MUN says ‘BEE is not working’

THE Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has expressed concern over the state of black economic empowerment (BEE) in the country, saying that a small elite is emerging as the major beneficiaries at the expense of the majority.

Speaking at the end of this year’s annual congress, union President Andries Eiseb said it was vital that Government moved swiftly to put in place the necessary national policy and regulatory framework to guide the unfolding BEE process before it was too late. Eiseb said the union was not happy to witness a process where only the elite was in the driving seat.In the same vein, he said, large multinational companies were taking advantage of the lack of a coherent regulatory framework and window-dressing the noble initiative instead.”It is sad to note that in some instances, transnational corporations are seen manipulating certain individuals under the guise of BEE,” said Eiseb.The MUN said the economy continued to be in the hands of a few individuals and there was a need for broad-based black empowerment.It urged previously disadvantaged Namibians in the mining sector to join hands and play a meaningful role.The union resolved to encourage previously disadvantaged business-minded Namibians to initiate broad-based BEE companies to enter the mining and energy sector.It also resolved to lobby the Government through the Ministry of Mines and Energy for an Act of Parliament to be passed on BEE.In line with a broader BEE strategy, the MUN resolved to engage companies in the mining sector to set aside and extend shareholding to workers.”The congress resolved that trusts should be set up at company level were dividends from the shareholding should be invested,” Eiseb said.The MUN further stated that it would engage key stakeholders in the formulation of a mining charter that will pave the way for BEE participants to usher in a new era.In addition, the union reaffirmed its commitment in the fight against HIV-AIDS as well as the national development processes known as Vision 2030.Eiseb said the union was not happy to witness a process where only the elite was in the driving seat.In the same vein, he said, large multinational companies were taking advantage of the lack of a coherent regulatory framework and window-dressing the noble initiative instead.”It is sad to note that in some instances, transnational corporations are seen manipulating certain individuals under the guise of BEE,” said Eiseb.The MUN said the economy continued to be in the hands of a few individuals and there was a need for broad-based black empowerment.It urged previously disadvantaged Namibians in the mining sector to join hands and play a meaningful role.The union resolved to encourage previously disadvantaged business-minded Namibians to initiate broad-based BEE companies to enter the mining and energy sector.It also resolved to lobby the Government through the Ministry of Mines and Energy for an Act of Parliament to be passed on BEE.In line with a broader BEE strategy, the MUN resolved to engage companies in the mining sector to set aside and extend shareholding to workers.”The congress resolved that trusts should be set up at company level were dividends from the shareholding should be invested,” Eiseb said.The MUN further stated that it would engage key stakeholders in the formulation of a mining charter that will pave the way for BEE participants to usher in a new era.In addition, the union reaffirmed its commitment in the fight against HIV-AIDS as well as the national development processes known as Vision 2030.