MUN pushes worker interests
The Mineworkers’ Union of Namibia (MUN) held its second regional roundtable discussion in Oranjemund as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, bringing together union leaders, members, policymakers and mining stakeholders.
The discussion, held under the theme “From the Shaft to the Chamber: Workers’ Voices, National Choices”, focused on workers’ interests, the future of Namibia’s mining sector and the role of employees in shaping policy.
The initiative was supported by the Namibia Miners Investment Trust (NAMIT) and NAM-MIC Holdings.
MUN has represented mineworkers for four decades, advocating for workers’ rights, dignity and economic advancement across Namibia’s mining regions.
The keynote address by mines minister Modestus Amutse was delivered on his behalf by MP Justina Jonas. She highlighted the importance of mining to the //Hardap and Kharas regions// and the impact of mine closures on local communities.
“In Oranjemund, Namdeb’s diamond operation continues to provide employment for more than 700 people and remains the economic anchor of this town,” she said.
She also highlighted the impact of the 2024 closure of Scorpion Zinc, which resulted in about 500 job losses in Rosh Pinah.
“The government, together with key stakeholders including the workers represented here, is working towards a responsible solution to restart the Scorpion Zinc mine and refinery operation,” Jonas said.
“At this juncture, closure is not an option. Our focus must remain on protecting jobs, restoring competitiveness and keeping our communities alive.”
She said unemployment in the Kharas region remained at about 38%, while opportunities were emerging in uranium, copper, gold and critical minerals.
Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Minister Wise Immanuel linked the discussion to resource nationalism, saying Namibia needed to derive greater value from its natural resources rather than simply exporting them without value addition.
“This conversation is about workers’ empowerment – that every decision we make as policymakers must have workers at the centre of it,” he said, adding that mining should contribute to generational wealth creation, ownership and investment.
MUN acting president Poco-Key Mberiuana said the union’s focus should remain on the wellbeing of its members, including after retirement.
He said MUN was engaging on medical aid, pension provision and funeral cover for former members and their grandchildren.
MUN general secretary George Ampweya outlined the union’s work on member benefits, investments and accountability. He also called for greater MUN participation in key tripartite forums, including immigration selection boards and engagements between prospective investors and the Ministry of Mines before mining licences are issued.
He said this would help ensure workers’ rights and labour standards were incorporated into investment and licensing conditions.
MUN Southern Region chairperson Mayamelo Kalumbu urged the government to prioritise the reopening of closed mines to address unemployment.
The roundtable is part of a series of four regional discussions being held as MUN marks its 40th anniversary and prepares to enter its fifth decade.
