MUN wants next mines minister to address workers exploitation

As the hunt for the next minister of industries, mines and energy continues, the Minewoorkers Union of Namibia (MUN) wants the new minister to address the exploitation of workers in the mining sector.

This is according to MUN assistant general secretary Paulus Situmba in response to questions sent to him by The Namibian on Wednesday, regarding what ideal candidate president Netumbo Nand-Ndaitwah should consider.

“The person next in line must address the issue of worker exploitation by abolishing temporary employment and the contract labour system and hire within the mining sector/industry,” he said.

The president has appointed defence minister Frans Kapofi to oversee the portfolio in the interim.

Situmba said Namibians should benefit from the country’s resources without any compromise at all, even if it will require the country to copy and paste from other progressive countries such as Botswana and Burkina Faso, which are slowly showing tangible results in empowering its own nations.

He said the union will be excited to see the appointment of a candidate that has vast knowledge and passion for the industry, and understands that the industry has a huge impact on the nation’s economy and job creation.

“We must ensure that the country’s mineral resources benefit Namibians through value addition and local beneficiation policies,” he added.

Namibian Association for Offshore Oil and Gas Service Providers founder Knowledge Iipinge says “in a perfect world, we would seek a leader with a shepherd leadership style, charm, integrity, academic ability, sound decision-making skills and a seasoned negotiator”.

However, considering the available options on the parliamentary list, he says Kapofi remains the most ideal fit, given his extensive experience at various government levels and internationally over the years.

Iipinge says prioritising genuine beneficiation of Namibian communities, workers and companies should be top of the agenda.

Political activist Dobson Kwala says the new minister must have a development plan, and should create opportunities for all Namibians.

“Enforce the law in terms of trading minerals products, and market Namibia natural resources in order to attract foreign investors,” he adds.

Such a person, he says, should break the barriers hampering mining opportunities in various regions around or within Namibia, promote sustainable development and encourage locals to tap into mining activities through support from national financial institutions.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.