Nafau demands compliance after new minimum wage regime kicked in
As of 1 January 2025, the national minimum wage of N$18 per hour is in effect, marking a significant step in Namibia's labor standards. In this regard, the general secretary of the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) Jacob Penda has called for strict enforcement of this wage across all sectors, warning of penalties for non-compliant businesses.
The new wage regulations, outlined in Government Gazette 8409 (published 7 August 2024), include transitional provisions for certain workers. Farm workers, currently earning N$10 per hour, will see their minimum wage rise to N$14 in 2026, and reach N$18 by 1 January 2027. Domestic workers, who currently earn N$12 per hour, will earn N$15 in 2026 and N$18 by 2027.
The regulations explicitly state that the minimum wage applies only to base pay, and employers cannot count other benefits towards this minimum.
Landmark legislation
Penda highlighted the significance of this legislation, calling it a "fundamental right" aimed at improving workers' living standards and promoting fair labor practices. Nafau, representing workers in sectors such as fishing, retail, hospitality, and tourism, believes the new wage will reduce poverty, improve access to health and education, and contribute to a more equitable society.
Enforcement and awareness
Nafau has urged the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Job Creation to create a dedicated enforcement team in collaboration with the Office of the Labor Commissioner. The union also called on stakeholders like the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and the Social Security Commission to assist in raising awareness about the new minimum wage.
Penda emphasised that the government conducted extensive consultations last year, and no objections were raised. He insisted there is no justification for employers to ignore the law and expressed confidence that the new wage will not lead to job losses or redundancies.
Nafau and other unions under the National Union for Namibian Workers (NUNW) federation are urging employees to report cases of non-compliance at union offices nationwide. These cases will be escalated to the labor ministry for resolution.
“Workers now have a right to fair compensation, and this must be upheld to foster a stronger and more just society,” Penda concluded.
The new wage regulations, outlined in Government Gazette 8409 (published 7 August 2024), include transitional provisions for certain workers. Farm workers, currently earning N$10 per hour, will see their minimum wage rise to N$14 in 2026, and reach N$18 by 1 January 2027. Domestic workers, who currently earn N$12 per hour, will earn N$15 in 2026 and N$18 by 2027.
The regulations explicitly state that the minimum wage applies only to base pay, and employers cannot count other benefits towards this minimum.
Landmark legislation
Penda highlighted the significance of this legislation, calling it a "fundamental right" aimed at improving workers' living standards and promoting fair labor practices. Nafau, representing workers in sectors such as fishing, retail, hospitality, and tourism, believes the new wage will reduce poverty, improve access to health and education, and contribute to a more equitable society.
Enforcement and awareness
Nafau has urged the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Job Creation to create a dedicated enforcement team in collaboration with the Office of the Labor Commissioner. The union also called on stakeholders like the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and the Social Security Commission to assist in raising awareness about the new minimum wage.
Penda emphasised that the government conducted extensive consultations last year, and no objections were raised. He insisted there is no justification for employers to ignore the law and expressed confidence that the new wage will not lead to job losses or redundancies.
Nafau and other unions under the National Union for Namibian Workers (NUNW) federation are urging employees to report cases of non-compliance at union offices nationwide. These cases will be escalated to the labor ministry for resolution.
“Workers now have a right to fair compensation, and this must be upheld to foster a stronger and more just society,” Penda concluded.
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