President Hage Geingob says that for workers to meaningfully share in the wealth created by their respective industries they must be allowed to own stakes in the companies they work for.
The time has come for workers to play a greater role in the country’s economy, rather than just being breadwinners for their families, the President further said.
The President says mere salary increments alone cannot lead to the targeted growth rate of at least seven percent government is aiming at, if employers do not help employees play a more critical role in growing the country’s economy. His message was delivered by the Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Erkki Nghimtina, to thousands of workers on Friday during the May Day commemoration at the coast.
“They [the workers] must be allowed to own stakes in the companies through shareholding. In doing so they will feel as if they are insiders rather than being onlookers,” he said.
“Let us learn to hold hands rather than build fences. Learn to communicate rather than close doors. There is no us and them. We need each other – there is only one Namibia and one workforce,” the President expounded.
He went on to warn employers against child labour and exploitation.
“Exploitation must be something of the past. It is injustice when the very people we depend on to ignite the engines that must propel our nation towards prosperity are allowed to live in deplorable conditions.”
“Let’s make it clear – exploitation is a thing of the past. Therefore I implore the private sector to take cognisance of the fact that unfair labour practices should cease. Treat your workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. They are not only breadwinners for their families but for you as well,” added Geingob.
He said employers must see that workers have respectable facilities such as changing rooms, toilets and designated areas where they can have their lunch, or use during breaks.
He applauded uranium mining company Langer Heinrich for installing facilities that provide decent accommodation for workers that currently live at the mine site, saying other companies must emulate this example.
The President said the issue of workers’ rights is not only an issue of conscience but an issue that is crucial to the future of the country.
Many people in attendance of Friday’s gathering left the stadium shortly after it was announced that Geingob would not be personally attending the occasion.
But in his absence Geingob was represented by a strong contingent of cabinet ministers and deputies, as well as regional governors and mayors of various towns.