Chamwe Kaira
The Office of the Labour Commissioner resolved 77% of labour disputes during the 2024/2025 financial year, exceeding its target of 75%.
According to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 for labour and industrial relations, the office handled 4 203 labour dispute cases through its dispute resolution system.
Of these cases, 3 253 were resolved, while 950 remained pending by 31 March 2025. Most of the pending cases were delayed due to postponements.
Conciliation remained the most common method used to resolve disputes. A total of 2 064 cases, representing 63% of resolved matters, were settled through conciliation.
The remaining 1 189 cases, or 37%, were concluded through arbitration.
The office of the labour commissioner also plans to introduce changes to improve dispute resolution. The Conciliation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Bill is expected to be enacted during the second quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.
Implementation of the new law is expected later in the same financial year.
Authorities say the legislation, together with a modern case management system, is expected to reduce case backlogs and improve administration.
The Office of the Employment Equity Commission also reported progress during the same period.
The commission reviewed all 1 390 affirmative action reports submitted by employers, exceeding its target of 70%.
Of these reports, 1 320 were approved, representing a 94% approval rate.
The reports provide information on how employers implement affirmative action, challenges faced and steps taken to improve workforce balance.
The commission is also finalising a new employment equity bill aimed at strengthening compliance with affirmative action laws.
The bill is expected to introduce stronger compliance audits and give review officers powers to conduct inspections, verifications and capacity-building activities.
The Ministry of Labour also reported progress in workplace inspections during the 2024/2025 financial year.
A total of 1 873 workplace inspections were conducted to check compliance with labour laws.
Of these, 1 779 inspections focused on basic employment conditions, while 94 inspections assessed occupational health and safety compliance in factories and machinery operations.
Authorities also investigated 15 occupational accidents during the period, including 19 major incidents and five fatal accidents.
The ministry received 4 175 labour complaints during the year.
Of these, 3 708 cases, representing 97%, were resolved.
An amount of N$2.06 million was recovered from employers on behalf of complainants.
