Niel Terblanche
Despite facing multiple legal threats and charges of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful instigation of protests, Michael Amushelelo remains resolute in his mission to address the alleged mistreatment of workers in Namibia’s retail industry.
Amushelelo, a prominent Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member, recently announced the establishment of the National Union of Retail Industry Workers of Namibia.
Amushelelo announced his social media platforms, revealing his new role as the Secretary-General of the workers’ union.
“My fellow Namibians, we are pleased to inform you that we have established a Workers Union. We have submitted our application for registration with the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. For now, our focus is workers in the Retail Industry, and we invite everyone to join the union,” he said in his statement.
The announcement also included details regarding the application process, with Amushelelo stating that the registration fee for membership is a one-time payment of N$100.00.
He reiterated the union’s commitment to representing workers who are allegedly facing abuse, exploitation, oppression, and low wages in the retail sector.
The establishment of the National Union of Retail Industry Workers of Namibia came in the wake of Amushelelo’s recent clashes with authorities when he attempted to shut down a shop in the Okuryangava area of Windhoek.
His actions led to a cease-and-desist letter from a prominent law firm, which accused him of engaging in “chaotic behaviour of intimidation, harassment, and unlawful instigation of protests and disruption”.
The law firm warned Amushelelo of potential legal consequences, including the possibility of the Namibian Police opening a trespassing case.
Despite the legal threats and accusations, Amushelelo remains undeterred in pursuing workers’ rights.
“The National Union of Retail Industry Workers of Namibia will now give us the legal mandate to come and represent workers who are being abused, exploited, oppressed, and underpaid. Please register with our union so that we can have the bargaining power at your company,” he said.
