Ministry warns against lower security worker wages
Security workers employed in Namibia’s construction industry must currently be paid at least N$16 per ordinary hour, with the minimum wage increasing to N$18 per hour from 1 January 2027, the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations Acting Executive Director Aune Mudjanima issued a media release. Mudjanima issued the clarification following concerns over the application of wage provisions contained in a collective agreement between the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) and the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU).
The agreement, which was extended to the construction industry through Government Notice No. 271, published in Government Gazette No. 9010 on 1 September 2026, provides for security guards to receive N$153.88 for a 12-hour shift in Year 1 and N$161.57 per 12-hour shift in Year 2. However, the ministry said these rates are equivalent to approximately N$12.82 and N$13.46 per hour, respectively, and are below the statutory minimum wage for security workers.
It stressed that the National Minimum Wage must take precedence wherever a collective agreement provides for a less favourable wage. The National Minimum Wage Order, published under Government Notice No. 218 of 2024 and amended by Government Notice No. 6 of 2025, requires employers to pay workers no less than the prescribed minimum wage. As a result, security workers in the construction industry must receive at least N$16 per ordinary hour during 2026, rising to N$18 per ordinary hour from 1 January 2027. The ministry further clarified that employers may not rely on the lower security-guard wage contained in Government Notice No. 271, titled Extension of Collective Agreement for Minimum Wage and Conditions of Employment: Construction Industry: Labour Act, 2007.
It said the remaining provisions of the collective agreement continue to apply, including any terms that provide employees with more favourable conditions. The ministry assured employers, employees and other affected stakeholders that the discrepancy is being addressed and that the relevant provision will be corrected through the appropriate process. Until the correction is formally effected, the ministry said, the higher National Minimum Wage remains applicable and must be observed.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to social dialogue and collective bargaining while ensuring that collective agreements are implemented in line with the minimum protections guaranteed by law.
