The National Assembly has commenced with the debate on the appointment of 13 members to the Eighth 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.
“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,” a request made by IPC leader Immanuel Nashinge.
“We have young graduates entering the workplace with qualifications, ambition and the hope of building careers. Yet some remain understudied, apprentices and interns for years without clear timelines for progression. 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,” emphasised Swapo MP Marlyn Mbakera.
“As we consider these nominees, I believe we must look at how the Commission can ensure that every Namibian have a fair chance to access employment, especially women, men, persons with disabilities and other historical disadvantages and marginalised groups,” said IPC MP Lilian Lutuhezi.
“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,” noted IPC MP Armas Amukoto.
“Employment equity is not simply about getting a Namibian through the door of employment; it is also about ensuring that the same Namibian has a fair chance of progressing into management and senior professional positions,” highlighted IPC MP Vilho Ihemba.
“Serving on a stable body like the Employment Equity Commission of Namibia, or its international equivalent, provides significant professional, civic and strategic advantages," said NDP leader Lukato Lukato.
“Looking at the nominees, it shows Namibia's diverse cultures and races. And the nominees bring experience in areas including human resource management, labour relations, legal practice, organisational management, public administration and community development,” noted Swapo MP Hilaria Mukapuli.
“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,’ said the leader of the Body of Christ Party, Bishop Festus Thomas.
“The Affirmative Action Act must be reviewed as a matter of agents, Hon. Speaker and Hon. Minister. The law must give the Commission sufficient authority to address historical disadvantage and ensure meaningful transformation in workplaces, particularly at the management and executive level in the public as well as in the private sector,” stressed Swapo MP Justina Jonas.
“The effectiveness of the Commission must ultimately be measured not only by the appointment of those members but also by the touchable improvement it will deliver to enable and enhance the lives of many of Namibians,” added IPC MP Alosius Kangulu.