The Network Media Hub (NMH) has dismissed senior journalist Jemima Beukes after concluding its disciplinary hearing.
Beukes was dismissed on charges of gross insubordination, and absentism from work without permission for five consecutive working days or more.
This is contained in a disciplinary report dated 26 March 2025 seen by The Namibian.
“You have been convicted of having committed misconduct of gross Insubordination, and charged with absence from work without permission for five consecutive working days or more. Disciplinary sanctions recommendation; dismissed with last working day on 26 March 2025,” read the report.
It further stated that during the disciplinary hearing held on 7 March, it was concluded that Beukes was found guilty, and her conduct is considered by the employer to be of a serious and unacceptable nature.
“The employer has regrettably decided that your services will be terminated as from the date of this Notice. You will receive your normal remuneration for services rendered to date of this Notice, as well as leave pay for accrued leave and overtime due to you. Payment can be collected at the employer on 25 March 2025.
NMH has also ordered Beukes to handover all keys, clothing and equipment that belong to the company to her employer/supervisor immediately.
The company further argued Beukes evidently failed to show any remorse for her actions throughout the proceedings, and gave no indication that she would not repeat the offences she was charged with.
“The aforementioned was furthermore also evident and aggravated by the accused’s unwillingness to cooperate throughout the hearing, her repeated disruptiveness, rudeness and lack of respect for the company’s disciplinary proceedings,” read the report.
Despite her dismissal, the company said it is within Beukes’ rights to appeal against her dismissal but it should be within five working days from the day of her dismissal notice.
The company also indicated that she has not confessed guilty to the offences.
Beaukes was last month subjected to a disciplinary hearing by NMH (her employer), and was not allowed representation, prompting other journalists to stand against the condition and unfair treatment NMH was subjecting her to.
Beukes was accused of reporting negatively about the green hydrogen project by the company, and was banned from attending a Global African Hydrogen Summit last year.
The Namibia Media Professionals Union has criticised the objections as infringement of Beaukes’ rights, and demanded for a fair disciplinary hearing but NMH did not oblige and still went on with hearings without her representative
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