The Employment Equity Commission has commenced with public review hearings to assess employers' compliance with Namibia's affirmative action laws.

The hearings allow employers to explain shortcomings in their affirmative action reports and outline measures to promote equal opportunities in the workplace.

Among those appearing before the panel are Spearpoint Consulting CC, the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Entrepo Finance and PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia.

The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations Executive Director, Audrin Mathe, stressed the importance of compliance, saying the ministry takes responsibility for ensuring that it upholds the law.

"We are the Ministry. We must be the first ones to comply with all relevant laws in the country because we are the custodians of all the laws in the country."

Affirmative Action Review Panel Chairperson Mateus Ndeshikeya said employment equity goes beyond legal compliance, requiring employers to address workplace inequalities and remain accountable.

"We really want to address the issues relating to equity in the workplace, and we really want to monitor how employers are complying with the law."

Panel member Pombili Eelu also highlighted the importance of reviewing employer submissions to ensure accuracy and compliance with the relevant legal provisions.

"I really wanted to highlight the importance of what Mr Geavin Mufalali just presented in his submissions, and also to add Section 19."