Security industry demands urgent enforcement of new wage order, law reform

The Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF), alongside employer and employee representatives in the security sector, has called for the immediate enforcement of a new minimum wage and long-overdue regulation of the industry, which they say has been “too long neglected”.

Speaking at a media briefing in Windhoek on Thursday, NSLF representative and head of security at the Public Service Union of Namibia Andreas Hausiku said the recently gazetted collective agreement for the security industry of Namibia was a landmark step in correcting years of injustice.

“From 15 January, the minimum wage in the industry is no longer a proposal — it is the law. It starts at N$13.50 per hour, rising to N$18.00 per hour by 2027. And we expect it to be enforced,” said Hausiku.

The agreement, gazetted in Government Gazette No. 8562, was the product of negotiations between unions and the Security Association of Namibia.

It sets out not only the hourly wage, but also benefits such as paid leave, overtime, transport and uniform provisions.

The NSLF warns that government institutions awarding tenders below N$30.30 per hour were enabling labour law violations.

“It is not financially or legally possible to run a security company and comply with all statutory obligations by tendering below that rate. Paying poverty wages while bidding for government work is unethical, illegal and disgraceful. Enforcement must start now,” said Hausiku.

The forum also accuses the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security of neglecting its duty to regulate the sector.

“The Security Enterprises and Security Officers Act was passed in 1998. Yet, 32 years later, there are still no regulations to give it effect. No licencing standards, no vetting, no compliance mechanisms, the law has no teeth,” he added.

Hausiku said numerous requests to meet the ministry have gone unanswered, adding that the absence of regulation has opened the door to “fly-by-night operators” who exploit workers and undercut legitimate companies.

“What kind of country passes a law to protect the public, but then refuses to implement it? Our guards are not just men in uniform. They protect our banks, schools, homes and ministries. They deserve to be treated as professionals,” he said.

The NSLF has in the meantime called on the government to immediately gazette regulations under the 1998 Act and to clamp down on companies flouting the new wage order.

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