The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) has highlighted the urgent need for reforms within the country's mining sector to enhance labor practices and promote decent work conditions. This call was articulated by MUN's general secretary, George Ampweya, during a national public dialogue that focused on these issues. The event was facilitated by the parliamentary standing committee on poverty eradication, labor, and industrial relations, with the support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, indicating that this concern has garnered government attention.

Ampweya pointed out that the benefits derived from mining operations are not equitable among workers, highlighting long-standing issues such as job insecurity due to subcontracting practices, poor living conditions, and rapid technological advancements that lack consideration for the human aspect of employment. He emphasized that the mining sector cannot be deemed successful if its workers are subjected to fear and instability.

Additionally, Ampweya stressed the importance of a just transition amid the threats posed by mechanization. His comments reflect a broader concern for sustainable labor practices that not only benefit the industry but also prioritize the well-being and rights of workers. The union's ongoing fight for decent work standards underscores the critical intersection of labor rights, industrial relations, and economic prosperity in Namibia's mining sector, which is pivotal to the nation’s economy.