President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged trade unions to not only advocate for fair wages and improved working conditions but also prioritise workers' continuous learning, reskilling, and upskilling.

Nandi-Ndaitwah made these remarks at the Workers Day celebration at Opuwo.

The Head of State emphasised that trade unions should collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that when one door of opportunities closes, another opens.

The President stated that the true measure of dignity in work lies not only in the job today but also in the ability to remain relevant in the future.

"Trade unions have historically been the defenders of workers' rights, and they must remain so. But in this new era, they must also become champions of workers' preparedness."

President Nandi-Ndaitwah further says the government recognises and values the important role workers play in economic development and their contribution to the economy.

She noted that Workers' Day should serve as a moment of unity, with workers facing the future with confidence.

The President called on both workers and employers to work together to strengthen capacity building.

She encouraged workers who are willing to further their studies to do so.

"In the world of technology, workers can also arrange their own training programmes; more particularly, there are a number of courses that can be followed online. If need be, workers and employers can agree on capacity-building programmes, including literacy training," said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

"We have set ourselves to be a knowledge-based society. We must also work towards ending the classification of our labour force in the categories of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. For us to drive maximum benefits from our labour, let all of us be skilled in what we are doing."

The Head of State emphasised the importance of in-service training, noting that a well-trained worker, equipped with knowledge and skills, is better prepared to adapt to workplace changes.

The Justice and Labour Relations Minister, Wise Immanuel, said a nation prospers when its workforce is inspired, empowered, and united.

"That particular truth is complemented by the fact that a nation becomes even more progressive when all the social partners – government on one hand and the employer on the other – join in solidarity in the struggle of the workers."