The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, has acknowledged serious labour compliance challenges in Namibia's charcoal industry.

Immanuel pointed out informal employment arrangements, unregistered businesses and difficulties identifying and tracing employers.

The minister was responding to concerns raised by Swapo Party MP Justina Jonas regarding persistent labour violations in the charcoal industry.

Jonas sought details on labour inspections, enforcement measures, improved occupational health and safety and the registration of workers with the Social Security Commission.

Immanuel responded that the ministry plans to strengthen inspections through improved inspector training, joint operations with other authorities and digital monitoring systems.

He also highlighted employers' obligations to provide protective equipment, medical examinations and social security registration, while calling for stronger enforcement, institutional accountability and long-overdue labour law reforms.

"I want to indicate that it remains alive upon the mandates of the ministry. Regulation 189 requires employers to protect workers from hazardous dust and provide appropriate protective equipment free of charge. Further regulation 222 requires medical examinations of workers engaged in such activities. An employer must also ensure appropriate workers' compensation coverage. The Ministry therefore remains committed to strengthening awareness, compliance and the review of occupational health and safety standards."