manager who has a degree. Most of them a Teachers and some with funny certificates etc.
ZICA is not doing enough, to check these people who claim to be Accountants from other countries. It is a total failure.
BOBO
December 15, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Not only SDV workers should down tools, but all Zambian workers affected.
Mimbulu
December 15, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Janice is coloured and very Zambian.I worked with her at Danzas and she was a hard working and is hands on on her job.She is very experienced in freight forwarding.I run my own business now and I agree with complaints from the workers. Most Whites from RSA are very bad managers and maybe because of the segregation policies of old they cant change.RSA whites are not Muzungu as they dont behave as such
BMK
December 15, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Tumfweko, can you extra some valid points here and have them published in the post newspaper? This is a serious issue and should be given the attention that it deserves
Mimbulu
December 15, 2011 at 3:07 pm
There was a similar expose on zambia watchdog about another major foreign company in Zambia RSA whites act funny
Mabo
December 15, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Imwe bantu pleaseeeeee! Definition ya Muzungu ni chian? All I know is that Muzungu ni munthu anachokera ku Mangalande, point! The rest are just bakabova. How can a boer be muzungu? Imwe. Saziba no kamba chizungu, imwe. Leave us in peace. Badness pa Zambia, inferiority complex inapaya maningi. Wake up.
You who are saying let the workers down tools. Ndani azayamba? They are afraid of losing even the little that they have. The best thing to do is to investigate and see. Let the post or some governemt paper bring this out then the so-called ‘bazungu’ will shit in their pants!!!! Oya! Tabvutika, tazingwa, iyee, iyeee!
Teleshi Kabemba
December 15, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Very sad indeed.Where is the labour Minister and the inspectorate team from the labour Office to confirm this abuses that have been going on at SDV.
Where is Immigration Department?It is very bad for a white man to even start using certain language of lowering the integrity of us as Zambians.Can the present Government have a say on this burning issue to save the pride of our Nation from total collapse of work culture.
We are intelligent people.Do not believe in what this whites say to influence certain decisions.Am very annoyed on this.Do not use this term as blacks.There is no black person or white in the whole World. I can challenge anyone on this.To day am putting on a wrist watch with a black belt to the same watch.When i looked closely i did not see matching with my skin.So people there is no colour on human beings.Even the whites.Are they white as a colour of a white motor vehicle?
Let us help our colleagues at this company with any idea that will foster the good working environment.
Darkfoot
December 15, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Its a pity that my brothers are treated like that in their own country. But again we have heard people say that we were politically independent and not economically. This is exactly what it means.
For you my brothers my advice is find ways and means to work towards empowering yourselves either business or education wise so that you can break away from that yoke.
To our government, such a situations purely as a result of of a lack of political will to put in place comprehensive policies to check the so called investors. the sad part is that our politicians who are always choose to look the other side because their own pockets have been filled up with money from the same investors.
So my brothers, please start positioning yourselves so that you ca be able to fight such kind of employers.
wanzelu
December 15, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Boers are not bazungus,they are old fashioned farmers.
Aaron Munthali
December 15, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Sad guys ,i understand and know that your your concerns are genuine .God help us and give wisdom to the relevant authorities to sort this mess
mtoko-fyompo
December 15, 2011 at 3:54 pm
sdv muzungus shame..!i have worked with boers, i know there characteristics.sdv employees go slow.u are wasting time
YAZANDA FINALLY
December 15, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Tracey, Tracey, Tracey……. From a caterer or is it nail artist to an Assistant Ops Manager, well done, but you are full of it young lady, and that over zealous former police woman who thinks SDV should be begging her for bribbing police should stop (mrs Moya)…..
Some of us are happy we left long ago, i feel for your HR, she has always been a yes Muzungu, yaba…..So many innocent people have been laid off because of those TOP guys…. Not even the finance manager has the power to speak on behalf of his juniors…. Gross
Liseli
December 15, 2011 at 4:04 pm
So what now??
CONCERNED ZAMBIAN
December 15, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Tracey Bremmer dont know where you come from but in Zambian we respect each other you have no respect nor regard for us Zambians your comment says it all. Do not insult us by saying we are not trustworthy! Do you not read or listen to international news corruption is everywhere but not evry Jim and Jack is corrupt. If you are intelligent enough, which i doubt you are use google and serch for the BBC you will learn that corruption does not only dwell in Africa but the world at large. You yourself are corrupt by swindling immigration bringing all these illiterayes and say they “bring experice “bull shit yes the law should visit you. Then we will see who will have the last laugh.
Gladys
December 15, 2011 at 4:32 pm
To all the people that think Tracey Bremner wrote the comment above it is not true. I know for a fact it is not her. It is someone trying to pose as her and tarnish her name.
demen
December 15, 2011 at 4:43 pm
ZICA IS JUST USESLESS’THEY DON’T REGULATE
THEY ARE JUST EATING OUR MONEY.
One Love
December 15, 2011 at 5:23 pm
My brother in law works a SDV Ndola and the money he gets is pathetic, Something must be done about the this company. Shamenda must act or bakateka will displine him
Manson
December 15, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Same as Kansanshi and Lumwana Mines.We are really hopeless.Suffering in our own country and yet it is heaven on earth for Foreigners.Big Shame for Mother Zambia.
BMK
December 15, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Tools down! Till the government scruitinises all work permits. Jobs in Zambia are for Zambians it does not matter who brings them.
MMY
December 15, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Miners are the most orgnised when it comes to downing tools. Kansanshi and Lumwana should start; rest will follow.
Sam
December 15, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Complain til you die. These Kaponya’s you voted for are now dining with all these thieving corporations. So don’t Kudabwe when unqualified expartriates are given work permits!
Kalok
December 15, 2011 at 6:40 pm
That is a disease in the entire Southern African region. Go to Namibia, you will find the same thing; go to Malawi, RSA, you name it – SAME THING. I now work outside the continent and my skills are valued so highly I wonder why I wasted so much time darting from one disastrous Southern African country to the other where the colour of my skin meant I would not be valued for my skill but exploited for it despite being much higher qualified than the tourists who become masquerading professionals. Fellow Southern Africans, you need to get your acts right and start being assertive – but then again, hopefully you will actually handle those jobs when you do get them and not start idling on the job like a lot of us do when we get lucrative jobs in our own countries.