Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eino Vatileni
Published on 2024-03-18 11:54:49
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani recently addressed a group of over 1,300 fishermen at Walvis Bay, urging them to return to the sea if they are currently unemployed and working as general workers. Venaani emphasized the need for fishing companies to provide tangible employment opportunities with fair salaries to fishermen, as part of the Government Employment Redress Programme.
During his visit to the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), Venaani highlighted the discrepancy in salaries between working as a fisherman at sea and as a general worker on land. He noted that fishermen could earn significantly more at sea, ranging from N$18,000 to N$25,000, compared to the meager N$4,000 offered by some companies for general work. Venaani stressed that fishing companies should prioritize fair compensation for fishermen, even while ensuring profitability.
Venaani was firm in his stance, declaring that all fishermen should return to sea, regardless of government preferences. He stated that fishing companies should not receive fishing quotas if they are not providing full-time employment opportunities for fishermen. The focus should be on sharing profits and ensuring that all workers, not just a select few, have the opportunity to work at sea.
In a parliamentary session earlier this month, Venaani questioned Minister Derek Klazen on the challenges facing the Government Employment Redress Programme and requested an update on the employment outcomes for fishermen in the hake sector. The program, initiated in 2020 by the Ministries of Fisheries and Marine Resources and Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation, aimed to secure permanent employment for 681 fishermen in the hake industry.
Venaani reiterated the importance of protecting workers and ensuring that fishing companies fulfill their commitments to provide meaningful employment opportunities. The program’s success hinges on creating a fair and transparent system that benefits both fishermen and the fishing industry as a whole.
As Venaani continues to advocate for the rights of fishermen and the proper implementation of the Government Employment Redress Programme, he calls on all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being and livelihoods of those working in the fishing sector. By working together to address these issues, Namibia can create a more equitable and sustainable future for its fishing communities.
Read the original article on The Namibian
