The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) has called for labour reforms and the transparent management of Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector when they met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House yesterday.

Among the key issues raised was the state of the country’s healthcare system, with the party calling for increased investment in hospitals, improved medical infrastructure and the establishment of a local pharmaceutical industry.

The engagement formed part of the President’s ongoing consultations with political parties represented in the National Assembly of Namibia and focused on pressing economic and social issues affecting citizens.

“I felt that it is necessary because we are all leaders. The fact that you are political parties who are elected and have seats in Parliament means the people have trust and confidence in you,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Leading the NEFF delegation was party president Epafras Mukwiilongo, accompanied by deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu and other members of the party’s national leadership. 

In the midst was NEFF self-styled forex trader-turned-activist Michael Saddam Amushelelo, a staunch government critic.

During the meeting, the party raised concerns about labour hire practices, arguing that the system disadvantages workers by allowing companies to employ staff through intermediaries instead of directly.

“We want the third-party system to die. Employees must hire people directly so that workers receive the full benefits of their labour,” the party said.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, NEFF leaders said the discussion with the President also touched on possible reforms in the labour sector.

According to the party, the President indicated that discussions are already underway with the labour ministry on the issue of labour hire practices.

The NEFF delegation also highlighted the need for strong governance in Namibia’s developing oil and gas sector to ensure the industry benefits ordinary citizens.

The party called for the transparent management of oil and gas resources and the implementation of strong local content policies to guarantee the participation of Namibians in the sector.

The leftist party also raised concerns about the state of the health sector and called for increased investment in hospitals, medical equipment and healthcare professionals.

“We said money that is appropriated to the health sector must really speak to the needs of that sector,” said Iipumbu.

“If you find yourself in a dirty hospital, you won’t really get healed. When you go to a cleaner space, even your emotions will change,” he said.

Agriculture and food security were also highlighted during the engagement, with the party urging the government to accelerate investment in irrigation schemes and agricultural production to reduce reliance on food imports.

Iipumbu described the meeting as constructive and said the platform allowed political parties to bring the concerns of citizens directly to the head of state.

– ljason@nepc.com.na