Unionist Welcomes Government Move to Improve Worker Safety Laws
By Anton Wokie
Mahongora Kavihuha has welcomed Cabinet’s decision to table three international labour safety conventions in Parliament for ratification, describing the move as an important step towards improving worker protection and strengthening workplace safety standards in Namibia.
Kavihuha, who serves as Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) and the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN), said the ratification of the conventions would align Namibia with internationally recognized labour and occupational safety standards.
“Ratifying these conventions is of paramount importance to labour unions because they are internationally recognized standards that countries are expected to uphold in an increasingly globalized economy and labour market,” he said.
Cabinet recently authorized the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations to table three International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions before the National Assembly for ratification.
The conventions include the Occupational Safety and Health Convention of 1981, the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention of 2006, and the Occupational Health Services Convention of 1985.
According to government, the conventions are aimed at strengthening safe and healthy working conditions for employees across both public and private sectors.
Kavihuha said labour unions have long pushed for Namibia to ratify more international labour conventions in order to strengthen worker protections and improve accountability in workplaces.
“This is why labour movements continue to push strongly for the ratification of more conventions. We also want future trade and investment agreements to explicitly recognise and uphold these labour standards. This is a welcome development and shows that Namibia is moving in the right direction,” he said.
He further acknowledged that while enforcement of labour laws remains a challenge, ratifying the conventions would still provide a stronger legal and institutional framework for protecting workers.
“We believe it is better to have these conventions ratified first and then continue strengthening compliance and enforcement mechanisms. Enforcement is largely a leadership issue. If the right people are placed in the right positions, monitoring and enforcement can become more effective,” Kavihuha said.
He explained that one of the major advantages of ratification is that labour unions, employers and other institutions would be able to use international accountability mechanisms through the International Labour Organization if violations occur.
“As labour movements, employers or even government institutions, we would be able to raise cases with the International Labour Organization if there are violations of these conventions. The ILO has established enforcement and monitoring structures that can help hold governments or institutions accountable,” he explained.
Kavihuha also stressed that ratification alone would not be enough without proper education and implementation.
“Ratification must also be followed by proper training and awareness so that workers, employers and institutions fully understand the conventions and how they should be implemented,” he said.
The conventions focus on improving workplace safety, reducing occupational injuries and diseases, strengthening labour inspections and promoting healthier working environments.
The move is expected to particularly benefit workers in high-risk sectors such as mining, fishing, agriculture, construction and manufacturing, where workplace accidents and hazardous working conditions remain ongoing concerns.
According to the International Labour Organization, nearly three million workers globally die every year from occupational accidents and work-related diseases, while millions more suffer workplace injuries annually.
Labour experts say stronger occupational safety systems are important not only for worker wellbeing, but also for improving productivity, reducing pressure on healthcare systems and strengthening investor confidence in labour standards.
Kavihuha’s remarks come as labour unions continue to advocate for stronger workplace protections, improved enforcement of labour laws and greater accountability from both employers and government institutions regarding occupational safety and workers’ rights in Namibia.
