Leader of the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union, involved in wage negotiations with Namib Mills and other employers.
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Windhoek Observer
Petersen Kambinda said the anniversary represents more than just a milestone for the organisation
“Naretu secretary-general Petersen Kambinda said the anniversary represents more than just a milestone for the organisation, but an opportunity to recognise the workers who have contributed to its growth since its establishment in 2021.”
Naretu turns five, puts workers at centre of anniversary celebrationsThe Namibian
Naretu commander-in-chief Petersen Kambinda said reducing fines and allowing instalments would provide greater relief than amnesty
“The Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union (Naretu) also says that reducing traffic fines and allowing motorists to pay them in instalments would provide greater relief than the amnesty.”
How to pay expired traffic fines via EFTThe Namibian
Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union commander-in-chief Petersen Kambinda has expressed concern over the situation
“Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union commander-in-chief Petersen Kambinda has expressed concern over the situation.”
Namibian truck drivers flee South Africa amid xenophobia fearsWindhoek Observer
Petersen Kambinda criticised long delays faced by truck drivers at border posts
“The chief-in-command of the Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union (Naretu), Petersen Kambinda, has criticised the long delays faced by truck drivers at border posts.”
Truck drivers decry border congestionThe Namibian
Naretu leader Petersen Kambinda describes the agreement as an important step achieved through constructive discussions
“Naretu leader Petersen Kambinda describes the agreement as an important step achieved through constructive discussions and a shared commitment to balancing workers' welfare with the sustainability of the organisation.”
Naretu, NBL sign wage dealNew Era
Petersen Kambinda revealed the agreement on Wednesday during media briefing
“The union's commander-in-chief, Petersen Kambinda, revealed this on Wednesday during a media briefing in Windhoek.”
Namib Mills, Naretu conclude wage deal … employees to return to work within 72 hoursThe Namibian
Naretu commander-in-chief Petersen Kambinda confirmed that the strike ended
“Naretu commander-in-chief Petersen Kambinda on Wednesday confirmed that the strike ended.”
Namib Mills workers given 72 hours to return to work as strike endsThe Namibian
Kambinda thanked minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel for his efforts
“The group met with minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel five times, and Kambinda thanked him for his efforts in the matter, which he stressed should not have taken so long to resolve.”
Namib Mills workers given 72 hours to return to work as strike endsThe Namibian
Petersen Kambinda said the union had negotiated for 2026 benefits as well, which would automatically apply on 1 July
“Kambinda said an agreement had been reached and that the union had negotiated for 2026 benefits as well, which would automatically apply on 1 July.”
Nine-week long Namib Mills strike endsThe Namibian
Petersen Kambinda said workers would continue industrial action into ninth consecutive week
“"But the fear of disciplinary action and the 'arrogance' displayed by the company meant the workers would continue their industrial action into a ninth consecutive week," Kambinda said.”
Still no deal for Namib Mills workersThe Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union will celebrate its fifth anniversary on 8 August 2026 with a worker-focused outreach programme in Windhoek, offering free consultations, labour education, health awareness and financial guidance to approximately 400 workers.
5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union will celebrate its fifth anniversary on 8 August 2026 with a worker-focused outreach programme in Windhoek, offering free consultations, labour education, health awareness and financial guidance to approximately 400 workers.
5 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Motorists with expired admission of guilt traffic fines can now settle outstanding fines via electronic funds transfer from August 3 to September 30, without appearing in court. The Office of the Judiciary and police announced the amnesty to help clear outstanding traffic matters and reduce case backlogs, though the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association argues the government should consider writing off fines instead.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Labour unions have rejected a proposal by a City of Windhoek councillor to split workers' monthly salaries into two payments each month. The National Union of Namibian Workers said the idea would not solve workers' financial challenges and would instead make it harder for low-income earners to meet their fixed monthly obligations.
26 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibian transport companies are withdrawing drivers from South Africa ahead of a planned anti-immigrant protest and a 30 June deadline set by protesters for illegal immigrants to leave. The withdrawals are disrupting cross-border trade, with companies citing driver safety concerns and insurer warnings of security risks.
29 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The chief of the Namibian Revolutionary Transport Union has criticised long delays at border posts, blaming slow processes within the Namibia Revenue Agency and calling for contingency plans. A truck driver cited extended waits during verification and inspection at Oshikango Border Post.
12 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) and Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) have signed a wage agreement granting NBL employees a 5% salary increase, an adjusted housing allowance of N$2,000 per month, and salary alignment measures, effective from 1 January to 31 December, with all adjustments backdated to January.
1 May 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) and Namib Mills have concluded a wage deal ending a strike involving close to 1,000 workers. Under the agreement, workers will receive back pay and bonuses this week, with improved benefits automatically implemented from 1 July 2026 without further negotiation.
13 March 2026 · New Era →
Namib Mills and the Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union have ended a 59-day strike involving about 1,000 workers. Under the agreement, workers will receive part of last year's benefits and bonuses, with backpay expected next week and improved benefits from 1 July 2026 automatically incorporated.
13 March 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Employers Federation has cautioned that a draft alternative dispute resolution bill, which would allow the justice and labour minister to direct a new commission to mediate disputes deemed in the national interest, could open the door to political involvement in workplace conflicts. While labour analysts note the provision is limited to mediation requiring both parties' agreement, concerns remain about how "national interest" would be defined and the potential for ministerial overreach.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Revolutionary Transport Union and Namib Mills have signed an agreement ending a nine-week industrial action, with workers to receive backpay and bonus portions, and benefits negotiated through 2026.
12 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Namib Mills workers represented by Naretu have failed to reach a wage deal with the food manufacturer despite four rounds of mediated negotiations, with the union citing threats of disciplinary hearings and what it calls company "arrogance." The company claims it has agreed on wage issues and is ready to end the lockout, but says the union has added demands outside the scope of wage negotiations and blames workers for unlawful strike conduct.
9 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Heavy rains destroyed a key bridge at Kasumbalesa Border Post in Zambia, forcing 700 SADC truck drivers to take alternative routes to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite authorities temporarily fixing the bridge within 48 hours, logistics companies face higher fuel and operational costs, affecting trade flow of mining inputs and mineral exports across the region.
9 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Local food manufacturer Namib Mills has warned of potential retrenchments if workers reject its latest offer, which includes salary alignment, 50% of December bonus, and five months' backpay. Union leaders are holding out for 100% of the bonus and seven months' backpay, saying they will not operate on the company's deadlines.
20 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union leader Petersen Kambinda says negotiations between striking Namib Mills workers and the company have progressed 80% toward an amicable solution, with agreement reached on salary and benefits. The remaining disagreements concern the December bonus and back pay, with the company offering 50% of the bonus and five months' back pay while the union seeks 100% of the bonus and seven months' back pay.
14 February 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
Minister Wise Immanuel has mediated talks between Namib Mills and striking workers represented by Naretu, with agreement reached on salary increments, salary adjustments, allowances, and bonuses. Several issues remain unresolved, and the minister has ordered both parties to reach consensus by the end of next week.
2 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namib Mills has played down claims that an ongoing employee strike is leading to food shortages, saying it is prioritising major product lines and honouring client contracts. The union representing striking workers warned that continued industrial action could lead to a national crisis with shops running out of food by week's end, but a Namibian reporter found no evidence of shortages at sampled retailers.
30 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) has been recognised as the official union for Namibia Breweries Limited employees, replacing the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) after gaining majority worker support in November. Both the union and brewery management have expressed commitment to sound labour relations.
21 January 2026 · The Namibian →
The strike at Namib Mills entered its second week on Monday with workers locked out across the country. The company's "final offer" includes a 5% salary increase and N$200 monthly transport allowance, but negotiations remain deadlocked over disputes regarding December bonuses and backpay, with the union accusing the company of using bonuses to punish strikers.
20 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Namib Mills has denied recruiting additional workers to replace striking employees, but the union Naretu claims the company has breached agreed strike and lockout rules by bringing in contract workers from labour contractors. Workers remain at an impasse with the company, camped outside its head office following a lockout issued after strike notice.
15 January 2026 · The Namibian →
Workers at Namib Mills began striking on Monday after 683 of 710 employees voted to walk out in a wage dispute with management. The company has implemented a temporary lockout, with both sides having engaged the Labour Commissioner; Namib Mills says it remains willing to negotiate and has activated contingency plans to maintain food production.
12 January 2026 · New Era →