STAFF WRITER
The Employment Equity Commission (EEC) has summoned 13 Relevant Employers (RE) to appear before a review panel for failing to comply with the Affirmative Action Act.
The hearings are scheduled for 13-14 August 2025.
The Namibian Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, aims to promote equal opportunities in employment for previously disadvantaged individuals.
It mandates employers to develop and implement affirmative action plans to address historical disadvantages and ensure fair representation of designated groups, including racially disadvantaged persons, women, and people with disabilities. The Act also establishes the Employment Equity Commission to oversee its implementation.
In a statement the EEC said members of the public are allowed to attend and observe as per the provisions of section.
In Namibia Relevant Employers refers to those that employ 10 or more employees and are legally required to implement affirmative action m e a s u r e s and submit annual reports to the EEC.
“ The employers in question submitted their Affirmative Action Annual Reports to the Commission for review. However, these reports were ultimately disapproved because they failed to comply with the specific requirements outlined in the Act. Due to this non-compliance, the Commission issued summonses to address the deficiencies noted in the reports,” a statement signed by the Executive Director and Accounting officer in the Ministry of Justice Labour Relations Audrin Mathe on Tuesday said.
Mathe said the EEC also retains the right to initiate criminal charges against employers for non-compliance, which constitutes offences under the Act.
“ As a result, a Review Panel, convened under section 35 of the Act, will conduct hearings to ensure that relevant employers are held accountable for their employment practices. The panel will provide a platform to evaluate whether genuine efforts are being made towards fair and equitable employment practices,” the statement said.
It added that the hearings will also serve as an opportunity for the review panel to mediate and persuade employers to address the shortcomings in their reports.
“Furthermore, the public hearings will support the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to redress historical imbalances and promote fair and equitable employment practices across all sectors of the economy. The Commission is committed to correcting historical inequalities, increasing the representation of previously disadvantaged groups, and fostering inclusivity, diversity, and non- discrimination in workplaces in every sector,” the statement said.
Those summoned and will appear at different times are :
Wednesday, 13 August 2025
- Salt Company (Pty) Ltd
- Precision Fuel Services cc
- Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation
- Shilongo Leather Works cc
- Na’an Ku Se Foundation
- Inter Africa Security Services cc
- Asco Car Hire & Explore Africa Travel (Pty) Ltd
Thursday, 14 August 2025
- Namibia National Training Organisation (Pty) Ltd
- Court Helicopters (Pty) Ltd
- Gmunder Lodge (Pty) Ltd
- Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform
- Synergy Foods (Pty) Ltd
- Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade
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