Mining firms outsource to cut costs, boost profits – unionist - George Ampweya, Secretary General of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia

Desert FM spoke to Mine Workers Union of Namibia secretary general George Ampweya. He highlights how primary operations increasingly replace permanent staff with subcontractors – often leading to drastically reduced wages, weaker safety and social protections, and suppressed union representation.

While companies and investors point to operational efficiency and competitiveness, the union and parliamentary bodies are raising alarms over a dual labour market that risks sacrificing workers' livelihoods for corporate cost-cutting.