The National Assembly has commenced with the debate on the appointment of 13 members to the 8th Employment Equity Commission to serve for a term of three years.
Despite being in full support of the motion, the members called on the ministry of Justice and Labour Relations to provide adequate resources and a legal framework for the commission to carry out its mandate effectively.
They also shared what they expect from the commission moving forward.
Official Opposition Leader Immanuel Nashinge said, "The Commission cannot be a passive rubber-stamping body. It must actively inspect, audit and challenge workplace imbalances. It must confront corporate lip service, enforce genuine skills transfer and root out tribal and regional concentration in our public bodies.”
Swapo Party MP Marlyn Mbakera added, “There are concerns that certain organisations may be using these positions to improve their affirmative action statistics without providing meaningful opportunities for advancement and dignified remuneration.”
IPC MP Lilian Lutuhezi emphasised, "As we consider these nominees, I believe we must look at how the Commission can ensure that every Namibian has a fair chance to access employment, especially women, men, persons with disabilities and other historical disadvantages and marginalised groups."
Fellow IPC MPs Armas Amukoto and Vilho Ihemba stressed this in their contributions
"I expect the 8th Commission to pay attention to career development, skill transfer and fair access to leadership positions. Inclusion must be seen in the daily working conditions of people, not only in the wording of policies."
"Employment equity is not simply about getting a Namibian through the door of employment; it's also about ensuring that the same Namibian has the fair chance of progressing into management and senior professional positions."
"Serving on a stable body like the Employment Equity Commission of Namibia, or its international equivalence, provides significant professional, civic and strategic advantages," noted NDP Leader Lukato Lukato.
BoC Leader Festus Thomas called for balance among government, employers and trade unions, stating, "The Commissioner must not save government, unions or employers alone. The equity requires balance. The nominees must demonstrate that they understand that the affirmative action is not revenge; it is restoration.”
Swapo MP Justina Jonas called for a review of the Affirmative Action Act to strengthen the Commission’s authority to address historical disadvantage and promote meaningful transformation at management and executive levels in both the public and private sectors.
IPC MP Alosius Kangulu said the Commission’s effectiveness should ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of Namibians, rather than the appointment of its members alone.