Martin Endjala
The absence of a watchdog body for security companies is contributing to lawlessness in the industry, where companies continue to violate labour laws with impunity.
This concern was sounded by the Security Association of Namibia, at its 30th annual general meeting in Windhoek today.
Dawid Nuuyoma, the chairman of SAN, said that they are not forcing anyone to be part of the association but said the lawlessness in the industry requires a body to which the companies are affiliated, which will ensure that the rights of both employers and employees are safeguarded.
SAN says non-compliance certificates issued by the Ministry of Labour to security companies seem to have no effect, as these firms continue the flout labour laws, without any sanctioning.
Speaking at the AGM, the Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab assured the association that she will look into recognising an employers’ association, and urged the association to set up a meeting with her to deliberate more on the matter.
The minister further stated that in the last decade the country has seen the mushrooming of security companies, requiring the importance of an association like SAN to be the regulator of such
Companies, to be a watch dog in the interest of both the companies and employees who are at times victims of minimum wage payments and working in unconducive environments.
She said that she cannot imagine a Namibia without security companies, saying they are playing an important role in safeguarding individuals and properties.
The Deputy Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Hafeni Ndemula expressed similar concerns to those of Dausab.
Ndemula highlighted that unfair dismissals, reduction of remuneration and the working long-hours are worrisome. He therefore called on collective agreements to ensure that the companies adhere to voluntary and self-compliance.
Ndemula further pointed out that the industry is the fastest growing, hence regulations ought to be put in place to protect both the workers and the companies.
The vice chairman of SAN Kuume Uutaapama stressed that an end must be put to fly by night security companies, as they tarnish the image of the industry.
Uutaapama also highlighted that the association used to have about 120 employers, but now it only has 65 paid up members, of which 33 are not paid up and 24 have pending subscription due to documents that are not up to date.
