Mineworkers’ union calls for non-compliant employers to be criminally charged

The Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia (MUN) has called for harsh punishment for employers contravening the Affirmative Action Act.

This follows the recent announcement that 13 employers were summoned for a two-day hearing by the Employer Equity Commission (EEC) through the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations.

MUN secretary general George Ampweya made this call on Wednesday.

“We welcome the decisive action taken by the Employment Equity Commission in summoning these employers.
We view the commission’s willingness to issue binding final orders and to consider criminal charges as a necessary step towards ending a culture of impunity in Namibia’s labour market,” he said.

The employers were summoned to explain why they failed to comply with the Affirmative Action Act and could face penalties if found guilty.

Ampweya said some employers have treated affirmative action obligations as optional for too long, while workers, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to face systemic discrimination, exclusion, and unequal opportunities.

The fact that these hearings are public, he said, is a victory for transparency and an opportunity to expose those who fail to respect the law and the dignity of their employees.

Ampweya called on the EEC to ensure the hearings deliver not just promises but tangible change.

He urged key stakeholders to attend and hold employers accountable.

The hearings were slated for 13 and 14 August.

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