Mootu requests investigation into security guard conditions
A motion has been tabled in the National Assembly calling for an investigation into the working and living conditions of security guards in Namibia. The motion, scheduled to be moved on 29 September 2026, seeks an investigation into job security, wages and benefits, occupational health and safety, social protection, unfair dismissal and access to timely labour justice.
Utaara Mootu from Landless People's Movement (LPM) said security guards work at schools, hospitals, businesses, homes and government institutions, often working long hours, nights, weekends and public holidays. “They protect the lives and the properties of Namibians,” Mootu said.
The motion also raises questions about the implementation of commitments made under a 2017 collective agreement, which provided for labour inspections, penalties for non-compliance and protection against victimisation. The agreement also committed the parties to discuss housing and transport allowances and pension fund contributions. “Yet many of these regulations are not put in place and the concerns continue to be raised still today,” she said.
The proposed investigation would examine compliance with wages and employment conditions, outstanding complaints and disputes before the Labour Commissioner and the time taken to resolve them. It would also look into unfair dismissal and victimisation, occupational injuries and deaths, access to social security and employees’ compensation, pensions and health benefits, as well as whether companies receiving government and private security contracts comply with the relevant requirements.
Mootu called for security guards themselves to be heard during the investigation. “Parliament must hear from the guards and must not proceed to have round conference table engagements. The guards must speak for their own rights,” she said. The motion calls for the matter to be referred to the relevant standing committee for investigation, stakeholder engagements and recommendations to the National Assembly.
