Pinehas Pinehas

The Office of the Labour Commissioner facilitated a consultative engagement in Windhoek on Monday to announce Cabinet’s approval, in principle, for the commission’s autonomy. 

This autonomous operation is still subject to consultation with social partners and key stakeholders. 

At the event, labour deputy minister Hafeni Ndemula justified advocacy for the autonomy of the labour commissioner’s office. He said “By granting the office its autonomy and independence, we aim to bolster its capacity to fulfil its mandate, free from external influences. This speaks to the notion that justice must not only be done, but also seen to be done, while remaining firmly aligned with the legal obligations”.  He highlighted key points that support autonomy for the labour commissioner’s office. 

This includes endorsement of the Southern African Development Community model framework, the International Labour Organisation recommendations, the Cabinet decision as well as Labour Act amendments. “These legislative changes will ensure that the autonomy of the office is not only operational, but legally binding” he said.