MUN strengthens southern connections with Oranjemund roundtable
Improved relations
Union launches new member benefits and retirement incentives while addressing grassroots concerns in //Kharas Region
The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) reinforced its commitment to member engagement by hosting its second Regional Roundtable Discussion in Oranjemund, //Kharas Region. The gathering brought together union leadership, current and former members, and industry experts to address workplace challenges and community concerns affecting workers in Namibia's mining heartland.
With nearly 10 000 members nationwide, many concentrated in the //Kharas Region due to extensive mining operations, the roundtable provided a crucial platform for direct dialogue between leadership and grassroots members. Acting President Poco-Key Mberiuana emphasised the importance of these regional engagements, stating that bringing discussions directly to members demonstrates the union's commitment to addressing prevailing issues in workers' lives.
The event featured significant announcements designed to enhance member benefits. MUN officially launched its Member Benefits App in partnership with myGateway, offering members access to retail discounts for everyday savings. More substantially, General Secretary George Ampweya announced a new Retirement Incentive Benefit taking effect August 1, 2025, fulfilling a 2010 Congress resolution to recognise long-serving members.
The retirement benefit requires five years of uninterrupted membership, minimum age of 60, and normal retirement channels. This initiative reflects MUN's dedication to preserving institutional memory while upholding member dignity beyond active service. Assistant General Secretary Paulus Situmba also highlighted Namit Trust benefits, including N$10 000 funeral cover, with over N$1 million already paid to members' families.
Regional Chairperson Allen Kalumbu welcomed the leadership's presence, noting it demonstrates that members' voices matter. He called on mines minister Natangwe Iithete to visit the region and engage directly with mine workers, emphasising the minister's duty to hear their concerns at government's highest levels.
Member responses proved overwhelmingly positive. Martin Mareka from Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine praised leadership for ground-level engagement, while Gabriel Abraham from Namdeb Holdings highlighted the leadership's commitment to addressing structural challenges. Long-time member Ezegiel Tjirare found the event eye-opening and motivating, particularly for members unfamiliar with union leadership roles.
The Southern Roundtable represents part of MUN's broader regional engagement strategy, ensuring decisions reflect members' lived experiences while strengthening grassroots presence across Namibia's mining communities. These initiatives underscore the union's nearly four-decade mission protecting mineworkers' rights and promoting socioeconomic well-being throughout the extractive industries.
With nearly 10 000 members nationwide, many concentrated in the //Kharas Region due to extensive mining operations, the roundtable provided a crucial platform for direct dialogue between leadership and grassroots members. Acting President Poco-Key Mberiuana emphasised the importance of these regional engagements, stating that bringing discussions directly to members demonstrates the union's commitment to addressing prevailing issues in workers' lives.
The event featured significant announcements designed to enhance member benefits. MUN officially launched its Member Benefits App in partnership with myGateway, offering members access to retail discounts for everyday savings. More substantially, General Secretary George Ampweya announced a new Retirement Incentive Benefit taking effect August 1, 2025, fulfilling a 2010 Congress resolution to recognise long-serving members.
The retirement benefit requires five years of uninterrupted membership, minimum age of 60, and normal retirement channels. This initiative reflects MUN's dedication to preserving institutional memory while upholding member dignity beyond active service. Assistant General Secretary Paulus Situmba also highlighted Namit Trust benefits, including N$10 000 funeral cover, with over N$1 million already paid to members' families.
Regional Chairperson Allen Kalumbu welcomed the leadership's presence, noting it demonstrates that members' voices matter. He called on mines minister Natangwe Iithete to visit the region and engage directly with mine workers, emphasising the minister's duty to hear their concerns at government's highest levels.
Member responses proved overwhelmingly positive. Martin Mareka from Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine praised leadership for ground-level engagement, while Gabriel Abraham from Namdeb Holdings highlighted the leadership's commitment to addressing structural challenges. Long-time member Ezegiel Tjirare found the event eye-opening and motivating, particularly for members unfamiliar with union leadership roles.
The Southern Roundtable represents part of MUN's broader regional engagement strategy, ensuring decisions reflect members' lived experiences while strengthening grassroots presence across Namibia's mining communities. These initiatives underscore the union's nearly four-decade mission protecting mineworkers' rights and promoting socioeconomic well-being throughout the extractive industries.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article