Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations

Also known as: The Ministry OF Justice and Labour Relations

Government ministry handling labour disputes, civil service benefits, workplace compensation claims, and retrenchment notifications in Namibia.

2025-08-232026-06-08
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What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. April 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has given civil servants until August to reapply for medical aid benefits

    Source

    “The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has given civil servants until August to do so.”

    Civil servants to feel Psemas pinch

  3. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations is mandated to cover compensation for all government employees who sustain injuries

    Source

    “The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, through the department of labour relations, is mandated to cover compensation for all government employees who sustain injuries.”

    N$4.9m paid to 258 Govt employees injured on duty
  4. March 2026

  5. Informanté

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations does not have an ILO office

    Source

    “He added that Namibia does not have an ILO office and mainly depends on technical expertise deployed from South Africa.”

    Funding pressures risk ILO mandate execution

  6. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations was referred compensation claims of 252 former Samherji employees

    Source

    “The fisheries ministry has referred the compensation claims of 252 former Samherji employees to the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations while citing existing government redress efforts.”

    Fisheries hooks labour in Samherji payouts
  7. February 2026

  8. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations did not grant company's exemption to keep old roster

    Source

    “The company had applied for an exemption from the labour ministry to keep the old roster, which was not granted.”

    Beifang fires 11 employees over shift roster clash at Husab Mine

  9. New Era

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations directed legal aid counsel to arrange postponement of hearings outside duty stations due to depleted travel and subsistence budget

    Source

    “In its memo addressed to acting chief of legal aid Brownwell Eirab, the ministry directed that all legal aid counsel who have matters set down for hearing outside their duty stations must make timely arrangements to have the hearings postponed.”

    Magistracy, legal aid travel budgets depleted … budgetary constraints cripple Judiciary

  10. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations confirmed it will cover all medical expenses of Justine Shiweda

    Source

    “The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has confirmed it will cover all medical expenses of Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who died following a brutal attack while on duty.”

    State to pay medical bills of prosecutor who died after acid and gun attack

  11. Informanté

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations opened condolence books at its head office and at the Office of the Prosecutor General

    Source

    “THE Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has opened condolence books at its head office and at the Office of the Prosecutor General following the tragic death of state prosecutor Justine Shiweda, with senior officials and staff paying tribute to her service and legacy.”

    Condolence books opened for late Prosecutor Shiweda at Justice Ministry and Prosecutor General's office

  12. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations confirms death of Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda

    Source

    “The Ministry OF Justice and Labour Relations confirms with deep sorrow the death of Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who succumbed to her injuries on Saturday following a heinous attack last October.”

    Justice Ministry Mourns Regional Control Prosecutor Shiweda

  13. New Era

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure all those involved are brought to book

    Source

    “He stated that the ministry is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure all those involved are brought to book.”

    Nation mourns prosecutor Shiweda
Politics

Civil servants fear labour arbitrators favour government in disputes

The News

Retired civil servant Manfred Menjengua says arbitrators employed by the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations cannot view public service labour disputes objectively and automatically favour the government. He also raises concerns about workplace mistreatment of union activists, gender-based harassment limiting women's promotion, and poor recruitment practices based on political affiliation rather than merit.

Why it matters

Civil servants' concerns about labour arbitrator bias and political patronage in recruitment expose systemic fairness issues in the public service.

28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 28 May

  1. Civil servants fear labour arbitrators favour government in disputes

    Retired civil servant Manfred Menjengua says arbitrators employed by the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations cannot view public service labour disputes objectively and automatically favour the government. He also raises concerns about workplace mistreatment of union activists, gender-based harassment limiting women's promotion, and poor recruitment practices based on political affiliation rather than merit.

    28 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Legal aid lawyer held on shop theft and obstruction charges

    Eva Maria Nangolo, a lawyer employed by the Directorate of Legal Aid, was remanded in custody after appearing in Windhoek Magistrate's Court on charges of theft and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. She is accused of stealing items valued at N$3,920 from a Dis-Chem store and refusing to open her car during a police investigation.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 April

  1. Ministry responds to unpaid wage claims at Omhalanga Mills

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations said it is handling one formal case of unpaid wages at Omhalanga Mills, with a hearing set for 29 April 2026, while several other employees have sought advice but not filed formal complaints. Workers claim they have not been paid for seven months.

    27 April 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 15 April

  1. Civil servants face Psemas reforms, reapply by August deadline

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has ordered civil servants to reapply for Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme benefits by end of August following reforms to the scheme's operations. Trade unions have criticized the lack of consultation and warned that reported increases in medical aid contributions could severely impact civil servants' finances.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Deputy minister appointments spark debate over costs and efficiency

    Political analysts have questioned President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment of seven deputy ministers, arguing the move contradicts her cost-cutting agenda and duplicates administrative roles rather than improving service delivery. Supporters counter that merged ministries require deputy ministers for parliamentary accountability, though critics contend the appointments reward campaign loyalists rather than serve governance needs.

    15 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 5 April

  1. President to appoint eight deputy ministers and new minister

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to announce eight new deputy ministers and appoint deputy defence minister Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency. The move comes despite her earlier decision to cut ministries and reduce Cabinet size, with critics and analysts warning that some merged ministries may now be too large to function effectively.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 2 April

  1. Government pays N$4.9m to 258 injured civil servants

    The government has paid N$4.9 million to 258 civil servants who sustained injuries or contracted occupational diseases during the 2025/26 financial year, with compensation including medical expenses and pensions under the Employee Compensation Act, 1941. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare disclosed this while tabling the labour budget of N$231 million for 2026/27.

    2 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Namibia's legal gaps leave surrogacy arrangements vulnerable to exploitation

    Medical experts and legal analysts warn that Namibia lacks laws regulating surrogacy, creating risks of exploitation and trafficking, following a fraudulent advertisement offering N$800,000 to surrogates. While South Africa and Botswana have experience with regulated or unregulated surrogacy arrangements, Namibia's legal framework remains silent on the matter, leaving parties with no legal protection and prompting calls for amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act.

    31 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 26 March

  1. ILO funding crisis threatens labour standards work globally

    Namibia's delegation at the UN International Labour Organisation's governing body raised concerns that funding challenges, including a projected deficit of US$52.6 million by end of fiscal year 2024/25 and potential loss of 350 positions, could hamper the ILO's ability to execute its global mandate. The Executive Director of Namibia's Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations called on member states to honour financial obligations and warned that Namibia, which lacks its own ILO office and depends on technical support from South Africa, risks disproportionate impact from proposed cuts to travel and technical missions.

    26 March 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Cheetah Cement plans to retrench 87 workers by April

    Cheetah Cement has notified the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations of its intent to retrench 87 employees by 15 April, citing financial losses, import restrictions, and a blocked merger. The notice is a declaration of intent subject to ongoing consultations with the ministry and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia, and the final number of retrenchments may change.

    26 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 March

  1. Fisheries ministry passes Samherji workers' compensation claims to Labour

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has referred compensation claims from 252 former Samherji employees to the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, noting that affected workers were already considered under a government redress programme aimed at reintegrating them into the fishing industry following the company's 2019–2020 closure. Some former employees argue that placement at other companies does not fully address their financial losses.

    25 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 8 March

  1. Zambezi leaders divided over hiring Zambian domestic workers

    Katima Mulilo residents and leaders are split on whether employing Zambian nationals for domestic work worsens the Zambezi region's 43.7% unemployment rate. While some argue locals are avoiding low-wage jobs and should support Namibian workers, others contend young Namibians are unwilling to take such positions, and the ministry says undocumented migrant workers fall outside labor protections.

    8 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 March

  1. Beifang Mining marks 13 years of operations in Namibia

    Beifang Mining Technology Services, a foreign-invested mining services company operating in Namibia since 2013, reports N$2.2 billion in direct foreign investment, employs over 915 staff (93% Namibian), and spent N$712 million on local procurement in 2025. The company emphasizes its adherence to Namibian labour law, employee training and development, and safety standards in response to recent public discussions about shift operations exemptions.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 2 March

  1. Omaheke's first career fair draws 1,500 learners

    Omaheke region held its inaugural Career Fair at Gobabis showgrounds, attracting about 1,500 learners from seven constituencies to explore education and career pathways. Education director Constance Wantenaar described the event as successful and a bridge between aspiration and opportunity, supported by universities, training institutions, banks, and government partners.

    2 March 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 26 February

  1. Beifang fires 11 workers over Husab shift roster dispute

    Beifang Mining Services dismissed 11 employees at Husab Uranium Mine following weeks of dispute over a new shift schedule that complied with labour ministry guidance but reduced days off from five to four. The workers' union and company have begun discussions on resolving the conflict, with Beifang indicating willingness to seek a fresh exemption application backed by union support.

    26 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Private lawyers would cost state N$6 million yearly for Fishrot case

    Legal experts say engaging senior private practitioners to prosecute the Fishrot fraud case would cost the government at least N$6 million annually, far more than the state advocates currently handling it—though prosecutors benefit from job security and pension entitlements unavailable in private practice.

    26 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 20 February

  1. Judiciary budgets depleted; legal aid travel suspended

    Memos from the Office of the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice confirm severe budget shortages: the legal aid travel budget is depleted and legal aid counsel must seek to postpone out-of-station hearings; magistrates are barred from travelling outside duty stations for cases between 15 March and 15 April. Chief Justice Peter Shivute warned that underfunding and staff shortages threaten judicial capacity, with civil judges' workload rising 60% despite fewer cases being filed.

    20 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Tucna threatens court action over fishing industry worker rights

    The Trade Union Congress of Namibia warns it may pursue legal action against fishing companies including Gendev Fishing over workers' complaints of poor conditions, delayed salaries, and unsafe working environments. Workers across multiple fishing firms report delayed pay, inconsistent hours, lack of benefits, and inadequate protective equipment despite repeated attempts to resolve disputes with management.

    18 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 11 February

  1. State covers medical bills of slain prosecutor Justine Shiweda

    The Ministry of Justice has confirmed it will cover all medical expenses for prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who died in December 2025 following a brutal October attack in which she was shot five times and had acid thrown on her body. The Ondangwa regional control prosecutor spent four months in hospital before succumbing to complications from her injuries; one suspect, a medical doctor, has been charged with murder and conspiracy.

    11 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Condolence books opened for late prosecutor Justine Shiweda

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has opened condolence books at its head office and the Office of the Prosecutor General following the death of state prosecutor Justine Shiweda, with senior officials and staff honouring her service and legacy. The public is invited to pay tribute to the late prosecutor, whom colleagues described as a dedicated legal professional and a significant loss to the justice sector.

    11 February 2026 · Informanté →

  3. President addresses judiciary at opening of 2026 legal year

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the Supreme Court on the opening of the 2026 legal year, emphasising the constitutional independence of the judiciary, its role in democratic governance, and the need to address challenges including case backlogs, judicial security concerns, and rising crime affecting the tourism sector.

    11 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 10 February

  1. Ondangwa prosecutor Justine Shiweda dies from October attack injuries

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations announces the death of regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda on Saturday, following injuries sustained in a heinous attack last October. The ministry pledges to work with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice and to enhance security measures for prosecutors and court officers.

    10 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 9 February

  1. Prosecutor Justine Shiweda dies after October acid attack

    Ondangwa regional control prosecutor Justine Shiweda, 30, died on Saturday from injuries sustained in an October 2024 attack in which she was shot and doused with corrosive acid at her home. The Ministry of Justice described the attack as an assault on the entire justice system, and six suspects have been arrested; the charge of attempted murder is expected to be amended to murder when the matter returns to court.

    9 February 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 8 February

  1. Govt must compensate family of slain prosecutor Shiweda

    Lawyer Kadhila Amoomo has urged the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations to begin reparations for the family of late prosecutor Justine Shiweda, who died from injuries sustained in a shooting and acid attack in October last year. Amoomo called for compensation for Shiweda's children and warned that the death raises serious concerns about prosecutor safety.

    8 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 7 February

  1. Fishrot prosecutors threaten resignation, receive N$54,000 salary increase

    Two high-profile state prosecutors leading the Fishrot fraud and corruption trial, Deputy Prosecutor General Ed Marondedze and State Prosecutor Cliff Lutibezi, threatened to resign over low pay and were subsequently granted a N$54,000 monthly salary increase. The salary increase has drawn criticism from some colleagues whose own pleas for raises have not been addressed, and from a former deputy prosecutor general who says the timing is problematic given the case's current stage.

    7 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 February

  1. Parliament opens Third Session with inclusive development theme

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will officially open the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament today under the theme "Enhancing the role of Parliament for inclusive development and participatory democracy." Key bills expected during 2026 sessions include amendments to petroleum exploration, land reform, mental health, regional councils, and income tax legislation.

    3 February 2026 · New Era →

  2. Opuwo court delays worsen as magistrates, interpreters scarce

    Court proceedings in Opuwo have been delayed due to a shortage of magistrates and interpreters, with one magistrate managing two court rolls and inadequate coverage for Otjiherero and Damara/Nama speakers. A local lawyer warns the delays violate the right to fair trial, while the judiciary says it faces structural challenges in interpreting all indigenous languages across courts.

    3 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 2 February

  1. Namib Mills and union reach partial wage agreement

    Namib Mills and the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union reached a partial agreement on wages after a three-week strike involving over 95% of workers, with the minister's mediation securing agreement on yearly salary boosts, salary adjustments, and allowances; three issues remain unresolved.

    2 February 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 28 January

  1. Parliament resumes with opening ceremony and pending bills

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will officially open Parliament's Third Session on 3 February 2026, themed "Enhancing the role of Parliament for inclusive development and participatory democracy." Multiple bills are expected to be tabled during the 2026 legislative year, including measures on public enterprises, petroleum exploration, land reform, mental health, and regional councils.

    28 January 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 27 January

  1. National Assembly resumes Tuesday with President opening third session

    The National Assembly will resume on 3 February when President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opens the third session of the eighth parliament. The session will consider bills including amendments to petroleum exploration and production laws, land reform, and mental health legislation.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute