MPs tackle labour, power, and infrastructure

**Ester Hakaala **

The National Assembly continued its fourth session of the eighth Parliament on Wednesday, with members addressing a range of national issues, including employment equity, road infrastructure, labour concerns and the country’s energy sector.

Retail workers’ abuse

National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) MP Vetaruhe Kandorozu raised concerns about alleged unfair labour practices at Rani Group shops in the Kunene region, particularly in the Opuwo area. Allegations included denial of leave and sick leave, rejected medical certificates, verbal abuse, physical punishment and difficulties accessing assistance from labour inspectors.

Kandorozu questioned whether the minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, is aware of the complaints and what action it has taken to protect affected workers.

The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations, Justina Jonas, told the house that the committee has already investigated the retail industry, including the company concerned, and has made recommendations.

**Delayed certification **

Parliament was informed that several graduates from the Namibia Institute of Mining (NIMT), who completed training in various trades as far back as 2021, had not yet received their certificates.

The delay was said to be affecting their ability to secure employment because they lacked documentary proof of their qualifications.

Independent Patriot for Change (IPC) MP Abed Hishoono gave notice of a question to the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, asking why the certificates had not been issued and when graduates could expect to receive them.

**Road matters **

The Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, told Parliament that designs for two bridges had been approved, with the project estimated to cost N$70 million. The minister said a contractor is expected on site before the end of November 2026, subject to the necessary arrangements proceeding as planned.

The question was raised by Affirmative Repositioning MP George Kambala amid concerns about road accidents and the difficulties faced by people who have to cross the affected road, including workers experiencing delays while using alternative routes.

Independent Patriot for Change (IPC) MP John-Louw Mouton raised concern that faded road markings on the B1 road between Otavi and Otjiwarongo pose a danger to motorists, particularly when overtaking.

The Minister of Works and Transport acknowledged the concern and said he would engage the Roads Authority after the sitting to address the matter.

**Opposition party funding **

Swapo MP Salomon April questioned the purpose of public funding allocated to political parties, asking how the official opposition uses the money to address Namibia’s socioeconomic challenges.

In response, the Leader of the Official Opposition, Imms Nashinge, said the funding is intended for political education and political participation, not direct development activities, and referred members to the Electoral Act for clarification on how the money may be used.

Privatisation of electricity transmission, distribution

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, reaffirmed the government’s position that the government would keep electricity transmission and distribution under its control, despite questions about an advertisement by the Electricity Control Board (ECB) seeking private-
sector input on a framework
for the national power grid lines.

He described electricity as a national security asset and argued that public control is necessary to manage tariffs, distribution and transmission infrastructure.

While responding to the official Opposition Leader Immanuel Nashinge, Amutse said the ECB, as regulator, could explore regulatory options but stressed that the government’s position remained unchanged.

**N$358 million diamond theft **

The Minister of Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse told Parliament that the investigation into the
theft of diamonds reportedly worth N$358 million remained ongoing and is being handled by the relevant law-enforcement authorities.

The minister said criminal investigations fell outside the ministry’s mandate,
with the Namibian Police responsible for investigating the case and the judiciary handling the court process. The ministry is awaiting the outcome.

The Leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, posed the question.

Employment Equity Commission

Body of Christ Party (BCP) leader Festus Thomas has urged the Employment Equity Commission to publish sector-specific compliance statistics and review employers’ affirmative action plans before its term ends in February 2028.

During debate on the appointment of the 8th Commission, he called for independent enforcement, public accountability and measurable progress to ensure fairness and prevent discrimination against qualified Namibians, regardless of political affiliation.

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