Namibia, The Working Class, Unions & Chinese Imperialism: A Panel

3/1/26 Panel: Namibia, The Working Class, Unions & Chinese Imperialism

Nambia is one of the richest countries in the world in natural resources yet it has massive poverty and a campaign of union busting throughout the country. The largest investor of public and private capital in Namibia is China and this panel will look at what this has meant for the Namibian working class and unions. The two largest uranium mines in Nambia Husab mine and Rossing Mine are owned by Chinese public companies and many marble, lithium and other mines are owned by Chinese investors. Workers at these mines are fighting for health and safety and the right to a union
Panelists Mine Workers From the Husab and Rossing Mines Workers from other mines and workplaces in Namibia
Patrick Bond, Professor of Political Economy at University of Johannesburg. Sponsored By WorkWeek labormedia1 [at] gmail.com

Namibia, The Working Class, Unions & Chinese Imperialism
Time: Mar 1, 2026 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 7:00 PM Namiba/S. Africa Time
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Namibia: Chinese firms slammed over ‘unfair labour practices and squalid living conditions' they have subjected mine workers to; includes company comments
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Captured Namibian Mine Workers Union Of Nambia Signs Deal With Union Busting Contractor Beifang Mining Technology Services After Rossing Mines Layed Off Hundreds of Workers
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2232560450420883
Beifang Mining Technology Services has officially recognized the [Mineworkers Union of Namibia](https://www.facebook.com/MUNNAMIBIA?__tn__=-]K) (MUN) as the sole bargaining agent for workers at Rössing Uranium Ltd and Swakop Uranium Pty Ltd.

MUN Secretary-General George Ampweya emphasizes the importance of this recognition.

Listen to his insights here:[https://www.eaglefm.com.na/.../on-the-radar-with.../](https://www.eaglefm.com.na/podcast/on-the-radar-with-fransina-10-july-2024/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0tis-s4lCKYkvH1c2hfmQkQrjzb2G0PmP7sFfANsJ5HASP4A3Rt-LjIFQ_aem_vZ2KP9kAgFmdhmJ7Ss5V8A)

‘New mine owners trample on Namibian workers’ rights’ 15 April 2021

Abitter dispute between the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) and China National Nuclear Corporation Rössing Uranium Limited (CNNC RUL) is heading to arbitration in Swakopmund from 19 to 21 April 2021. CNNC RUL, which bought a 68.62% stake in the Rössing Uranium Mine from Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Zinc in July 2019, has been heavily criticised for how it runs the mine – including its unfair labour practices. Rössing is one of the largest uranium mines in the world, and the MUN has spent decades negotiating excellent collective agreements and policies for its 780 members, says Johannes Hamutenya, the union’s Rössing branch chairperson.

…“The retrenchment policy is the best in Namibia. The Chinese and Namibian management wanted all these documents renegotiated so that they could have more power to do what they want,” says Hamutenya. The new managers also wanted to do away with pay scales. “They wanted to breach the Affirmative Action Act by paying employees as they see fit, whereas it says jobs of equal value must be compensated equally. Eventually they said they won’t give us a salary increase if we refuse to renegotiate. They threatened to nullify all the collective agreements, which is unlawful.”

…Two months ago they wrote to Namibia’s president Hage Geingob. They haven’t had a response from either president. The mine is also 10% owned by South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation, which did not respond to questions. Similarly, the manager of corporate communication for CNNC RUL, Daylight Ekandjo, said: “This matter is sub-judice and being dealt with through the office of the Namibian Labour Commissioner, we can therefore unfortunately not address your related queries at this stage.” …Mutenya is hopeful, but recognises that the fight is much bigger than the individuals involved: “Our fight is so difficult because it is a political fight. The politicians are involved. It is the relationship between China and the Namibian government. So we workers on the floor, we mean nothing.”



BEIFANG MINE WORKERS ACCUSE EMPLOYER OF LABOUR VIOLATIONS

Employees of Beifang Mining Services have accused their employer of not adhering to labour laws and subjecting them to bad working conditions.

Employees spoke to the Windhoek Observer on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation

“Things at Beifang are worse, victimisation, tribalism, racism, favouritism, discrimination, unfair dismissal, and underpayment are the order of the day. We are forced to work on weekends continuously with no overtime unless on a public holiday,” said one employee.

The employee added that the safety of the workers is their biggest concern.

The employee claims that those who speak up face suspension.

“The worst part is poor working conditions. Truck operators are forever complaining about backaches because of the poor roads in the pits and the dust. They don’t even have water dosers.” The only water dosers on site are for Swakop Uranium,” explained the employee.

According to the employees, several of them, especially operators who drive heavy-duty vehicles, are suffering from kidney problems caused by bad roads in the mine.

“The bosses covered up this story and gave the operator something to silence him. The workers don’t even get bonuses. All they get is cool drinks at the end of their work shifts,” alleged the employees.

Beifang Mining Services’ human resource manager, Anthony Wilson did not respond to questions sent to him by the time the article was published.

Safety concerns have persisted at the mine.

In 2019, the mine experienced a strike by disgruntled employees supported by the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), demanding the removal of Beifang Mining Services from the site.

At the time, Beifang, the drilling and blasting contractor, was accused of leaving detonators lying around on the site.

On 25 April The MUN and the management of Beifang Mining Services signed an agreement that saw employees within the drilling, loading, and hauling departments receive payment in full at double the employees’ hourly basic rate for “work on Sundays” (overtime).

MUN secretary-general, George Ampweya explained that despite the employer being exempted from paying overtime under Section 21 of the Namibian Labour Act 11-2007 due to being designated as a continuous operation, they reached this agreement.

“The parties further agreed that all employment contracts will be extended to align with the duration of the service level agreements between the company and its clients Rössing Uranium and Swakop Uranium, respectively,” he said.

The Windhoek Observer has learned that neither the MUN nor the Revolutionary Union RU have full bargaining power at the mine.

Workers are currently torn between MUN and RU.

RU and Beifang Mining Services, on 20 March signed a recognition agreement.

The agreement was reversed by Beifang Mining Services on 11 April.

The mine claimed that the union only had 49% worker representation.

“We have discovered that the application forms we have received as well as the total number of active employees on your list contain 274 employees out of the 598 employees at the end of March,” Wilson told RU in a letter dated 11 April.

RU’s central secretary, Julius Natangwe, refuted these claims, stating that they have 403 members because they submitted a list of 70 applications on 12 April.

He also alleged that the mine has delayed paying the workers’ membership money over to the union.

“Take note that any job losses or victimisation of our members while in the process of playing your dirty politics, will be considered a declaration of war against the RU. We are not shaken, and in fact, your dirty games will only make us stronger,” said Natangwe.

In the meantime, RU has called on Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah to visit Beifang Mining Services and the African Big Lion mine.

In a letter dated 30 April to Nandi-Ndeitwah, the union’s central secretary, Julius Natangwe, alleged unfair labour practices and unconducive working conditions by African Big Lion Mine and Beifang Mining Services.

“We respectfully request that you consider paying a courtesy visit to Beifang Mining Services and Africa Big Lion to witness firsthand the plight of the workers and to demonstrate your support for their rights. Your intervention could make a significant difference in improving the working conditions and livelihoods of these individuals,” said Natangwe.

‘Uis mine workers’ living conditions annoys council’ 24 August 2023

Erongo Regional Council chairperson Benita Imbamba has rapped both Xinfeng Investment and Longfire Investment over unfair labour practices and squalid living conditions they have subjected mine employees to. A dismayed Imbamba, who visited the mine site on Friday, informed New Era there has been no improvement despite previous assurances by the companies to the parliamentary standing committee during a visit in May this year. The abhorrent living conditions were also witnessed by members of the standing committee on natural resources and journalists during the visit. Imbamba was joined in her condemnation by Mine Workers Union (MUN) secretary for the western region Filleppus Ampweya, who also expressed extreme shock during their visit to the two partners mining operation outside Uis. They witnessed first-hand the deplorable living and employment conditions of workers at the mine. Imbamba expressed frustration, saying nothing has been done to improve the living conditions of the workers, despite promises by the companies.

…In stark contrast, Chinese nationals, also employed by the two partners, reside in comfortable panel rooms, with two individuals sharing a room. These rooms are equipped with air conditioning, decent kitchen facilities and bathrooms. The glaring disparity in living conditions also drew disappointment from the parliamentarians, who labelled the situation as a form of intra-racial oppression. During the visit, Likulano Januarie, owner of Long Fire, a partner of the controversial Xinfeng, acknowledged the deplorable facilities for Namibian workers. Januarie gave an assurance that the company was working to address the issue: “Yes, we will definitely rectify the issue as our operations are also growing.”

…Responding to questions yesterday, Xinfeng said it is committed to prioritising the well-being and safety of its employees, while also ensuring optimal working conditions in all aspects of its operations. Xinfeng has implemented comprehensive measures to create a secure and productive work environment, the company stated. On the health and safety front, it said: “The company understands that the mining industry can present inherent risks, and thus has developed a robust framework to mitigate potential hazards. This includes regular safety training sessions, risk assessment procedures, and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to all employees… Xinfeng continued: “Xinfeng Investments wish to reiterate that our employees are our most valuable asset, and their well-being is of paramount importance. We are committed to nurturing a positive work culture that encourages growth, development and a sense of belonging for everyone working at Xinfeng operated mines within Namibia.”

MUN WESTERN REGION CONDEMNS ACTIVITIES OF NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AT HUSAB MINE OWNED BY CHINA GENERAL NUCLEAR POWER GROUP


The Mine Workers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) western regional office has raised serious concerns over what it describes as unconstitutional activities initiated by the union’s Head Office Administration.

According to Abiud Kapere, chairman of the MUN’s western region, these actions have been undertaken without the mandate of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and are in direct violation of the MUN Constitution.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kapere reiterated that the issuance of disciplinary enquiry notices by a MUN staff member against union members concerning matters related to structural activities represents a grave breach of members’ constitutional rights.

“The western region has also noted the alarming silence from the NEC regarding these arbitrary actions, which we believe signifies complicity and a failure to uphold the union’s constitutional principles,” he said.

Kapere cited Article 13 of the MUN Constitution, which mandates that the NEC ensure compliance with the Constitution and protect members’ rights.

“By remaining silent, the NEC is seen as abdicating its responsibility and becoming complicit in the ongoing constitutional violations,” he added.

According to Kapere, the western region is committed to accountability, constitutional compliance, and transparency.

Kapere stressed that the region demands strict adherence to the MUN Constitution at all levels of the union.

He expressed concern over the misuse of membership fees to convene unauthorised NEC meetings aimed at targeting members with dissenting views.

Kapere condemned the usage of the union funds to finance legal battles against members, describing it as a tactic to silence opposition and prevent members from participating in leadership structures that promote accountability.

“This imbalance is not only unjust but also a clear conflict of interest,” Kapere said while pointing to the fact that many current leadership figures have benefitted from questionable transactions.

He said these transactions were supposed to be scrutinised following a resolution passed at the May 2023 Congress, which called for a forensic audit and an extraordinary congress to be held within six months.

“However, the implementation of this resolution has been delayed, with no sign of the promised Extraordinary Congress by the end of August 2024,” he added.

The western region, according to Kapere, demands that the congress convene no later than November 2024.

He warned that failure to do so would force the regional office to take legal or other appropriate action.

Kapere dismissed the excuse of insufficient funds and the restricted NAMIT Trust account as unacceptable.

“The MUN Constitution does not allow for the Trust to fund the union’s operational activities, and using Trust funds for the Extraordinary Congress is seen as another attempt to misuse resources meant for the Trust’s beneficiaries,” he stated.

Four other regions have joined the western region in calling for an extraordinary congress.

“The NEC’s reluctance to comply with this demand, coupled with what the Western Region describes as “baseless excuses,” will not deter the region from advocating for governance and accountability in line with the Congress Resolution,” Kapere maintained.

He said that the western region distanced itself from the “unfounded and baseless” allegations made by the General Secretary regarding union-busting activities at Husab.

Kapere stated that these claims were never raised by the Branch to the Region or the NEC and are viewed as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the Western Region.

He urged all members to stay focused on the goal of holding the Extraordinary Congress, highlighting that it is illogical for leaders elected by over 700 members to be removed by a select few, particularly when considering the cost implications for members.

“The Western Region remains united and determined to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance,” he said.

Kapere called on all patriotic union members to take an active role in directing the organisation for the benefit of all.

The MUN acting vice president, Shavuka Mbidhi, confirmed that the leadership has received the letter and will respond to the western region in the coming days.