Namibia Fishing Workers: Wealth Demands for Greater Industry Share

• Namibian fishing workers are demanding a greater stake in the industry's wealth, advocating for decent jobs, social protection, and a voice in decisions.
• Trade unionist Joseph Garoeb stated that political connections or affiliations should not determine who benefits from fishing quotas, calling for equal participation for all Namibians.
• Panelist Armando Pieters emphasized that companies benefiting from fishing resources have responsibilities beyond taxes, including job creation, transparency, and fair treatment of employees.
• Journalist Ester Mbathera highlighted significant challenges in accessing basic information about fishing rights holders, expiring rights, and governmental objective quotas.
• The National Fisheries Indaba, where these issues were discussed, is part of a larger process initiated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to address sector and worker concerns.

These Namibia fishing workers wealth demands represent a fundamental shift in expectations regarding resource management and economic inclusion.

A recent panel discussion at the National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay highlighted significant demands from workers within Namibia's vital fishing industry. Participants voiced a strong desire to move beyond their traditional roles as mere employees, advocating for a more substantial stake in the sector's wealth and decision-making processes. This sentiment underscores a broader call for transformation, aiming to ensure that the benefits derived from Namibia's rich marine resources are distributed more equitably among its citizens.

Trade unionist Joseph Garoeb articulated the long-standing frustration among workers, who have observed others accrue significant wealth from the fishing industry while their own involvement remained largely confined to employment. He emphasized that workers are no longer content with simply being employed, asserting that it is time for them to participate equally in the resource's benefits. Garoeb further stressed that any meaningful transformation must critically examine the allocation of fishing quotas and how these allocations translate into tangible advantages for ordinary Namibians. He firmly stated that political connections, veteran status, or other affiliations should not be the determining factors for who profits from these national assets, advocating instead for a system that prioritizes the welfare of all Namibians.

While Garoeb clarified that increased worker participation does not necessarily imply every individual becoming a fishing rights holder, he defined it as the provision of decent work. This encompasses the creation of secure employment opportunities, robust social protection mechanisms, and a genuine voice for workers in decisions that directly impact their livelihoods and the industry's future. These Namibia fishing workers wealth demands represent a fundamental shift in expectations regarding resource management and economic inclusion.

Beyond the direct allocation of resources, the discussions at the Indaba also focused on the broader responsibilities of those who benefit from Namibia's fishing wealth. Armando Pieters, another panelist, underscored that the obligations of companies and individuals profiting from the industry extend far beyond simply fulfilling tax requirements. He argued that these entities bear a crucial responsibility to actively contribute to the nation's economic well-being through job creation and maintaining transparent operational practices.

Pieters highlighted that even the creation of a single job represents a valuable contribution to the country's development. He further elaborated that accountability within the sector should be evident in how companies treat their workforce and the nature of their relationships with employees. This perspective suggests a holistic view of corporate responsibility, where ethical labor practices and clear communication are as important as financial contributions.

Crucially, Pieters asserted that the size of a company's fishing quota should never serve as an excuse to circumvent these fundamental responsibilities. This point directly addresses potential arguments from larger operators who might claim their scale exempts them from certain social or ethical duties, reinforcing the expectation that all beneficiaries, regardless of their operational footprint, must uphold these standards of accountability and contribute meaningfully to the national interest.

A significant impediment to achieving greater equity and accountability in the Namibian fishing sector, as highlighted by journalist Ester Mbathera, is the pervasive challenge of accessing basic information. Mbathera revealed that journalists have faced long-standing difficulties in obtaining crucial data regarding fishing rights holders and the decisions that shape the industry. This struggle points to a deeply entrenched issue surrounding information accessibility within the sector.

According to Mbathera, information that should ideally be publicly available often requires indirect methods to acquire, indicating a lack of proactive disclosure. This includes vital details concerning fishing rights that are scheduled to expire both this year and next year, as well as information pertaining to governmental objective quotas. She emphasized that the public, not just the media, has a right to understand who benefits from these quotas and the rationale behind their allocation. Mbathera stressed the importance of clear explanations when governmental objective quotas are put up for auction, asserting that such transparency is essential for the entire nation.

The lack of accessible information also directly impacts future participation, as articulated by youth participant Komeni /Neis. Young people, despite their willingness to engage in the fishing industry, find themselves without clear pathways or platforms to learn about available opportunities. This information vacuum creates a barrier for new entrants, hindering the sector's ability to foster intergenerational involvement and further underscores the urgent need for enhanced transparency.

The recent National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay, where these critical discussions unfolded, is not an isolated event but rather a key component of a much broader national initiative. This comprehensive process commenced in April when President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah convened a meeting with various fishing industry stakeholders. The presidential engagement was prompted by growing concerns impacting both the sector's overall health and the welfare of its workers.

Following this initial high-level meeting, a consultant was appointed to spearhead a structured approach to addressing these challenges. This appointment subsequently led to the establishment of a dedicated task force, further supported by seven specialized technical working groups. These groups have been specifically mandated to delve into the complex issues facing the industry and to formulate viable solutions.

The ongoing dialogue, including the Indaba, serves as a crucial platform for gathering diverse perspectives and ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders, particularly those of the workers, are heard and integrated into the reform efforts. This structured approach, initiated at the highest level of government, signifies a concerted effort to tackle the systemic issues within Namibia's fishing sector, aiming for a future characterized by greater fairness, transparency, and shared prosperity for all involved.

Source: Original reporting via Namibian media