Allexer Namundjembo
Minister of justice and labour relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel has urged that workers’ voices be reflected in national policy and economic planning, while also stressing compliance with the labour law.
Speaking at the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) regional roundtable meeting held under the theme “From the Shaft to the Chamber: Workers’ Voices, National Choices” in Swakopmund on Saturday, Immanuel also congratulated MUN on 40 years of service since its establishment in 1986.
“Workers are not merely participants in the economy; they are builders of the nation. Every tonne of uranium, gold, diamonds, copper, lithium, zinc, and other strategic minerals extracted from our soil carries with it the labour, commitment, and sacrifice of Namibian workers,” the minister said.
He said Namibia’s ambition must move beyond raw mineral exports to beneficiation, value addition, and job creation.
“Our country can no longer be satisfied with exporting raw minerals while importing finished products at higher value. The true wealth of our natural resources will be realised when we create industries that process, refine, manufacture, innovate, and generate sustainable employment opportunities for Namibians,” Immanuel stated.
Immanuel said the vision aligns with National Development Plan 6 and the government’s economic transformation agenda.
He noted MUN’s role as a developmental partner through NAMIT and NAM-MIC Holdings, and said organised labour must help shape policies on critical minerals, green industrialisation, renewable energy, and local content.
Immanuel reiterated the government’s commitment to stable industrial relations, citing constitutional protections and International Labour Organisation conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association and collective bargaining.
He said the Labour Act prohibits prejudice against workers for exercising industrial rights and provides for conciliation and arbitration through the Office of the Labour Commissioner.
“The message is clear: dialogue before deadlock; negotiation before confrontation; resolution before disruption,” he said.
The minister listed ministry priorities including strengthening dispute-resolution mechanisms, enhancing labour inspection and compliance, promoting safer workplaces and expanding access to justice for vulnerable workers.
He also mentioned that the ministry will additionally focus on reviewing labour legislation, strengthening social protection, promoting gender equality, and supporting collective bargaining.
“No sustainable industrialisation can occur without workers. No lasting social justice can exist without economic opportunity. No prosperous nation can be built without dialogue. Together we must ensure that the voices from the shaft continue to shape the choices made in the chamber,” Immanuel said.
On Friday, Immanuel also led a delegation from the ministry in a series of engagements with Beifang Mining Services employees and management in Swakopmund as part of efforts to promote sound labour relations and compliance with labour legislation.
The first session was held at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre with labour inspectors and employees.
According to the ministry’s public relations officer, Jeremiah Namalenga, who spoke to the Windhoek Observer on Sunday, the session reflects the ministry’s commitment to direct engagement with workers and employers.
“During the engagement, employees raised concerns relating to conditions of employment, workplace grievances, labour rights, and alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Labour Act,” Namalenga said.
With support from labour inspectors, the minister addressed several issues raised and provided clarification on key provisions of the Labour Act.
He emphasised the role of registered trade unions in representing workers through lawful collective labour relations processes.
“The Labour Act provides mechanisms through which workplace concerns can be addressed fairly and lawfully. Employees and employers alike have a responsibility to ensure that labour relations are conducted within the framework of the law,” Immanuel said.
