Africa-Press – Namibia.
The minister of Justice and labour relations, Wise Immanuel, says the N$250 million budget request is not simply a line item in government accounts, but it is a budgetary provision to secure peace at workplaces.
It is an investment in social justice, equity in the labour market, and a catalyst for productivity across the economy.
He made these remarks during his introduction and motivation of the ministry’s budget for the year 2025/26 in the National Assembly on 30 April 2025.
“Our work through the Department is to ensure that every Namibian, regardless of their background, can access decent work, fair compensation, and safe working conditions while simultaneously fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, innovate, and create more jobs,” he said, adding that the amount will be distributed through four programmes.
Labour market services, which include employment services, productivity, youth career counselling, and research will be allocated N$36,499 million.
Promotion of harmonious labour relations, including dispute resolution, compliance inspections, and employment equity enforcement will get N$99,728 million while the International Relations and Advice, encompassing social dialogue, cooperation with SADC, AU, ILO, and ARLAC will be allocated N$13,868 million.
And the Supervision and Support Services, which include administrative and supervisory functions will get N$100,161 million.
Of this total, N$245,256 million is earmarked for operational expenses and N$2 million will be for developmental projects.
Projects
The ministry’s strategic priorities for the 2025/2026 financial year will build on the achievements of the past while ambitiously scaling up efforts in six key areas.
Immanuel said the ministry will finalise the long-overdue amendments to the Labour Act, Affirmative Action Act, Employment Services Act, and others to align with realities.
It aims to honour Namibia’s commitments under international conventions, such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions on Maternity Protection and Family Responsibilities, while accelerating the establishment of the National Pension Fund under the Social Security Commission to ensure that every worker can retire in dignity. “We will rigorously enforce the National Minimum Wage Order that was expected to be implemented, effective 01 January 2025. We will also intensify labour inspections, accident investigations, and enforcement efforts, including in the informal sector, to ensure compliance with laws that protect workers from child labour, forced labour, and unsafe conditions,” he said.
The Office of the Labour Commissioner is set to launch a modern case management system for e-referrals, online arbitration, and better access to data. The office will finalise the transition to an independent Commission for Alternative Dispute Resolution, in line with Cabinet’s vision for a more responsive and efficient system to advance social justice through dispute resolution.
Additionally, through the Employment Equity Commission, the ministry will implement a new Integrated Review Scorecard to improve equity compliance and advance implementation of the ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the workplace.
This involves strengthening enforcement of non-discrimination laws and ensuring workplaces are safe and fair for all.
There is also a finalisation of the upgrade of the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System to better match job seekers with opportunities to expand Labour Market Services and Skills Development.
“We will conduct a National Skills Audit to better align education, training, and industry needs; roll out the Global Accelerator project to create over 3 600 jobs through biomass and other sustainable industries; and invest in physical infrastructure, completing the Labour Office in Nkurenkuru and expanding one in Otjiwarongo,” he noted.
To strengthen social dialogue and partner engagement, the minister aims to provide technical and logistical support to social partners, which include trade unions and employers’ organisations.
This will be accompanied by beginning the digitalisation of services such as e-filing of exemptions, increasing efficiency and transparency.
It also aims to scale up national awareness campaigns to improve public understanding of labour rights, the minimum wage, and employment obligations.
“It is a call to collective responsibility calling on the businesses, workers, government and all social partners to come to the fore so that we co-create a labour market that is just, resilient, and fit for purpose. Let us build a Namibia where every job is a decent job, every employer a development partner, and every citizen is a progressive participant in the national developmental agenda and growth trajectory,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
