Also known as: Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel · Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel · Filemon Wise Immanuel · Justice Minister Wise Immanuel
Minister of Justice and Labour Relations who defended government positions at UN review and led labour interventions including community court improvements.
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March 2026
The Namibian
Minister Wise Immanuelurgedconsultations be conducted in line with the Labour Act
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“The retrenchment process was put on hold following a meeting with minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel, who urged that consultations be conducted in line with the Labour Act.”
Wise ImmanuelisMinister of Justice and Labour Relations
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“THE Mine Workers Union of Namibia (MUN) today held consultations with the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, amidst looming retrenchments in the diamond mining sector.”
Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuelheld a meetingwith former employees and companies participating in the Gerp initiative
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“Fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi and the minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel last weekend held a meeting with the former employees and companies participating in the Gerp initiative.”
Wise Immanuelmet withunion and employers about four times to help resolve the strike
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“Kambinda further thanked the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, who he said had met with the union and employers about four times to help resolve the drawn-out industrial action.”
Minister Wise Immanuelcautioned companies againstunfair labour practices
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“Meanwhile, Immanuel cautioned companies against unfair labour practices, urging employers to communicate proactively with workers before terminating contracts.”
Wise Immanuelparticipated infour rounds of meetings between company and workers
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“He said there had been significant progress after four rounds of meetings between the company, workers, and minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel.”
Wise Immanueltried toresolve the matter in four meetings with the union
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“He added that to date, the union has had four meetings with the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, who tried to resolve the matter.”
Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Filemon Wise Immanuelurgently requestedresidential security protection for all Magistrates and prosecutors
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“Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Filemon Wise Immanuel, has urgently requested residential security protection for all Magistrates and prosecutors after the tragic death of Justine Shiweda and increasing threats in Grootfontein and Ondangwa.”
Justice and Labour Minister Wise Immanuelinvitedministry staff to a kapana lunch date
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“The minister of justice and labour relations, Wise Immanuel, on Friday invited his ministry's staff to a kapana lunch date following his year-opening ministerial address.”
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuelwas forced to withdraw what was perceived asa threat in parliament aimed at AR member George Kambala
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“Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel has been forced to withdraw what was perceived as a threat in parliament aimed at Affirmative Repositioning (AR) member of parliament George Kambala.”
Affirmative Repositioning MP Tuhafeni Kalola is questioning remarks made by US ambassador John Giordano to chief justice Peter Shivute, in which Giordano allegedly told judges they could call him to contact people he knows to help with their cases. Kalola argues the remarks appear to breach Article 78(3) of the Namibian Constitution, which safeguards judicial independence, and has asked the justice minister whether the government has assessed the ambassador's statements and whether they constitute an attempt to interfere with the Judiciary.
Affirmative Repositioning MP Tuhafeni Kalola is questioning remarks made by US ambassador John Giordano to chief justice Peter Shivute, in which Giordano allegedly told judges they could call him to contact people he knows to help with their cases. Kalola argues the remarks appear to breach Article 78(3) of the Namibian Constitution, which safeguards judicial independence, and has asked the justice minister whether the government has assessed the ambassador's statements and whether they constitute an attempt to interfere with the Judiciary.
The labour ministry has intervened at Beifang Mining Services following employees' complaints about working conditions, labour rights and alleged non-compliance with the Labour Act. Minister Wise Immanuel led a delegation in Swakopmund to engage with workers and management, emphasizing the importance of trade unions and compliance with labour legislation.
During Namibia's Universal Periodic Review at the UN in May, peer countries commended progress including decriminalisation of same-sex relations and universal healthcare adoption, but raised serious concerns about high rates of gender-based violence, undermining of judicial independence, and lack of legal protection for LGBTQI+ people.
At the 52nd Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Namibia outlined its national development drive centred on service delivery, economic resilience and governance reforms. The country emphasised the National Development Plan Six, which focuses on economic recovery, human development, green growth and effective governance, with poverty eradication and expanded social protection systems as key priorities.
Namibia has been ranked Africa's most gender-equal country and the only African nation in the global top 10, with an overall gender gap closed by over 81.1%. The country's achievement is attributed to progressive policies and institutional reforms, including being the first globally where women hold the top three government positions: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, and National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel called for stronger collaboration between workers, employers and government during International Workers' Day commemorations in Opuwo, saying such partnerships are essential to drive Namibia's economic growth and social development. He stressed the importance of tripartism to address labour challenges, with each stakeholder playing a critical role in strengthening the economy and improving working conditions.
Namibia has firmly pushed back against international calls to expand legal protections for LGBTQ individuals, with Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel defending the government's position at a UN review.
The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations visited Community Courts in the Kunene Region on 29–30 April 2026 to assess operations, strengthen collaboration with traditional authorities, and ensure rural communities have access to justice services. The visit included stops at Aodaman and Fransfontein courts in Khorixas, and Otjikaoko and Vita Royal courts in Opuwo.
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel handed over two vehicles to the Otjikaoko and Ongandjera community courts at Opuwo to improve access to justice in remote areas. The minister said the initiative aligns with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan and reflects government commitment to decentralizing legal services and strengthening public institutions.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources' regional office in Walvis Bay to assess the Vessel Monitoring System, a satellite-based tool used to track licensed fishing vessels and combat illegal fishing. The system has enabled detection and arrest of vessels violating fisheries laws over 14 years, though officials briefed the President on challenges including high maintenance costs, legal framework gaps, and emerging maritime crimes.
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.
About 90 permanent employees of Gendev Fishing Group were sent home last week, with no clarity on their status. The move follows the company's earlier notification of a contemplated retrenchment of 489 workers, attributed to sustained financial losses, reduced revenue, and an inadequate quota allocation of 3,351 metric tonnes against the company's 45,000-tonne annual capacity.
Fishing company Gendev Fishing, partially owned by Swapo, sent approximately 80–90 permanent employees home without pay on 23 March with no clarity on when salaries would be restored, after previously announcing plans to retrench 489 workers due to operational challenges and limited fishing quotas.
The Mine Workers Union of Namibia met with the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations to discuss looming retrenchments in the diamond cutting and polishing sector, including 35 workers facing job losses at Almond Diamonds after the company's quota was terminated by the Namibia Diamond Trading Company. The Union called for policy reforms, stronger worker protections, and tripartite engagement in mining sector governance.
A Social Security Commission manager has formally requested an internal audit investigation into whether CEO Milka Mungunda improperly influenced procurement processes linked to the planned National Pension Fund and National Medical Benefit Fund. The investigation is expected to determine whether procurement procedures and governance rules were followed during preparations for implementing the two national funds.
Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi denied that keynote speakers for regional Independence Day celebrations were chosen based on political affiliation, saying the selection was a collective decision focused on the region's challenges and service delivery rather than party considerations.
Nahas Angula and regional officials have defended the selection of 11 Swapo members as speakers for Oshikoto's 36th Independence Day event, saying the invitations were issued by the regional council and constituency leadership based on availability and status as leaders, not political affiliation. They acknowledge that Independence Day is a national event open to all Namibians and claim non-Swapo members were also invited, though specifics were not provided.
The government is facilitating the re-employment of 222 former Walu Fishing workers through a redress programme involving four companies following a labour dispute. Walu Fishing lost its 2026 fishing quota after disputes with workers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform.
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.
A 59-day strike by nearly 700 Namib Mills workers across Namibia has ended following an agreement with the employer. The union secured improved benefits for 2026, including partial bonus payments on Friday and back pay the following week, with full benefits to take effect from 1 July.
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.
The government will reintegrate 222 workers from Walu Fishing through agreements with four fishing companies under the Government Employment Redress Programme, as part of efforts to address labour grievances and promote job creation in the sector. Recent consultations at Walvis Bay clarified employment obligations and worker placement, with companies instructed to submit signed contracts to enable the government to finalise designation agreements and release fishing quotas.
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.
The Namibian Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union reports that close to 1,000 workers at Namib Mills sites in Windhoek, Otavi and Walvis Bay have been on strike for 54 days and have gone two months without pay due to the company's "no work, no pay" policy. The union's secretary-general has called on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene, warning of potential food shortages if the dispute is not resolved.
Namibia's Justice Minister Filemon Wise Immanuel has urgently requested residential security protection for all magistrates and prosecutors following the death of Magistrate Justine Shiweda and rising threats against judicial officers in Grootfontein and Ondangwa. Immanuel warned that attacks on judges threaten the independence of the justice system and emphasised that financial constraints cannot delay protecting those who administer justice.
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel invited his ministry's staff to a kapana lunch as a leadership initiative to strengthen trust, teamwork and collaboration, as well as demonstrate support for small and medium enterprises and informal traders.
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel was forced to withdraw a comment in parliament that opposition members interpreted as a physical threat toward AR MP George Kambala during a debate on an oil exploration bill. The speaker ruled the remark inappropriate, though Immanuel denied wrongdoing and claimed he was merely responding to interruptions.
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.
Industry players and unionists allege that fishing companies are threatening mass layoffs to pressure the government for increased quotas, with Gendev announcing the retrenchment of over 400 workers. The labour minister has placed Gendev's retrenchments on hold pending stakeholder consultation and rejected proposals to allocate quotas directly to employees.