Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has issued a stern call for economic justice and dignity for Namibian workers, warning that a hungry worker cannot be productive, and an unvalued one cannot be a proud citizen.
Speaking at the national Workers’ Day commemoration in Oshakati yesterday, the President said the country’s freedom and independence will remain incomplete until economic injustices are addressed and workers are adequately rewarded for their contribution to the economy.
“We cannot speak of freedom and independence without addressing economic injustice. Workers cannot continue to live in poverty while contributing significantly to the growth of industries,” she noted.
The Head of State emphasised the need to create a national culture where labour is honoured, celebrated and not exploited by employers.
“Workers deserve a living wage, not poverty wages,” she said. The President stressed the importance of empowering workers through fair pay, improved conditions and opportunities for growth. “As stakeholders, let us ensure that workers are paid living wages. At the same time, our labour force must be productive,”Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Youth empowerment and industrialisation
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated youth empowerment as a key priority of the 8th administration, calling for deliberate efforts to integrate young people into the mainstream economy.
“Namibia is blessed with abundant renewable and non-renewable resources, which we must seize through value-addition for the benefit of all our people,” she observed.
She cited sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas, tourism and fisheries as vital engines of the economy that, if leveraged properly, can unlock massive employment opportunities.
However, this potential remains far-fetched if the country continues to export raw materials without processing them. “We must invest in manufacturing and emerging industries like sport and the creative sector,” she said. While welcoming foreign direct investment, the President emphasised the need to strengthen homegrown businesses.
The country must also transition from being a mere supplier of raw materials to a producer and exporter of value-added goods.
“Our small population should not discourage us. With the right mindset and attitude, we can become a centre of production based on our natural resources,” she said, promising government support through public-private partnerships and an investor-friendly environment.
Workers must afford to live
Petrus Nevonga, general secretary of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), welcomed government’s commitment to economic justice, particularly in ensuring the implementation of a national minimum wage.
“Namibian workers deserve fair remuneration that can mitigate the rising cost of living, protect their dignity and foster economic growth through increased purchasing power,” he stated. Nevonga hailed the finalisation of the minimum wage, as promised by government during May Day 2024 in Rundu, as a victory for workers. “We commend government for honouring its commitment. We call on the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations to ensure that employers comply with this minimum wage without fail,” the union leader said. Nevonga stressed that workers need to live decently and afford essentials such as food, housing, healthcare, education, transport and clothing. He added that poverty wages perpetuate inequality.
Workers’ voices
Many workers who attended the event shared the President’s sentiments, expressing both hope and frustration.
Cleaner Maria Kanguvi complained that she wakes up at 04h00 every day to get to work on time, but by month-end, her salary is not even enough to buy food and pay rent. “I feel invisible, like my work doesn’t matter,” she lamented. Another worker, Petrus Angula, said they are tired of promises.
“We want to see action. We give our best every day, but we still struggle to feed our children. A living wage is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” he underlined.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
