Mineworkers seek bigger say in mining wealth

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia says mineworkers must have a stronger voice in how the country’s mining wealth is used and how labour policy is shaped.

The union made the call last week during the first of four regional roundtable discussions held in Swakopmund as part of its 40th anniversary programme.

The discussion was held under the theme “From the Shaft to the Chamber: Workers’ Voices, National Choices”, with the union saying mineworkers’ concerns must move from the workplace into national decision-making.

MUN said its investment vehicles, including the Namibia Miners Investment Trust, NAMITVEST and NAM-MIC Holdings, have grown into a portfolio valued at more than N$700 million.

According to the union, members hold a 25% stake in NAM-MIC through NAMITVEST. The structure allows mineworkers, former mineworkers and their descendants to participate in investment benefits funded through payroll deductions at employers including Namdeb, Swakop Uranium and SPAR Oranjemund.

The union said its member support includes dividend distribution, education grants, SME financing, housing programmes and legal protection.

Labour minister Wise Immanuel said workers’ voices should inform policy and legislation.

“Workers’ voices must not remain confined to the shaft, they must transcend the operational circumstances and confinement, so that it finds its way into policies, plans, and legislations,” he said.

Immanuel said Namibia had ratified International Labour Organisation conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining.

“There is definitely no single doubt as to what the commitment of this government is in protecting workers’ rights. What is required is not confrontation, but partnership between government, workers, and employers to continuously improve our legislative and industrial relations framework,” he said.

MUN acting president Poco Key Mberiuana said the union’s leadership had taken the discussions to members to understand what issues needed attention.

“We are here today, most importantly, to say what challenges us as an organisation and how we most want these things to be combated so that we are a worthy union. That’s why it was important for the leadership to go to the grassroots, so that we can be guided from the ground and be directed from there and close the gap,” he said.

MUN general secretary George Ampweya said the union had expanded beyond workplace representation.

“Let us look at the social circumstances of our members and assist them,” he said.

He said the union launched a retirement incentive benefit in 2025 for long-serving members aged 60 and above, established the NAMIT Education Fund, introduced a legal plan through LegalWise and created the NAMIT SME Fund for member-owned and former member-owned businesses.

Ampweya said 147 bursaries were awarded for the 2026 academic year.

MUN member Nico Esau said the EduFund had helped him study labour studies last year.

“The roundtables are a perfect opportunity for members. Members can meet with ministers and leaders to engage and come up with ideas on how to improve the lives of mine workers,” he said.

The union said the roundtable series will continue in other mining regions as it marks its 40th year.