The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, emphasised that the government cannot compel private companies to employ workers permanently but can enforce the minimum wage order.

This was in response to Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) MP Elvis Lizazi, who stated that employees at wholesale and retail stores often work as casuals for up to 15 years with no hope for permanent employment.

"Having regard to the law, honourable speaker, having regard to the law in terms of Section 128C does create a presumption of debt, I mean, of permanent employment, that any employment would be deemed to be permanent unless the employer can, you know, have, can show a lawful justification as to why that person cannot be made permanent, and the workers have this right adage to them in terms of the law," stated Minister Immanuel. 

Lizazi also sought clarity on the minimum wage.

This was the minister's response.

"The minimum wage for all categories of employment is N$18, except for agriculture, the agricultural sector, and the domestic sector, as well as the security sector, who are expected to face an increase over a period of three years, and for this year, effective the first of January, 2026, for agriculture it is N$14, for the domestic sector it is N$15, and for the security sector it is N$16."