The ministry of labour has approved the phased implementation of a national minimum wage for security guards.
The decision, hailed as a win for thousands of underpaid workers, was announced last Thursday by the Namibia Security Labour Forum (NSLF) at a press briefing in Windhoek.
Effective 1 January 2025, security personnel will receive N$13.50 per hour, with further increases to N$16.00 in 2026, and N$18.00 in 2027.
This phased approach is designed to ensure fair compensation for workers, while allowing employers time to adapt to the new requirements without compromising business sustainability.
The NSLF, which represents both employers and employees in the security sector, has been at the forefront of negotiating the wage adjustments.
NSLF spokesperson Onesmus Hanhapo said the agreement is a step closer to addressing inequities in the industry. “This phased approach reflects the government’s commitment to balancing the interests of workers, who deserve fair compensation for their invaluable contributions to national safety and security, and employers, who need to maintain business sustainability, which may have resulted in job losses of over five-thousand security personnel,” he said.
The ministry’s decision follows months of dialogue with industry stakeholders and a formal application for exemption from Wage Order 8409, which was issued in August 2024.
The reform is also in alignment with objectives of the 2023 agreement, which is aimed to address challenges such as low wages, lack of training and poor occupational health and safety standards in the security sector.
The agreement was signed by the Security Association of Namibia (SAN) Namibia Security Guards and Watchmen’s Union (NASGWU), Namibia Independent Security Union (NISU)and the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (NATAU).
Lifeline
Security guards, often tasked with long hours under difficult work conditions and ill-equipped, have long called for better wages and improved working environments.
“This is good news for us. We have been underpaid for so long,” said Martin Simeon.
He said the introduction of a minimum wage is a lifeline that promises financial stability and recognition for their contributions to the security industry.
Andreas Hausiku, the secretary general of NASGWU, said they will ensure that all employers comply with the new order.
“We are also asking our members to report their employers’ compliance to the union of their choice. Additionally, we encourage them to belong to unions so that they are not exploited,” he said. Hausiku pointed to companies benefiting from government tenders as being the most likely to resist compliance.
“The only challenge we have is that this industry is not properly regulated. As a team, we are advocating for the ministry of home affairs to implement the pending Security Act,” he said.
Over two decades ago, the Security Enterprises and Security Officers Amendment Act, 2002 was introduced to regulate framework for the security industry, focusing on issues such as licensing and certification of security enterprises, registration of security officers, and general compliance within the sector.
At the time, the Security Enterprises and Security Officers Regulation Board (SESORB), was introduced to oversee the industry’s regulation and enforcement of standards.
However, there have been ongoing concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of the Act.
Many stakeholders, including unions, have for years been calling for amendments, or the proper enforcement of the Act to address issues like unfair competition, non-compliance with labour laws, and poor working conditions for security personnel.
Hausiku said, “This lack of regulation has led to unfair competition, making it difficult for companies trying to comply with the minimum wage.”
The forum also called for continued collaboration to address other pressing issues in the industry, including the need for enhanced training, better working conditions and improved regulation.
-ashikololo@nepc.com.na