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
Justice and Labour Relations Minister announcing policy changes on social security benefits, labour rights, and marriage law.
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The Namibian
Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel held a meeting with former employees and companies participating in the Gerp initiative
“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.”
Govt steps in to save Walu fishermen’s jobsInformanté
Wise Immanuel met with union and employers about four times to help resolve the strike
“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.”
Namib Mills strike ends after two-month standoffThe Namibian
Minister Wise Immanuel cautioned companies against unfair labour practices
“Meanwhile, Immanuel cautioned companies against unfair labour practices, urging employers to communicate proactively with workers before terminating contracts.”
Govt to reintegrate 222 Walu Fishing workers under employment redress programmeThe Namibian
Wise Immanuel participated in four rounds of meetings between company and workers
“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.”
Still no deal for Namib Mills workersInformanté
Wise Immanuel tried to resolve the matter in four meetings with the union
“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.”
Namib Mills strike enters day 54 as workers experience second month without payNew Era
Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Filemon Wise Immanuel urgently requested residential security protection for all Magistrates and prosecutors
“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 demands protection for judicial officersThe Namibian
Justice and Labour Minister Wise Immanuel invited ministry staff to a kapana lunch date
“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 minister Wise Immanuel hosts staff for kapana lunchThe Namibian
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel was forced to withdraw what was perceived as a threat in parliament aimed at AR member George Kambala
“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.”
Justice minister accused of threatening to throw bottle at AR’s KambalaThe Namibian
Immanuel denied any wrong doing
“Immanuel denied any wrong doing.”
Justice minister accused of threatening to throw bottle at AR’s KambalaThe Namibian
Minister Wise Immanuel met with striking workers and Namib Mills representatives on Friday afternoon
“Minister of justice and labour relations Wise Immanuel met with striking workers and Namib Mills representatives on Friday afternoon, according to a social media post by the ministry.”
Labour minister Immanuel intervenes in Namib Mills strikeJustice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel questioned the practice of mothers naming their children during a cultural event at the University of Namibia's Ogongo campus, asking what culture permits mothers rather than fathers to name children. Immanuel suggested such changes contribute to father–child disconnection and described them as "cultural imperialism."
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel questioned the practice of mothers naming their children during a cultural event at the University of Namibia's Ogongo campus, asking what culture permits mothers rather than fathers to name children. Immanuel suggested such changes contribute to father–child disconnection and described them as "cultural imperialism."
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The ombudsman bill 2026, tabled in the National Assembly, proposes fines up to N$20,000 or 12-month jail terms for obstructing investigations, intimidating complainants, or interfering with evidence. The bill grants the office expanded investigative powers including entering premises, accessing documents, seizing evidence, and compelling people to appear and answer questions, while providing additional protections for private homes and communications.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Workers' unions are demanding that the government introduce paternity leave to allow both parents to care for newborn babies. The justice and labour relations minister announced increases in maternity and other SSC benefits effective 1 October, but said Namibia currently has no statutory paternity leave provision, though employers may introduce it at their discretion.
23 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Social Security Commission maternity benefit has been increased from N$15,000 to N$20,000, effective 1 October 2026, announced by the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations. PDM MP Winnie Moongo, a long-time advocate for improved maternity support, welcomed the change as a significant step for working women, though she noted further improvements are still needed.
23 September 2026 · New Era →
Swapo MP Justina Jonas has asked the justice and labour relations minister for details on private employment agencies' licensing, compliance, and staffing in key sectors, and whether proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act will prevent labour-hire agencies from supplying workers to employers who violate labour laws or undermine workers' rights.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel announced that Social Security Commission benefits will increase from 1 October, including maternity benefits rising from N$15,000 to N$20,000, sick leave benefits rising from N$11,250 to N$15,000 for the first 12 months and from N$9,750 to N$13,000 for the final 12 months, and death, retirement and disability benefits each rising from N$12,000 to N$15,000. The increases are intended to protect worker dignity and provide greater income security during illness, childbirth, disability or death.
22 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel announced that Social Security Commission benefits will increase effective 1 October 2026. Maternity benefits will rise to N$20 000, sick leave to N$15 000 (first 12 months) and N$13 000 (final 12 months), and death, retirement and disability benefits each to N$15 000.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel told parliament that same-sex couples cannot legally marry under Namibian law. He clarified that a May 2023 Supreme Court judgment allows recognition of same-sex marriages concluded outside Namibia for immigration purposes only, and does not legalise same-sex marriage within the country. Parliament passed legislation in 2024 defining marriage, though it has not yet been operationalised.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Agricultural Employers' Association says compulsory benefits make farmworker remuneration higher than other sectors, citing a survey of 420 employers covering over 3,000 workers across all regions. The survey found average farmworker basic salary at N$3,599.69 per month (N$18.46 per hour), up 22.8% from 2024, and reports a 4% employment decline in the sector.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel says workers and employers should prioritise talks and regular social dialogue to address workplace problems before resorting to strikes or demonstrations. He urged the government, employers and workers to use existing platforms to discuss labour issues collectively and proactively.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Labour unions and employer organisations have accused justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel of attempting to unilaterally select representatives for the Labour Advisory Council. The groups say they have already submitted their preferred nominees according to established practice, but Immanuel has asked organisations entitled to three representatives to submit six names for him to choose from, and those entitled to one to submit two.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Protection Services says 534 security guards face possible job losses when its contract with the City of Windhoek ends on 31 August. The company has asked the justice and labour minister to intervene and requested the municipality consider incorporating the guards into a new service provider, though the city says employment decisions are NPS's responsibility.
10 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel, addressing an African Union technical committee meeting in Windhoek on behalf of the president, declared that ministers have agreed to accelerate social protection systems for informal workers, rural and migrant communities, defining social protection as a fundamental human right. The Namibian's columnist is sceptical, suggesting the commitments amount to "bureaucratic poetry" with limited practical impact.
9 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Justice and labour relations minister Wise Immanuel told an African Union technical committee in Windhoek that African countries must treat social protection as a right to reduce poverty and create decent jobs. Ministers agreed to expand social protection systems to cover informal economy workers, rural communities, migrant workers and vulnerable groups, and called for policies to help young people find work and strengthen labour markets.
5 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Joshua Kaumbi, a Windhoek-based lawyer and politician, faces three criminal charges—assault by threat, common assault, and assault with intent to do bodily harm—after allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill a child maintenance officer handling his case in July. He has not been arrested pending evidential documents from the doctor, and has denied the allegations while opening a counter-case.
29 July 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
20 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
14 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
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.
6 May 2026 · New Era →
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.
5 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
5 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →
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.
4 May 2026 · Informanté →
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.
1 May 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
25 April 2026 · Informanté →
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 →
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.
30 March 2026 · New Era →
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.
28 March 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
19 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
18 March 2026 · The Namibian →