Honorable Justina Jonas

13/10/2026

PARLIAMENTARY CALL: STRENGTHENING THE EMPLOYMENT EQUITY COMMISSION

I support the nominations to the Employment Equity Commission and thank the Minister of Justice, Labour and Industrial Relations for presenting the nominees.

As a former Commissioner, I urge the Minister to urgently finalise the review of the Affirmative Action Act, ensure adequate funding, address staff shortages and strengthen the Commission’s powers to monitor and enforce compliance.

Employment equity must create genuine opportunities for historically disadvantaged Namibians, particularly black workers who remain underrepresented in management and executive positions, especially in the private sector.

Employment equity requires strong legislation, adequate resources, effective monitoring and accountability to ensure that every Namibian has a fair opportunity to work, develop and advance.

I support the nominations

12/10/2026

12/10/2026

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE SECTOR INVESTIGATION COMPLETED

We successfully concluded the investigation into the conditions of employment and compliance with labour laws in the retail and wholesale sector this afternoon in Windhoek

The experience in Windhoek was truly insightful, and we look forward to the Committee’s findings and recommendations, which will be shared with stakeholders in the sector to inform meaningful improvements in working condition

Thank you to all stakeholders who participated and contributed to this important process. The investigation has been a real eye-opener, and we look forward to undertaking similar investigations in other sectors to promote decent work and ensure compliance with labour laws

Together, we can improve working conditions and protect the rights of all workers

12/10/2026

Today, this morning, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations will conduct oversight visits in Windhoek to assess conditions of employment in the retail and wholesale sector

The programme will commence at 08h00 with a briefing at the Labour Department, Ministry of Justice, Labour and Industrial Relations, in Khomasdal

The Committee will be joined by various stakeholders during the oversight visits

10/10/2026

UNDERSTANDING THE MANDATE

SWAPO PARTY POLITICAL PROGRAMME

Adopted by the First Congress of SWAPO in an Independent Namibia, 6–12 December 1991, Windhoek, Republic of Namibia.

GUIDELINES FOR ACTION

To achieve the aims and objectives of SWAPO, as stipulated in the Party Constitution, all Party organs, wings and affiliated bodies are charged with the following responsibilities:

SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

(c) To promote progressive labour relations and improve the living and working conditions of workers.

(d) To defend workers’ democratic rights to organise themselves to articulate and advance their interests, and to collectively withdraw their labour when confronted with unjust practices by employers.

Understanding the mandate. Upholding the workers’ interests. Serving the constituency.



’Rights

09/10/2026

On Monday, 12 October 2026, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations will conduct oversight visits to various shops in the Khomas Region as it finalises its investigation into conditions of employment in the retail and wholesale sector

This morning, the Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Khomas Regional Governor, Hon. Sam Nujoma, and the leadership of the Khomas Regional Council

09/10/2026

In this video, the issue of inter-union conflict is highlighted as one of the major concerns in Namibia’s retail and wholesale sector

It is high time for trade unions to stop interfering with one another’s organising efforts and instead focus on reaching the many unorganised workers who remain without adequate union representation in the sector

Inter-union conflict must be urgently addressed to strengthen solidarity among trade unions, expand worker organisation and promote broader collective bargaining platforms

Our common goal must be to unite and organise workers, strengthen collective bargaining, and improve the working and living conditions of employees in the retail and wholesale sector