By Koviao Matuzee
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has called for tougher enforcement of labour laws and greater accountability from mining companies over the growing reliance on temporary employment and labour hire arrangements, warning that the practices undermine job security, skills development and workers’ access to employment benefits.
The call came during the union’s Northern Regional Roundtable Discussion on 24 October, where government ministers, union leaders and workers discussed employment conditions and the protection of workers’ rights in Namibia’s mining and industrial sectors.
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse said mining investment should not be measured by the number of jobs created alone, but also by the quality and stability of employment.
He criticised the repeated hiring of workers on short-term contracts, saying the practice limits career development and prevents workers from building secure livelihoods.
Amutse called for stronger enforcement of labour legislation, joint accountability between mining companies and labour hire agencies, equal pay for work of equal value and legal limits on prolonged temporary employment.
He also warned against using subcontracting arrangements to deny workers benefits despite performing similar duties and possessing comparable skills.
The minister said new mining licences include conditions aimed at increasing Namibian representation in management, transferring skills and promoting local business participation. He further called for stronger labour inspections and improved occupational health and safety standards.
“We have spoken enough, now is time for implementation,” Amutse said.
Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel urged trade unions to move beyond protest and play a stronger role in shaping labour policies and driving social change.
He said unions needed to renew their leadership structures and strategies to remain effective in addressing workers’ changing needs.
Acting MUN president Poco-Key Mberiuana said workers’ welfare should remain central to economic development, including after retirement. He called for stronger support for union members through initiatives such as post-retirement medical aid and education assistance.
Labour Commissioner Kyllikki Sihlahla outlined the role of her office in registering trade unions and employers’ organisations and preventing and resolving labour disputes. She stressed that effective labour administration was essential to enforcing labour laws and promoting decent work.
MUN member Paulus Heita welcomed the engagement, saying it allowed workers to raise concerns directly with senior government officials and seek clarification on labour-related matters.
The roundtable was the third and final regional engagement ahead of MUN’s November anniversary celebrations, held under the theme “From the Shaft to the Chamber: Workers’ Voices, National Choices.”
