The Namibia Retail & Allied Workers Union (NRAWU) has announced a public protest scheduled for May 1st, 2025, in recognition of Workers’ Day. The union is calling on all Namibian workers to stand in solidarity against what it describes as the continued exploitation of workers through labour hire companies, which they liken to outdated colonial systems.
In a social media post made by Saddam Amushelelo, President of NRAWU, the union said it will be petitioning the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations to demand the abolishment of labour hire practices in Namibia.
Amushelelo compared the current labour hire system to the South West African Native Labour Association (SWANLA), a controversial colonial-era labour structure. He expressed deep concern over a trend where workers are retrenched and replaced by labour hire companies, arguing that this move prioritizes profits over job security and worker rights.
To explain the labour hire system, Amushelelo gave an example: a company like Rani Group may not hire workers directly but instead contracts a third-party company. That company then hires the workers, pays them, and determines their wages. This means the workers are not officially employed by the company they work for every day, making it harder to ensure fair treatment and accountability.
“This is the oldest form of slavery,” Amushelelo stated, calling for workers across the country to participate in the protest.
Protest Details:
- Date: 1st May 2025
- Start Venue: Katutura Youth Complex
- Time: 09:00
- Destination: Ministry of Justice & Labour Relations, Khomasdal
The protest aims to push for reforms that will protect Namibian workers and ensure they are employed directly by companies, rather than through third-party labour hire agencies.
Workers and supporters of labour rights are expected to join the peaceful protest as part of the broader call for economic justice and labour reform in Namibia.
