Staff Reporter THE Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) providing for a five percent (5%) wage increase for employees within the bargaining unit for the 2026/2027 financial year on 12 August 2026 in Windhoek. The agreement follows successful wage negotiations conducted in accordance with the Recognition and Procedural Agreement between the two parties, which concluded on 27 July 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations and commended both parties for their collaborative approach. “The conclusion of this agreement is a significant milestone that underscores the value of constructive social dialogue and collaboration. It reflects our commitment to recognising the contributions of our employees, while safeguarding the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the Authority. We appreciate the spirit of cooperation demonstrated throughout the negotiations and look forward to continuing our productive partnership with NAPWU,” Nghikembua said. She further emphasised the importance of employees in advancing CRAN’s mandate. “Our employees remain our greatest asset. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment enable CRAN to effectively regulate Namibia’s communications sector. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to creating a supportive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to deliver excellence,” Nghikembua said. NAPWU’s General Secretary, Petrus Nevonga, expressed appreciation for the engagement between the parties and the successful conclusion of the wage negotiations. “This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when employers and organised labour engage in good faith and with a shared objective of finding practical solutions. We appreciate the willingness of CRAN to listen and engage constructively throughout the negotiation process. The outcome reached today provides meaningful support to employees and reflects a recognition of their continued commitment and contribution to the organisation. NAPWU remains committed to maintaining a strong and productive partnership with CRAN in the interests of workers and the institution alike,” Nevonga said. Moreover, both CRAN and NAPWU reaffirmed their commitment to fostering harmonious labour relations, constructive social dialogue, and a work environment that supports employee wellbeing, productivity, and organisational excellence. WAGE INCREASE: CRAN and NAPWU sign Memorandum of Agreement for 2026/2027 wage increase. Photo: CRAN The post CRAN and NAPWU sign memorandum of agreement for 2026/2027 wage increase appeared first on Informanté.

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) says it has concluded a wage agreement with the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) for the 2026/2027 financial year. In a statement issued on Thursday, the union said the agreement, which takes effect on 1 April, provides for a 7% increase in basic salaries for employees within the […]

Allexer Namundjembo The Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) says it has concluded a wage agreement with the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) for the 2026/2027 financial year. In a statement issued on Thursday, the union said the agreement, which takes effect on 1 April, provides for a 7% increase in basic salaries for employees within the bargaining unit. It added that the housing allowance will increase from 31% to 33% of basic salaries, while medical aid, pension and transport allowances will remain unchanged. NAPWU said the agreement was reached following negotiations between the union and NQA. The union also thanked the negotiating teams from both parties for their engagement during the bargaining process.

Patience Makwele Tensions at the Keetmanshoop municipality escalated on Wednesday after workers threatened to take their grievances against acting chief executive officer Desiree Boois to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa if their demands are not addressed. The warning came as employees who were represented by the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), handed over […]

Patience Makwele Tensions at the Keetmanshoop municipality escalated on Wednesday after workers threatened to take their grievances against acting chief executive officer Desiree Boois to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa if their demands are not addressed. The warning came as employees who were represented by the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), handed over […]

Patience Makwele Tensions at the Keetmanshoop municipality escalated on Wednesday after workers threatened to take their grievances against acting chief executive officer Desiree Boois to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa if their demands are not addressed. The warning came as employees who were represented by the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), handed over a petition calling for Boois’ removal and accusing the municipality’s acting administrative head of poor management, intimidation and financial mismanagement. Workers say they have lost confidence in Boois’ leadership, alleging unilateral changes to employment conditions, delayed payments to service providers, favouritism and the misuse of municipal funds through the appointment of external consultants. Presenting the petition, NAPWU representative Astrid Sauerwein said employees were frustrated by what they described as a deteriorating working environment and demanded urgent intervention. The dispute took a political turn when workers warned they would seek intervention from the line minister should municipal leaders fail to act. “We will bring the minister in and let the minister sort this matter out,” municipal employee Jackie Coleman said during the petition handover. “We are being held hostage while people pursue their own interests. We will not allow ourselves to be used and we will not let things continue like this.” The petition was received by chairperson of the municipality’s management committee, councillor Easter Isaak, who acknowledged workers’ concerns but declined to provide a timeframe for when the matter would be resolved. Isaak said legal complications surrounding the court-ordered reconstitution of the municipality’s management committee prevented him from committing to a specific date. “To give an actual date would create unrealistic expectations,” he said. According to Isaak, the petition will be tabled at the first meeting of the newly constituted management committee once the legal process has been finalised. The latest standoff highlights ongoing governance challenges at local authorities across the country, where disputes involving senior management and political leadership have increasingly spilled into the public domain. Boois said she could not comment extensively on the allegations because the grievances had not yet formally reached her office. “It would be premature to comment,” she said. She maintained that the municipality follows established labour relations procedures and that grievances should be addressed through recognised internal channels involving both affected employees and their union representatives. The confrontation comes amid growing pressure on local authorities to improve governance, service delivery and labour relations at a time when municipalities are grappling with financial constraints and increasing public expectations. Workers insist they will continue pressing for intervention until their concerns are addressed.

Keetmanshoop municipality employees were dissatisfied after Councillor Easter Isaak failed to provide a firm date regarding their demand on the removal of the acting Chief Executive Officer Desiree Boois. Namibia Public Workers' Union (NAPWU) representative Astrid Sauerwein, who presented the petition, expressed workers' dissatisfaction with Boois' management. The petition alleged unilateral changes to employment terms, misuse of funds through external consultants, delayed payments to service providers, and poor financial management. Workers also claim bullying, favouritism, and intimidation under her leadership and demand her removal, threatening to escalate the matter to Minister James Sankwasa if not addressed. "Let us just bring the minister in and let the minister sort this matter out. None of this is helping. Councillor Easter Isaak wants to use this opportunity to fight his own battle, while in the meantime we are being held hostage because he wants to benefit from this situation. 'We will not allow ourselves to be used, and we will not let things continue like this,' stressed aggrieved municipal worker Jackie Coleman. The Chairperson of the Management Committee for the Keetmanshoop Municipality, Easter Isaak, received the petition on behalf of the municipality. Isaak explained to the workers that he cannot provide a fixed date due to ongoing legal proceedings over a court-ordered reconstitution of the management committee. "To give an actual date is an unrealistic expectation that I am creating, as one of the placards there says; the flyer is saying unrealistic deadlines, so that is an unrealistic expectation that I will create as the chairperson of management. Therefore, I say it will be dealt with in the first management committee meeting that is constituted." Boois said it would be premature to comment as the alleged staff grievances have not reached her office. She further stated that the municipality adheres to the rule of law, and all grievances must follow established internal procedures through the union and any affected staff member.

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has recognised Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) as the exclusive bargaining agent for the employees.  The announcement was made by the Director General, Menesia Muinjo, at a meeting between the two parties in Windhoek.  The two parties reaffirmed their partnership with a focus on ensuring employees' well-being and the success of the corporation's mandate.  "What is key is that for the interest of the business we have to work together. That is why we are at the same table today to recognise NAPWU as an exclusive bargaining agent for the employees and also a strategic partner. I was telling the leadership to say there is no problem in having a strategic partnership like a union; there will be some views that differ, but if we work in an honest manner, the aim is solutions," stressed Muinjo. Deputy General Secretary of NAPWU, Mateus Ndeshikeya, maintains, "NAPWU is proud to officially step into our role as an exclusive bargaining agent for the employees of the NBC. We also thank our members in particular and the entire NBC staff in general for their unwavering trust in Napwu, and we are hereby ensuring that Napwu is determined to ensure that their pride is protected at all times." The parties also admitted that the 2021 industrial action by the NBC employees affected the relationship between them and the company.  Acting Chairperson of NAPWU-WURCOM Johannes Lengi says, "What we went through is not an easy thing, but we are grateful, and from now on we are opening a new page. We are going to work, and let's hope your door is open because there are really issues at hand that we are going to fix." It's true we can't ignore the past. Where we come from, there are still some silent issues that we can work together on, trying to bring everybody to the table, especially with the impact of what may have happened; there is a lot of healing. That together we will have to see how we move to build the trust between the two parties," says Muinjo.  Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer for NBC, Gerson Kamatuka, reiterates, "Let it not be us and them, and let's not throw the past away. Let's learn from the past so that we guard against the bad things of the past and not allow them to happen again." The NBC ended its recognition agreement with NAPWU on the first of October, 2021, after an internal audit revealed the union had lost its majority membership status, dropping to about 45%.  This separation followed a seven-week national strike over salaries and working conditions in 2021.

NBC RECOGNISES NAPWU AS EXCLUSIVE BARGAINING AGENT NBC Online Tue, 06/23/2026 - 18:22

The public service unions affiliated with the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (TUCNA) rejected the recently concluded collective agreement between the government and other labour unions, describing the process as unlawful and not conducted in good faith. At a press briefing on Monday, the Teachers' Union of Namibia (TUN) and the Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) rejected the agreement between the Namibia National Teachers' Union (NANTU) and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU). and the government, citing concerns over the 5% salary increase and full employee medical aid contributions. The unions argue that the agreement unfairly places the burden of increased medical aid contributions solely on employees, with no reciprocal increase from the employer. PSUN Secretary General Ndjizuvee Haakuria said that the agreement contravenes the Labour Act. "Now having reflected on that in terms of unfair labour practices in Namibia, in terms of our labour law, it's not just any action that the employer does to you that constitutes an unfair labour practice. It is defined in law. So there is another instance; we are section 48, but you're not here for that section 49. There is a standard in terms of trade union behaviour that you must reach for you to be classified as engaging in unfair labour practices as a trade union or as an employer. And our assessment is the two bargaining unions have met the requirements as stated in section 49, which states that it is an unfair labour practice for a registered trade union to refuse to bargain collectively or to bargain in bad faith. TUN's Mahongora Kavihuha also criticised a presidential directive requiring public servants to seek treatment at public health facilities, calling it a violation of basic conditions of employment. "So we are going to raise these grievances as we raised with our officers across a spectrum of our public servants, and the way we requested as two federations, I mean two unions, to take the leadership in giving directions and ensuring that the economic hardship that is going to be felt by public servants as a result of this agreement is being arrested and the public servants will go on to have and enjoy their right economic status where possible." The TUN and NAPWU warn that the announced 5% salary increase may not benefit many educators. After accounting for medical aid contributions and dependents, lower-grade teachers, they say, could lose hundreds of dollars monthly.  Analysis provided by the unions shows teachers in Grades 11-13 with dependants might face negative balances of N$300 to over N$1,000 depending on the medical aid option, meaning the raise could leave some teachers worse off in practice. As a result, the unions have announced plans for an "Economic National Day of Action" and indicated they will invoke provisions under the Labour Act to challenge the agreement. They also intend to request the Office of the Labour Commissioner to appoint an independent private arbitrator, citing concerns of conflict of interest.

Civil servants will receive a salary increment of five per cent come 1st April. This follows a signing agreement between the government, the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) and the Namibia National Teachers' Union (NANTU). The agreement covers two financial years, 2026/27 and 2027/28.  Civil servants on grades 15 and 14 will receive a flat increase of N$700 per month, while staff members on grades 13 to 1 will get a 5% rise in basic salaries, both effective from 1st April this year. Effective April 1, 2027, staff members in grades 15–1 will further receive another 5% increase in basic salaries as well as a 7% increase in transport allowances for staff members below the management level. NAPWU General Secretary Petrus Nevonga also announced that they will remove the 5% co-payment that members were required to pay when accessing health services. However, monthly membership contributions to the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) will increase under both the standard and higher options, with higher fees for main members and dependants. "Previously, before this adjustment, under the standard option, the main member was paying N$220 per month; that N$120 has been increased to N$240. Previously, contributions for dependants were N$60 per dependant, up to the maximum number of dependants allowed, but this amount has now been increased to N$220 per month. In the higher option, the main member used to pay N$240, and that amount has been increased to N$500 per month. And contributions for dependants have increased from N$120 to N$240." The Secretary General of the Namibian National Teachers Union, Loide Shaanika, commended the teams' commitment to the negotiation.  The Secretary to the Cabinet, Emilia Mkusa, commended the longstanding spirit of cooperation between government and trade unions.  She said the salary raise is expected to improve workers' wellbeing and give workers the adjustment that outpaces the rising living costs. "We firmly believe that the agreed salary adjustment will positively impact the disposable income of public servants. That is why the government for 2026-27 considered a 5% adjustment for grades 13-1, which is above the inflation rate of 3%."

[Namibian] The government, the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), and the Namibia National Teachers' Union (Nantu) have signed a 5% salary adjustment agreement for civil servants over the two financial years 2026/27 and 2027/28.

Renthia Kaimbi Urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa has told the Walvis Bay municipality to restart the shortlisting process for the general manager of human resources and corporate communication services. He said the earlier process was tampered with and did not follow national rules. The directive follows a complaint from the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), which alleged that the council removed candidates who were properly shortlisted and replaced them with names not approved by the official committee. In a letter to Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes, Sankwasa said he reviewed the complaint and found that the council acted outside established procedures. “I have received a complaint letter dated 24 October 2025 from the Namibia Public Workers Union alleging that the shortlisting process for the position of general manager, which was conducted on 25 July 2025, was meddled with, which is a violation of sections of the recruitment and selection regulations,” he wrote. He said the actions were not in line with section 15 (1) and (2) of the recruitment and selection regulations for local authority councils, which require fair, transparent, and equitable recruitment. Sankwasa ordered the council to restart the entire process. “I hereby direct the council that the entire shortlisting process of the position of general manager for human resources and corporate communication services be redone in full compliance with the provisions of section 15 (1) and (2) of the recruitment and selection regulations,” he said. Sankwasa instructed the council to set up a new shortlisting and selection committee and submit a report confirming full compliance once the process is complete. He said the directive seeks to restore fairness and public confidence in local authority hiring. The decision is a win for NAPWU, which had opposed a new shortlisting process scheduled for 27 October under chief executive officer Victoria Kapenda. The union had said the attempt to redo the shortlist was “a deliberate attempt to regularise an unlawful process.” NAPWU’s complaint stated that a properly constituted committee met on 25 July 2025 and approved four candidates for interviews: Francina Mwandingi, Sylvia Schubert, Matias Lukas, and Elizabeth Swarts. The union alleged Swarts was later removed and replaced with Jafet Nelongo and Rosina Muatunga without approval. The union also flagged irregular payments of subsistence and travel allowances to certain candidates. Documents show Lukas received N$10 480 and Schubert N$8 795, despite rules prohibiting such allowances. When asked about the allegations at the time, CEO Kapenda refused to provide details and referred enquiries back to the reporter’s own sources. The council began a new shortlisting process on 27 October, but it will now stop because of Sankwasa’s order. Sankwasa’s action adds to ongoing friction between the central government and some local authorities over following administrative rules. He has also recently pushed other councils to improve governance, including service delivery in Windhoek and water management in Kavango East.

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has successfully concluded its wage negotiations for the 2024/2025 financial year, signing new salary agreements with the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) and the Teachers Union of Namibia (TUN). The agreements cover all eligible administrative and academic staff within the Bargaining Unit.

Renthia Kaimbi The Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu) has lodged a formal complaint with urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, accusing the Walvis Bay Municipal Council of interfering in the recruitment process for a senior position. In a letter dated 24 October 2025, Napwu general secretary Petrus Nevonga alleged serious irregularities in the hiring process for the general manager of human resources and corporate communication services.  The union claims the council unlawfully altered an approved shortlist and made improper financial payments to candidates. Documents seen by the Windhoek Observer show that a shortlisting committee met on 25 July 2025 and approved four candidates for interviews, Francina Mwandingi, Sylvia Schubert, Matias Lukas and Elizabeth Swarts.  The committee members were Benjamin Nangolo from Erongo Red, Marinda Bahr from Swakopmund Municipality, Absalom Liyambo and Asser Tjikuniva as the union observers. According to the minutes, the committee reviewed each applicant’s qualifications based on the advertised requirements, which included a degree in public administration, human resources management or public relations, plus eight years of experience. Napwu alleges that after the committee concluded its work, the shortlist was secretly changed.  “The name of Elizabeth Swarts was removed, and the names of Jafet Nelongo and Rosina Muatunga were added to the list without the knowledge, consent, or ratification of the shortlisting committee,” the union wrote. The union said the change violates administrative due process, breaches the council’s recruitment regulations and goes against Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution, which upholds fairness and reasonableness in administrative actions. Napwu further alleges that some candidates were paid subsistence and travel allowances, which are prohibited under Rule 33 of the Recruitment Regulations.  Payment records show Lukas received N$10 480 and Schubert N$8 795. The union described these payments as “irregular, unethical and constituting financial impropriety.” “Honourable minister, the recruitment regulations must be adhered to in their totality. Any deviation therefrom renders the process null, void, and susceptible to judicial review for procedural unfairness and ultra vires administrative action,” Nevonga stated.  Instead of defending the original shortlist, the council, through chief executive officer Victoria Kapenda, opted to start a new shortlisting process scheduled for 27 October 2025.  Napwu said the move was a deliberate attempt to legitimise an illegal process. “Such actions undermine the principles of transparency, equity, and accountability that should govern all public recruitment processes,” the union stated. The Windhoek Observer obtained a letter dated 22 October 2025, signed by Kapenda, inviting Napwu to send a shop steward to observe the new shortlisting process, an invitation the union rejected as illegitimate. Napwu asked Sankwasa to stop the new process, direct the council to proceed with the valid shortlist approved on 25 July 2025, and ensure compliance with the Recruitment Regulations, including Rule 33. “Napwu therefore appeals for your immediate intervention to restore legality, fairness, and transparency in this recruitment process and to uphold the integrity of local authority governance,” Nevonga wrote. Napwu’s western regional coordinator, Richard Kayimbi, said they were concerned that the council deviated from the initial process. He confirmed that they formally requested Sankwasa to intervene. “Therefore, as a union, we are condemning the second shortlisting committee and process. We are advising the council, through the accounting officer, to stop the process and stick to the previously recommended shortlist of 25 July 2025,” Kayimbi said. When contacted for comment, Kapenda said, “I suggest that you get information from your sources.”

Employees of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) will receive a 4.25% salary adjustment for the 2025/2026 financial year, following a wage agreement signed between NTB and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU). The adjustment applies to all members of the bargaining unit, excluding executive managers. The agreement also provides for an across-the-board performance reward to […] The post NTB staff secure 4.25% salary increase under new wage agreement first appeared on The Brief | Namibia's Leading Business & Financial News.

Staff Reporter THE Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU), representing NTB employees, have successfully concluded wage negotiations and formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Wage Increases for the 2025/2026 financial year. Flora Quest, Public Relations Officer at the NTB, explained that the agreement, which was reached amicably following constructive engagement between the parties, reflects NTB’s commitment to fair labour practices and the continuous improvement of working conditions for its employees. Key highlights of the agreement include an inclusive salary adjustment of 4.25% across all members of the bargaining unit, excluding executive managers, and a performance reward across the board to be implemented on or before March 2026. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sebulon Chicalu, Chief Executive Officer of NTB, emphasized the Board’s appreciation for its workforce. “This agreement is a demonstration of NTB’s commitment to valuing our employees as key contributors to Namibia’s tourism mandate. We are proud to have reached a consensus that recognizes their dedication, while also ensuring organizational sustainability,” Chicalu said. Also present, Sem Shilongo of NAPWU welcomed the outcome on behalf of the employees. “We are pleased with the constructive approach taken by NTB. This agreement not only secures improved wages but also enhances the confidence of workers in the organization’s leadership and commitment to their welfare,” Shilongo said. The parties reiterated their shared responsibility to uphold the terms of the agreement and to foster continued collaboration for the benefit of the institution, its employees, and the Namibian tourism sector at large. The post NTB and NAPWU sign wage agreement appeared first on Informanté.

Ehangano lyo Telecom Namibia nehangano lyaanilonga lyo NAPWU ohela oya shaina etsokumwe lyoonkundathana dhoondjambi dhomumvo 2024-2025  no 2025-2026. Ta popi momutumba gwiikundaneki mo Windhoek,omukuluntu wiliki go Telecom Namibia Stanely Shanapinda okwa hokolola etsokumwe kutya olya kalelapo eitulemo lyomikalo dhiilonga dhili pauyuki nodhiiwetikile,oshowo oku shilipaleka kutya aanilonga oya talikako noku pandulwa [...] The post O Telecom Namibia nehangano lyo NAPWU oyaadha etsokumwe lyoondjambi first appeared on Future Media News. The post O Telecom Namibia nehangano lyo NAPWU oyaadha etsokumwe lyoondjambi appeared first on Future Media News.

Telecom Namibia signs 2 pay deals with trade union NAPWU  Telecompaper

Telecom Namibia and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) hosted a signing ceremony to formalize two agreements for employees in the bargaining unit. The agreements cover wages and salaries, as well as substantive matters, for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years. This event marked the successful conclusion of constructive negotiations

Telecom Namibia and the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) have signed two agreements covering wages, salaries, and substantive matters for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years. The agreements, concluded at a signing ceremony, provide enhanced benefits for employees in the bargaining unit, including a once-off taxable payment of N$12,000 in 2025 for all permanent, trainee, […] The post Telecom employees to receive pay and benefits increases first appeared on The Brief | Namibia's Leading Business & Financial News.

Die Namibiese Openbare Werkers-unie, Napwu, het ‘n interne dispuut met Nampa verklaar oor die oorbetaling van salarisse aan personeel. Dit kom na die nuusagentskap die dubbele salarisbetalings in drie maande, tussen Maart en Mei vanjaar, van alle personeel verhaal het. Napwu het gevra vir onderhandelings in die verband en is die amptelike vakbond van die […]

FES formalized recognition agreement with NAPWU  NBC Online Fri, 01/17/2025 - 18:20