Stefanus Nashama
Workers are increasingly turning to social justice activists for help with labour-related issues, citing frustration with the policies of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation.
Sakaria Johannes, a political analyst, said the government system has many flaws and is riddled with many loopholes that make resolving labour disputes ineffective.
Johannes shared this with the Windhoek Observer this week.
“Sometimes, those who are at the top are the cause of labour issues, which make it easy for them to manipulate the system,” he said.
Johannes added that many workers are reluctant to report labour problems for fear of losing their jobs.
“Reporting their superiors to other responsible government officials will make the complainants lose jobs,” he said.
He attributes this problem to patrimonialism and clientelism within the government structures, which he believes hampers fair resolution of labour complaints.
Martin Shingenge, a general labourer, shared his experience after his employer refused to pay him.
“I reported the matter to the office of the labour commission, but the process took so long, I gave up,” he said.
The matter was resolved after he sought assistance from Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement activists.
He urged the government to review the labour system to ensure that workers received timely support when faced with employment disputes.
Psychologist, Johanna Abed echoed these concerns, arguing that the government is often slow in addressing labour matters.
She suggested that a system of protectionism exists within the government institutions, especially when a case involves a high-profile official.
“If a person in question is related to a highly profiled person, it becomes difficult for such cases to be investigated on time,” she mentioned.
She said social justice activists are gaining trust because they are perceived as independent and not captured by the elite.
Thomas Abraham, a former cleaner at the City of Windhoek, said people lose jobs when they speak out.
“You better raise the matter with activists who are better known to fight for the masses,” he said.
Abraham claimed some of the officials who handle labour cases receive bribes.
Former teacher, Edson David acknowledged that some labour reports require time to investigate.
He also argues that the government can still make adjustments to speed up the process.
“People believe activists can solve such issues faster than the government due to the slow processes,” said David.
Social justice activist, Michael Amushelelo, known for advocating for workers’ rights, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for the voiceless regardless of the political landscape.
“Despite what the outcome of this election is going to be, I will most certainly continue being the voice of the voiceless. This is a task that I am not going to give up on, and it doesn’t matter at what great personal cost it takes on me,” he said.
Amushelelo also acknowledged that many workers fear approaching activists for fear of losing their jobs, being victimised, or even being sued.
“If the blind can see that our country is underdeveloped and those who are deaf can hear about the mismanagement and looting of our resources, what more can the individual with eyes and ears have seen and heard for themselves?” he questioned.
He said the government is supposed to address the problem instead of individuals who report the matters.
“We have a serious issue of institutions not being independent,” he added.
The spokesperson of the ministry of labour, industrial relations, and employment creation, Maria Hedimbi, with regard to questions about the grievances, said the response was not ready.
“The response is still in the process and will be shared with you as soon as they are approved,” she said.
