Former NovaNam temporal workers sends SOS to minister Zaamwani

A group of 151 former NovaNam Lüderitz temporary employees marched to the company's premises on Wednesday and handed over a petition with six demands addressed to the minister of Agricualture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, to NovaNam human resources manager Manu Namukomba.

A copy of the petition was also received by Councillor Besley Makaula on behalf of //Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze. The workers called on the government to save the jobs of the 151 temporary employees who lost their jobs in May 2026 by allocating sufficient quota to NovaNam. They argued that additional quota would help prevent similar job losses in the future.

The petition also calls for the introduction of a minimum wage in the fishing sector and for fishing companies to create direct, permanent employment rather than relying on temporary workers. "Based on the revenue generated by the sector, we are asking for the introduction of a minimum wage to improve our living conditions. We are the ones who go to sea and face harsh conditions and danger, yet we continue to struggle economically.

"We do not receive a basic salary. Long-term temporary employment resembles the old contract labour system. We need to be rewarded fairly for the value we create," the group said.

The workers said they were looking to the minister and the governor for urgent intervention to prevent further unemployment among young people. They also said they were aware of government-reserved quota that could be allocated to NovaNam to support job creation.

According to the group, company management informed them in May that NovaNam had not received sufficient quota to provide employment for them throughout the year.

"One hundred and fifty-one temporary workers, many of them breadwinners, were laid off in May 2026 and are now without an income.

"NovaNam is a major employer with about 2,000 employees, an estimated half of whom are temporary workers. Many have worked for the company for between six and 10 years.

"Without adequate quota allocations, the economy of Lüderitz will suffer. The fishing industry is a pillar of the Namibian economy and the backbone of the Lüderitz community," the group said.

The workers also referred to recent remarks by Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani, who said the sector contributes more than N$14 billion in revenue and accounts for more than 2% of state revenue.

"Although these resources belong to the people and the sector contributes significantly to the economy, employees who ensure that fishing operations continue are being left behind," the group said.