By Staff Reporter
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) deputy leader Kalumbi Iipumbu has called on the Ministry of Mines and Energy and immigration authorities to tighten oversight of mining activities and foreign workers in Kunene, accusing some companies of operating illegally while sidelining small-scale miners.
Iipumbu made the remarks during a recent visit to Kunene by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, where the delegation observed mineral deposits, including copper.
He said Kunene’s mineral wealth could help reduce poverty and hunger if properly regulated and processed for the benefit of local communities.
“It is a surprise, particularly to myself. We find ourselves in Kunene Region, a region that by nature has mineral resources that can actually feed the populace within this region,” Iipumbu said.
He claimed some companies were exploiting the region’s mineral resources illegally, while small-scale miners were being pushed aside.
“The surprising part is that there are a lot of companies that are in here that are mining illegally and they are sidelining the small mining people who are trying their best so that they can earn something for their living,” he said.
Iipumbu called for a clear mechanism to extract and process minerals while ensuring local communities benefit economically. He said investors should operate under clear legal and pricing frameworks, with minerals bought at fair prices.
“If only the ministry can come up with a proper mechanism as to how we can extract these mineral resources through processing, with investors coming and buying this product at a price that is well described by our laws, I think our people will never experience poverty or hunger,” he said.
He also called for immigration authorities to conduct inspections of foreign nationals working in the mining sector and verify their work permits and other documentation.
According to Iipumbu, some foreign workers may be operating with expired permits, while others are allegedly using permits or licences that were fraudulently obtained or forged.
He urged the authorities responsible for immigration to conduct thorough inspections and take action where irregularities are found.
“The ministry should pull up their socks,” Iipumbu said, stressing that enforcement should extend beyond mining operations to the immigration status of foreign nationals working in the sector.
Pointing to copper found at the site, Iipumbu said the deposits demonstrated the wealth lying beneath Namibia’s land. He alleged that people had previously been mining at the site illegally and fled after being noticed.
“Ministry of Mines and Energy, I think it is high time you pull up your socks, come around and see what is happening in our land,” he said.
Iipumbu said Namibia could not continue battling hunger and malnutrition while its natural resources remained underdeveloped or poorly regulated.
“We cannot allow our people to die of hunger,” he said.
He also warned against allowing foreign interests to dominate the exploitation of Namibia’s mineral resources, arguing that the country’s natural wealth should primarily benefit Namibians.
“We should not allow foreigners to come and then dictate on what belongs to us. This is our own and this is what’s supposed to feed us as a country,” he said.
