A hungry worker cannot be productive, president warns

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last week cautioned that a hungry and impoverished workforce cannot drive national growth and development.Speaking at the Workers’ Day commemoration at Oshakati Independence Stadium on Thursday, the president urged stakeholders to ensure workers receive living wages while also encouraging Namibia&#039;s labour force to aim for increased productivity.“A hungry worker cannot be productive, and an undervalued worker cannot be a proud citizen of the country. Therefore, let us build a culture where labour is honoured and celebrated and not exploited,” the president said.Nandi-Ndaitwah also underlined that the country cannot claim freedom and independence without addressing economic injustice.She stressed that the protection of workers is a fundamental right enshrined in the Namibian Constitution.Nevertheless, social injustices continue to afflict the labour sector, the president said. “We must ensure that labour relations are harmonious in the country for industry to thrive and the welfare of workers to be respected," she said. "It must be through our strong bond that we must tackle inequality, promote social dialogue, protect the rights of all workers, enforce safe working environments, and eradicate all forms of discrimination in the workplace,” the president added.Work together Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that the decision to merge the justice and labour ministries under one roof aims to ensure social protection for workers, and to promote effective coordination and implementation of labour legislation.“I therefore urge all stakeholders in the labour fraternity, particularly trade unions and employers, to ensure the protection of labour rights, including the right to join an organised trade union. Further, I urge labour activists to be strategic in initiating and proposing sustainable solutions that will shape a stronger labour force."She added that the government remains a dedicated partner and urged labour stakeholders to work hand in hand for the benefit of the people.Speaking at the same event, Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) general secretary Petrus Nevonga said Namibian workers deserve fair remuneration to meet the rising cost of living, protect their dignity and to promote economic growth through increased purchasing power.Nevonga added that low wages perpetuate inequality and called on the justice and labour relations ministry to ensure that employers comply with the minimum wage.He underscored the rising cost of living faced by Namibians, emphasising the need for workers to afford a decent standard of living for themselves and their families during a time when essentials like food, housing, healthcare, education, transport and clothing have become unaffordable for many. tuyeimo@nmh-hub.com.na

A hungry worker cannot be productive, president warns

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-06

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A hungry worker cannot be productive, president warns

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-06

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