Stefanus Nashama
The Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, has emphasized that unemployment, especially among the youth, poses a significant threat of causing lasting trauma among this demographic in Namibia.
Addressing the strategic planning workshop of the Labour Advisory Council (LAC) in Otjiwarongo this week, the Minister highlighted that the workshop was convened during a challenging period when the country faces labor-related issues.
“We are meeting at a time when high levels of unemployment, especially among the youth, are on the brink of permanently affecting a generation of young Namibians.
Furthermore, many Namibian workers do not enjoy the decent standard of living guaranteed by our Constitution,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, the Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to working diligently towards innovative and exciting socio-economic developments.
This commitment includes initiatives such as Green Hydrogen and the exploration of oil and gas resources, which offer the potential for a better life for Namibians and job security, particularly for the youth. Minister Nujoma outlined that the LAC’s purpose is to plan programs and objectives for the upcoming years. He stressed the importance of collaboration with bodies like the Social Security Commission, the Employment Services Board, the Employment Equity Commission, and the Wages Commission to ensure consistency and coherence in advising him on labor-related matters. The Minister called upon these bodies to prioritize commitment and partnership in advising him on sustainable employment creation, support for sustainable enterprises, the potential introduction of large-scale public works programs, and assistance in transitioning young people from school to the workforce.
He also urged the LAC to provide guidance on issues related to minimum wage in various sectors and the contemplated project for enforcing and promoting compliance. He also mentioned amendments to the Labor Act of 2007, the Social Security Act, the Employee Compensation Act, and the Affirmative Action Act.
Minister Nujoma stressed the importance of a timely response from the LAC, demanding that they report to him no later than the first quarter of 2024. He revealed his plans to approach the Cabinet regarding the minimum wage issue before the end of this year.
“I request that you thoroughly examine these matters and provide me with advice on the best strategy to prioritize collective bargaining as a means to achieve decent work,” he appealed to the LAC.
The Minister encouraged the LAC to adopt a culture of expeditious plan implementation, emphasizing that this approach would greatly contribute to enhancing labor relations, promoting Namibia’s economic and social development, and ensuring decent work opportunities.
