By Kaundjire Humbu
Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse has approached his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice, Labour Relations and Social Protection to address labour concerns across Namibia’s diamond and mining industries, amid growing complaints over wages and working conditions.
Amutse told Confidente that he had reached out to the labour minister over concerns affecting workers in the sector and was awaiting the minister’s availability for further engagement.
“I have approached the minister of labour to address labour issues within the diamond and mining industry in general. He is busy aligning his schedules,” Amutse said.
The minister said grievances raised by workers in the diamond industry were equally a concern for his ministry, stressing that diamond-cutting and polishing companies must ensure employees are properly remunerated.
“For sure, workers’ concern is my concern. It is time that diamond cutters and polishers pay their employees accordingly,” he added.
Amutse said his ministry would continue advocating for adequate employment conditions across the industry, although the administration of labour legislation falls under the Ministry of Justice, Labour Relations and Social Protection.
“While the ministry of industries, mines and energy will continue to advocate for adequate employment conditions, the administration of the Labour Act is with the ministry of justice, labour relations and social protection, and that is why I have reached out to my counterpart,” he said.
His intervention comes hot on the heels of about 40 Namibian employees of Fine Star Diamond and Jewellery in Windhoek downing tools over disputed salary deductions, an N$8 salary increase offer and concerns about the employment of foreign nationals.
The workers began a peaceful strike on Tuesday after negotiations over salaries, allowances and employment benefits failed to resolve their grievances.
They subsequently lodged a collective complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), requesting that their concerns be investigated and labour-related matters referred to the relevant authorities.
According to the complaint, workers had demanded salary increases, improved food and transport allowances and an annual bonus.
They allege that management rejected their demands and instead offered an N$8 increase on condition that employees choose between a food allowance and a transport allowance.
Workers say the offer falls short of addressing the cost of living and are also seeking clarity on annual leave and leave pay, pension contributions, medical aid and bonuses.
The dispute stems from an alleged N$880 deduction from workers’ salaries in September after management allegedly instructed them to remain at home because there was no work.
Employees argue that they did not voluntarily stay away from work and should therefore not have lost part of their earnings or allowances.
They want any amounts found to have been unlawfully withheld reimbursed.
The dispute has also raised questions over the employment of foreign nationals at the company.
Workers allege that Fine Star brought Indian nationals into Namibia in July 2025 to perform diamond-processing work.
They further claim that in September, Namibian employees were told to stay home because there was no work while foreign nationals allegedly continued working at the company’s premises.
They have asked authorities to verify whether the foreign employees hold valid work authorisations and whether requirements governing the employment of non-Namibians were followed.
The workers want authorities to determine whether the salary deductions and employment practices amount to labour violations or unfair labour practices.
Their complaint also asks the ACC to consider whether there are any corruption-related issues warranting investigation.
Workers are seeking facilitated engagement with management to resolve the dispute and have requested a written response outlining how their grievances will be addressed.
Mineworkers Uinion of Namibia’s regional coordinator Sakaria Simon declined to comment on the allegations, saying he would respond after the workers had resumed their duties.
Fine Star had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
