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Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Sunday, 6 September 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 agency that enforces labour laws, recovers unpaid wages, and hosts consultations on employment policy amendments in Namibia.

2025-08-232026-09-06
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What’s been said

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

  1. January 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations must finalize pending bills before they can be tabled

    Source

    “However, he added that their tabling depends on the finalisation by the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations.”

    Parliament to resume next week

  3. The Namibian

    Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations introduced new minimum wages in December for security, domestic, and agricultural workers

    Source

    “The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations introduced the new minimum wages in December for security, domestic, and agricultural workers and they came into effect on 1 January.”

    Zambezi security guards demand bosses pay them for Sundays and public holidays
  4. August 2025

  5. The Namibian

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has invited submissions on legislative reforms and proposals for new or amended laws

    Source

    “The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has invited submissions on legislative reforms and proposals for new or amended laws.”

    High Time for Namibia to Pass a Law on Administrative Justice
Business

Namibia extends collective wage agreement to all construction workers

The News

The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has extended the 2026 Collective Agreement between the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia and MANWU to all construction employers and employees, making the terms legally binding across the entire sector for two years. The agreement, effective from Tuesday, mandates improved wages and conditions including free protective clothing, living-away allowances of 15% of hourly wage for workers deployed away from home, and additional travel allowances where daily travel exceeds three hours.

3 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 3 September

  1. Namibia extends collective wage agreement to all construction workers

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations has extended the 2026 Collective Agreement between the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia and MANWU to all construction employers and employees, making the terms legally binding across the entire sector for two years. The agreement, effective from Tuesday, mandates improved wages and conditions including free protective clothing, living-away allowances of 15% of hourly wage for workers deployed away from home, and additional travel allowances where daily travel exceeds three hours.

    3 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 21 August

  1. National Steering Committee on Informal Economy inaugurated

    Minister Modestus Amutse officially inaugurated the National Steering Committee on the Informal Economy in Windhoek on Friday, a 35-member body chaired by Diina Nashidengo. According to the minister, 58% of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, with 59% in rural areas.

    21 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Gendev offers 70% pay during non-operational periods

    Gendev Fishing Group has proposed paying workers 70% of their guaranteed 195-hour salary during periods when the company is not fully operational, but the union continues to demand 100% of the guarantee, leaving wage negotiations deadlocked. The company says it cannot afford the union's demand due to limited fishing quota and grounds.

    11 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. NEF supports workplace breastfeeding but warns against uniform approach

    The Namibia Employers' Federation supports reasonable measures enabling mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, but has cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach, noting that employers operate under vastly different circumstances in size, resources, and operating conditions.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry recovers N$1.5m in retail worker wage complaints

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations recovered N$1.5 million between April and June linked to 1,241 labour complaints in wholesale and retail businesses, involving unpaid salaries, unlawful deductions, and other payments owed to employees. Labour inspections found common violations including non-payment of wages and unlawful deductions, with a labour expert noting that many workers fear reporting violations due to job loss concerns.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Magistrates seek to overturn government pay and transfer decisions

    The Magistrates' and Judges' Association of Namibia has asked the High Court to declare parts of the Magistrates Act unconstitutional, arguing that executive provisions give ministers controlling power over magistrate transfers, discipline, remuneration and conditions of service, contrary to the Constitution. The application challenges two government decisions on magistrate grading and benefits, including linking housing and transport allowances to public service salary grades, which the association says were made without proper consultation and violate judicial independence.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. FMCG industry wealth contrasts with worker financial hardship

    Namibia's fast-moving consumer goods industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity through manufacturing, distribution, and retail, yet many workers in the sector—including retail staff, warehouse employees, and drivers—continue to struggle financially despite being essential to the supply chain.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 2 August

  1. Presidency investigates TotalEnergies employment terms for local workers

    The Namibian Presidency has launched an urgent investigation into employment conditions at TotalEnergies EP after local workers alleged unfair contract terms and inadequate benefits during their transition from recruitment company Apos to direct employment with the company. The workers raised concerns over remuneration, pension benefits, medical aid and recognition of years of service.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 July

  1. Labour ministry begins regional consultations on Employment Service Act

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations is hosting regional consultative meetings from August to 16 September 2026 on amending the Employment Service Act, bringing together employers, employees, trade unions, civil society, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to share experiences, identify implementation challenges, and propose recommendations to strengthen employment services.

    27 July 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 20 June

  1. Namibia backs ILO convention protecting platform economy workers

    Namibia has welcomed the International Labour Organization's adoption of a Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, which establishes global labour standards for gig workers and addresses challenges including unfair pay, lack of social protection, unsafe conditions, and algorithmic management. The deputy executive director representing Africa praised the negotiations as demonstrating what dialogue and tripartism could achieve.

    20 June 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 18 June

  1. Employment Equity Commission fails to publish reports for five years

    The Employment Equity Commission has not published its annual reports since 2019, violating legal requirements. The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations attributes this to budget constraints, staffing shortages, and software failures, but unions say the failure reflects incompetence and undermines monitoring of employment discrimination.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Namibia acknowledges child labour in agriculture, domestic sectors

    The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations reports that child labour remains a serious concern in Namibia, particularly in agriculture and domestic work linked to poverty and food insecurity. The ministry recorded two cases during the financial year involving a cattle herder and domestic worker, both arrested and the children reunited with their families.

    16 June 2026 · New Era →

Monday 15 June

  1. Namibia taxi body seeks comeback via digital platform

    The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta), deregistered in 2024 for failing to submit its annual return, has now submitted the return which is under review, and plans to relaunch with a digital platform to formalise and improve transport safety and accountability.

    15 June 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 →

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