Africa-Press – Namibia. MINISTER of Information and Communication Technology Dr. Peya Mushelenga has stated that the cabinet has noted with dismay the unlawful conduct of eight persons who are invariably cast in “activists” moulds, creating platforms of structural distrust among various business groupings, notably local versus foreign business owners and fermenting a state of mayhem and disruption of public order.
For this reason, Dr. Mushelenga stated that the cabinet wishes to set the record straight on the processes and statutes governing local and foreign businesses and their subsequent activities within the Republic of Namibia, for the understanding and providing of clarity to the citizens of this nation.
The minister noted that it is incorrect and misleading to suggest that there are two separate laws regulating foreign and local businesses in Namibia, adding that there exist no attempts by the Government to seek support and elevate foreign businesses at the expense of local businesses.
“Any person who is found to be wanting in this respect will be answerable to the law,” the minister said.
He further noted that the cabinet condemns in the strongest terms the activities of inciting the public to resort to riot, closing down business premises, and outward breaking of the laws that govern Namibia as this creates inherent confusion and mayhem.
“Cabinet further reiterates its call for all business owners, whether local or foreign, to adhere to the governing and operational legislation of the Republic of Namibia with no exception. Accordingly, the Namibian Government will not tolerate any businessperson, whether local or foreign, who will disregard the laws governing our Republic,” Dr. Mushelenga said.
The minister further clarified that the destruction of counterfeits is a routine regulatory activity and it is not an attempt to target local businesses in both informal and formal sectors of the economy but applies to all businesses, whether for local or foreign persons.
“Namibia is a country governed by the rule of law and has put in place processes, systems and institutions. Business regulation in Namibia is served under the mandates of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation and the Ministry of Finance as well as their agencies that ensure regulatory monitoring and supervision,” Dr. Mushelenga said.
In terms of the laws regulating business registration, all local and external companies established in Namibia are registered in terms of applicable laws under the Business and Intellectual Property Agency (BIPA) Act, 2016 (Act No. 8 of 2016).
Mushelenga also added that the Ministry of Labour through labour inspectors has adequate powers as provided in the law to ensure adherence to workplace compliance optimisation.
“Such powers may range from the issuance of Compliance Order and even the Closing Order of all working activities in the event of extreme non-adherence to set laws and regulations. These include basic conditions of employment, health, safety and welfare of employees as provided for in the law,” the minister said.
He added that to further refine business regulation, the draft Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill (NIPA) introduces business inspectors/market compliance officers under the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.
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