Bravery Kabula
A security guard who works for Amsteel Security Services has raised concern over low wages, long working hours and what he describes as non-compliance with labour regulations.
The guard, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said he and his colleagues work 12-hour shifts without adequate equipment and without additional pay for overtime or public holidays. He explained that although he has not personally faced a violent incident, the risk remains high, especially during night shifts.
“We work 12 hours per shift. We are not provided with proper equipment. I have never faced any danger myself, but there is risk at our workplace, especially during the night shift,” he said.
According to the guard, they earn N$2 000 per month. He added that they are paid half of that amount during the month, with the remainder paid later.
He further claimed that they do not receive overtime pay, public holiday pay or any risk allowance despite the nature of their work.
“We do not get paid for extra hours or public holidays. The company does not comply with labour law. We have uniforms, but we are not provided with boots. We also do not receive any risk allowance,” he said.
He said the low salary makes it difficult to meet basic needs and does not reflect the number of hours worked.
“If I get a chance, I will leave because of the low salary,” he added. The concerns come at a time when the government has set out clear minimum wage requirements. According to the government gazette on minimum wage for employees, with effect from 1 January 2025, the national minimum wage for employees is N$18 per hour. The regulations were introduced to regulate the lowest payable wages and to improve conditions of employment across different sectors.
The regulations further state that domestic workers are entitled to N$12 per hour from 1 January 2025, increasing to N$15 per hour from 1 January 2026 and N$18 per hour from 1 January 2027. Agriculture workers are entitled to N$10 per hour with effect from 1 January 2025. These provisions demonstrate the government’s intention to progressively improve wages, particularly in vulnerable sectors.
If the N$18 hourly minimum wage is applied to a standard working month, the earnings would be significantly higher than N$2 000, especially for employees working extended shifts. A 12-hour shift exceeds the standard eight-hour workday and may qualify for overtime compensation under labour regulations.
Labour laws are intended to ensure that employees receive fair compensation for hours worked and that employers provide safe working conditions, including appropriate protective equipment where necessary.
When contacted for comment, the company manager refused to respond without being told the identity of the source.
Ministry’s stance
The developments come at time when labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has directed all government ministries to verify that every state-contracted service provider complies with minimum wage laws. Immanuel warned that the government cannot be linked, even indirectly, to the exploitation of workers.
“Representations received from various unions and employees confirm that a number of security companies rendering services to state institutions, including your respective ministries, continue to pay their employees below the legally mandated minimum wage,” Immanuel said in a circular to all ministries dated 24 February 2026. He was unequivocal that paying below the prescribed wage violates the Labour Act, undermines workers’ dignity and affects the government’s integrity as a procuring entity.