The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, has clarified that the government cannot directly intervene in the ongoing Namib Mills strike, as the matter constitutes a dispute of interest rather than a dispute of rights.

Responding to a question from Swanu leader Evilastus Kaaronda, Immanuel stressed the importance of lawmakers understanding the material distinction between the two types of labour disputes.

The minister cautioned that, while lawmakers may have good intentions when seeking to assist workers, a misunderstanding of labour law can inadvertently create confusion among employees.

Immanuel explained the dispute at Namib Mills falls under a dispute of interest, meaning it relates to new demands or conditions of employment rather than the enforcement of existing rights.

He dismissed suggestions that the government has been inactive, revealing that he has met with both the trade union and Namib Mills management four times.

"I have met the parties four times now. The last time I met them was yesterday, in the afternoon. I was not in parliament yesterday, for your own information. It was not an abscondment, but it was merely that I was attending, you know, two matches that are within the line of my duty. I was engaging the whole of yesterday afternoon with the trade union, Nareto, as well as with the management of Namib Mills. The issue of dispute is purely one of interest, where, as you would know, in so far as dispute of interest is concerned."

He said there is only one outstanding issue between the two parties, which relates to back pay.

Immanuel assured the house that the government remains actively engaged in facilitating dialogue to ensure a resolution is reached within the confines of labour law.