Today is International Workers Day, and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government remains committed to fostering an enabling environment through targeted interventions towards improving the livelihoods of the workers.
The notable efforts include a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage policy and legislative framework and the establishment of the national medical benefits fund under the Social Security Act, which is designed to promote social development and strengthen the protection of labour rights.
The President made these remarks during the International Workers' Day commemoration held at Oshakati.
Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah added that, in addressing the workers' pleas, it is instrumental for the unions to work in parallel with the government and the Swapo Party in continuation to address the needs of the workers.
"The commemoration of Workers' Day today comes after I delivered my maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA). The seven key priorities for the next five (5) years are agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, quality education & training, creative industries, quality health & social welfare and land, housing & sanitation. The eight (8) economic enablers are mining, energy, oil and gas, tourism, agriculture, water, fisheries, and transport & logistics. Both the seven (7) key priorities and eight (8) economic enablers are the drivers of the eighth administration, which is aiming at the full implementation of the Swapo Party Election Manifesto."
The President added that the country is blessed with abundant renewable and non-renewable resources, which should be seized through value addition for the benefit of all our people .
She added that through free tertiary education that will be set in motion next year, the government aims to eliminate semi-skilled labour to foster a transformative economy geared towards economic emancipation.
"I therefore urge all stakeholders in the labour fraternity, particularly trade unions and employers, to ensure the protection of labour rights, including the right to join an organised trade union. Further, I urge labour activists to be strategic in initiating and proposing sustainable solutions that will shape a stronger labour force. The government remains your partner in progress; we must work hand in hand for the benefit of our people. We must ensure that labour relations are harmonious in the country for industry to thrive and the welfare of workers to be respected."
NAPWU Secretary General Petrus Nevonga says Namibian workers deserve fair remuneration that is able to mitigate the rising cost of living, protect dignity, and foster economic growth through increased purchasing power.
The NUNW further urge the government to fully incentivise skilled and capable Namibians to thrive in entrepreneurial and self-employment opportunities through tax incentive programmes.
"As workers, we recommit ourselves to productivity, innovation, ethical conduct, and nation-building. We shall, however, not retreat from our sacred duty and mandate provided to trade unions by the supreme law of our country, which are workers' rights, demand justice, and shape a Namibia that belongs to all who live in it – workers included."
The theme of the event was "Workers demand justice through natural resource beneficiation, value addition, living wages, and youth unemployment."