Martin Endjala
The Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF) and the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) have implemented a resolution aimed at bringing fairness and sustainability to the security industry.
The wage order, which comes into effect on 1 January 2025, introduces critical changes designed to uplift the standard of living for security company employees.
Dhiginina Uutaapama, president of SAN, said on Friday that the revised minimum wages ensure fair remuneration aligned with the cost of living and respect.
“It also emphasises the vital role security officers play in safeguarding our communities,” he said.
Uutaapama added that the changes will improve working conditions, including provisions for regulated working hours, overtime pay, leave entitlements, and compliance mechanisms to enforce adherence and address breaches effectively.
The Ministry of Labour recently announced a wage benchmark for all sectors of N$18 per hour.
He said the new benchmark offers much-needed financial relief, ensuring security officers’ hard work is recognised and fairly rewarded. It also enhances protections to foster greater job security and dignity in the workplace.
“While the increased wage obligations may require operational adjustments to ensure a more motivated and productive workforce, the transition will demand deliberate efforts to address the financial and logistical impacts on companies, particularly small and medium enterprises,” he said.
Given the challenges of implementing the new wages, the NSLF submitted a phased proposal to the Ministry of Labour immediately after the announcement.
According to Uutaapama, the proposal allows businesses three years to gradually adjust, aiming to mitigate potential job losses of over 5,000 and the closure of small, medium, and micro enterprises, which collectively employ about 25,000 individuals.
“The success of this initiative is dependent on collective action. We urge employers, employees, industry leaders, and the government to ensure compliance and sustainability,” he said.
Uutaapama stated that the NSLF remains committed to monitoring the implementation, raising awareness, and conducting dialogues to address any challenges constructively. By representing the interests of both employers and employees, he said the NSLF will ensure that policies strike a balance between industry sustainability and worker welfare.
“I urge all stakeholders to view this wage order not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to build a more equitable and thriving security industry. Let us seize this moment to set a benchmark for labour relations in Namibia,” he said.
