Justicia Shipena
Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has directed Cheetah Cement in Otjiwarongo to ensure that all non-specialised roles are filled by Namibians.
It affects roles such as two chef positions and one administrative officer post, which are currently held by Chinese nationals.
The directive follows plans by Cheetah Cement, operated by Whale Rock Cement (Pty) Ltd, to merge with Ohorongo Cement.
Immanuel issued the directive on Saturday during a plant familiarisation visit.
He met with senior management, employees, officials from the Otjiwarongo Labour Office, and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN).
He also ordered he company and the union to resolve all outstanding labour issues, including the implementation of understudy arrangements, a market salary survey, and the 2025/2026 wage negotiations.
Immanuel set deadlines of 23 July for the the finalisation of the understudy arrangements and salary survey and 8 August for wage talks.
Immanuel emphasised the importance of social dialogue and tripartite cooperation in maintaining stable labour relations.
“Government expects a reasonable employer and a responsible employee.Any of the social partners who do not live up to this expectation are a threat to industrial stability or the labour market–social equation,” he said.
MUN said the meeting led to the urgent finalisation of the long-delayed employee grading process.
“No more excuses; fairness must prevail. Time-bound and transparent wage negotiations – workers deserve a living wage, not endless delays,” the union said.
The union also confirmed that use of Africa Personnel Services (APS), a labour hire company, would be discontinued.
“Decent jobs can’t be outsourced to precarious work. All APS finance staff must be absorbed into proper Whale Rock Cement contracts, thus securing job security and fair treatment,” MUN said.
The union said a health and safety plan will be put in place to protect workers on site.
“Unsafe work will not be tolerated,” the union added.
MUN described the meeting as a show of collective strength and engagement.
“A reminder to arrogant employers that no scheme to undermine workers will stand unchallenged. We will continue to hold both the company and the ministry accountable until every commitment is honoured. Our fight for dignity, security, and decent work is non-negotiable.”
