By Hosea Shishiveni
When Her Excellency President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the new Cabinet on 22 March this year, many Namibians celebrated the long-awaited reduction of ministries and executive structures. For years, citizens had called for a leaner government that could reduce administrative costs, cut wasteful expenditure, and channel public resources to urgent priorities such as economic growth, youth employment, and poverty alleviation. The contrast between the previous administration of 2020–2024 and the current 2025–2030 leadership is already noticeable: a leaner government structure, reduced administrative spending, and a clear political commitment to fiscal prudence. For the first time in many years, citizens felt that the presidency was listening to their cries for a smaller, more effective Cabinet. For this, the President deserves commendation.
However, amid the optimism brought about by a streamlined government, one decision continues to generate concern and discomfort among many citizens: the merging of the Ministry of Justice with the Ministry of Labour, Employment Creation and Labour Relations. This merger, though perhaps driven by intentions of efficiency, has created structural and functional challenges that now call for urgent reconsideration.
I was fortunate enough to personally engage former Minister of Labour, Hon. Utoni Nujoma, seeking his perspective on the merger. His response was frank and sincere. He expressed doubt about the practicality and long-term success of the arrangement, noting that while both ministries operate within the sphere of law, they deal with fundamentally different legal realms, constituencies, and daily realities. His concern is shared by many labour experts, trade unionists, and workers across the country who believe the merger has unintentionally weakened both service delivery and accountability.
The question is not whether the current minister, Hon. Fillemon Immanuel, is competent. He is a highly skilled professional with an admirable track record and deep knowledge of law and governance. His leadership qualities are well-recognized. The challenge lies in the sheer complexity of combining two heavy, highly sensitive, and demanding portfolios each requiring full-time attention, specialized expertise, and constant engagement with stakeholders.
Justice alone is a mammoth task. It demands oversight of the judiciary, constitutional affairs, human rights, legal reforms, correctional services, and international legal obligations. Labour, on the other hand, demands continuous fieldwork, inspections, dispute resolution, engagement with vulnerable workers, regulation of employer conduct, and constant dialogue with unions and industry. Expecting one minister to effectively deliver on both mandates compromises quality, responsiveness, and focus.
The Ministry of Labour, in particular, has long struggled with backlogs, limited enforcement capacity, and internal leadership deficiencies. The Office of the Labour Commissioner is overwhelmed by thousands of unresolved disputes, some pending for years. Workers continue to wait endlessly for justice from the labour court, and many cases collapse due to delays, administrative confusion, or lack of follow-up. This situation is worsening under the merged structure because labour-specific issues now receive less dedicated attention.
Meanwhile, the Namibian labour market remains deeply unequal. Workers in sectors such as security, construction, charcoal production, agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and domestic service continue to face exploitation, low wages, unsafe working conditions, intimidation, and unfair labour practices. Many employees do not receive basic benefits. Some are dismissed without due process. Cases of physical assault, unfair suspensions, and even shootings have been reported in the media. These industries require a minister who has walked the journey of ordinary workers someone who understands union struggles, grassroots frustrations, and the lived realities of Namibia’s working poor.
Corporate environments such as UNAM or NSFAF, where compliance structures and benefits are well established, do not reflect what is happening in factories, farms, fuel stations, or households. A minister responsible for labour must therefore be a hands-on figure visible on the ground, conducting site visits, engaging workers directly, confronting abusive employers, and strengthening inspectorate operations. Namibia once had powerful voices like the late Alfred Angula, a trade unionist who defended the voiceless with courage and conviction. Today, that level of passion and activism is missing within the ministry because the structural design does not allow it.
For these reasons, I respectfully appeal to the president to review and reverse the merger. Splitting the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labour will strengthen performance, restore accountability, and improve service delivery. Hon. Immanuel Fillemon should remain at Justice, where his expertise and discipline are most needed. Labour, however, needs a new minister one with grassroots experience, union exposure, and an unwavering commitment to defending workers’ rights.
Furthermore, the Office of the Prime Minister is urged to critically examine the leadership gaps within the Labour Ministry. The Directorate of Labour Inspectorate, the Directorate of Employment, and the Office of the Labour Commissioner require capable leaders who can restore efficiency, professionalism, and urgency. Namibia cannot afford a labour system that collapses under its own weight, leaving the nation vulnerable to international scrutiny over exploitation and abuse.
The rise in multinational companies accused of unfair treatment of employees should alarm all of us. If unresolved, Namibia risks facing global criticism for failing to uphold basic labour standards. We have a strong Labour Act of 2007, but laws without enforcement are meaningless. Workers cannot be expected to remain silent while their rights are violated.
Namibia is at a critical moment. Our economy is transforming, investment is rising, and the workforce is expanding. A dedicated Ministry of Labour is not a luxury it is a necessity. Splitting the two ministries will enhance focus, ensure workers are protected, and rebuild trust in government institutions. The nation has spoken, and the cries are loud. We humbly appeal for decisive action.
Such decisions must be made with neutrality and fairness, taking into account both the citizens who entrust us with leadership through their votes and the investors who contribute to national growth. Government must remain impartial, supporting all stakeholders who honour and uphold Namibia’s national laws and the Labour Act.
We cannot afford to neglect the ministry mandated to protect the country’s most vulnerable workers. Namibia’s workforce deserves representation, justice, and leadership that prioritizes their daily struggles. By separating the two ministries, the President would not only rectify an administrative oversight but also strengthen the very foundation of social justice in our nation.
Hosea Shishiveni is a Namibian scholar and researcher. He can be reached at hoseasn8@gmail.com.The views expressed in this article are his own.
