590 former employees of Okapale Fishing handed over a petition to the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen.

These fishermen, formerly employed by various fishing companies, lost their jobs due to their participation in an illicit strike.

Since their unemployment in 2015 following an industrial protest led to job terminations, they were allocated to joint venture firms—Alube Fishing, Rukatuka Investment, and Namfi Fishing Möwe Baai—with the assurance of receiving retroactive initial salaries from July 1.

In their petition, the group expressed disillusionment with the agreement process involving the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, as well as the employing firms.

This information was conveyed during a meeting in Walvis Bay on July 13, accompanied by assurances that the companies would secure fishing quotas to facilitate punctual salary disbursal for the group.

The group is urging the minister to address the situation before August 29, emphasising that if their request is not met, they intend to follow up their petition with demonstrations at Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

Phillipus Iwete, chairperson of the Namfi Fishing Möwe Baai joint venture company, stated on Friday that his company has taken in more than 200 fishermen and is currently in the process of integrating them.

Klazen confirmed that the matter is still in the process of being finalised.

The ministry is scheduled to meet with the affected companies next Friday to receive their input and provide clarifications on various matters.