Fishermen issue ultimatum after 5 months with no pay

"We are not troublemakers, we are Namibian workers. We remain peaceful, lawful and open to dialogue, but we cannot stay silent while our children go hungry."

This according to Snard Heita, spokesperson for a group of 111 fishermen assigned to work Merlus Cormorant Fishing Company, who took part in a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, saying they are only asking for “justice, dignity and survival”.

The petitioners have demanded answers from government within 72 hours.

"If they fail to respond, we will take further action, because the time has come for justice for fishing workers."

Godfried Kuhanga, chairperson of the Okapare Fishermen Association, said: "We are not here to fight, we are here to work, and we cannot feed our families with promises."

The group issued an appeal to government and the public for intervention, claiming they have gone five months without pay and remain without formal employment.

"111 households are suffering. Children lack school fees and stationery, rent remains unpaid, evictions are looming, and there is no food or medical care. Fishermen with no fish, workers with no wages,” the group stressed.

Employment woes

Heita said a group of 222 workers was previously employed by Walu Fishing before being divided among four companies in January 2026.

According to the petition, 56 workers allocated to Hangana Seafood signed contracts, received quotas and are actively working, while 55 employees assigned to Ligatum Investment also signed contracts and received five months' back pay.

Another 55 workers placed at Mabesen Fishing reportedly worked for two months before being transferred to Merlus Cormorant. The 111 fishermen assigned to Merlus Cormorant, however, claim they remain unemployed.

"No work, no pay system. We demand transparency and equal treatment for all GERP employees," Heita said.

Still in limbo

The group has alerted the fisheries ministry as well as the ministries responsible for justice and labour relations but alleged that little progress had been made.

"Their response was, 'If any employee refuses placement, they will forfeit their position.' We see this as a threat to our right to fair labour practices," the fishermen said.

They further dispute statements made on 22 April by the fisheries minister to the president and the nation that 2 735 metric tons had been allocated to Merlus Cormorant and that all 292 employees, including the 111 fishermen, were actively working.

"That is not true. We remain stationed at Kuisebmund Stadium with no employment and no pay for five months. This has placed severe strain on the fishermen's families,” the petition stated.

They claim that Merlus Cormorant human resources' department on Monday confirmed “that they only have work for 40 of us, not 111. No employment contracts have been issued. The ministry says, 'Wait, government processes take time.' Our pleas to the company and authorities have been ignored. We demand legal rights, not charity."

The workers demanded the immediate payment of the five months of outstanding wages owed to all 111 fishermen, immediate employment in line with the GERP agreement, as well as quota allocation or a written explanation for the failure to do so.

"We demand a clear timeline from regulators to resolve this crisis and for the protection of our rights under the Namibian Labour Act and the Constitution."

Struggling day and night

Kuhanga added that Merlus must be held accountable and that a full investigation be conducted.

Union leader Joseph Garoeb added: "We cannot continue to see workers suffering day and night while those in leadership enjoy the benefits of office."

They added that the fishing industry remains trapped in endless demonstrations and petitions because of a lack of leadership and accountability.

“The government must act decisively, appoint competent leaders and resolve this crisis, because we are not prepared to back down from our proposals."