The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), in its continued mission to deepen its impact and presence, has launched several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening member engagement and promoting sustainable socioeconomic development. As part of this drive, MUN successfully hosted a Western Regional Roundtable discussion in Erongo Region on June 18th, marking a key milestone in its national series of member engagement forums.
The roundtable event formed part of a broader effort to enable closer interaction between the union’s leadership and its members across all regions. These dynamic and interactive platforms are designed to inform, empower, and engage members on the benefits of union affiliation, while also providing critical updates on current campaigns and national labour matters. Since its formal establishment in 1986, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights of workers across the mining and related industries. MUN remains a central force in Namibia’s labour movement and a committed advocate for social justice within the broader political landscape.
Poco-Key Mberiuana, the Acting President of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia introduced and opened the roundtable discussions “These roundtables are not a top-down information session. They are a dialogue. A conversation. A listening exercise. They are a chance for us, the leadership, to sit side by side with members on the ground and hear directly from you. What are your concerns? What are your ideas? How can we make this union even stronger, more inclusive, and more effective? Each One Teach One is how we need to lead as the Mineworkers Union,” he remarked.
Additionally, Rebekka Bengela, MUN National Secretary emphasized the value of continuous dialogue between leadership and members. “Our aim today is both clear and meaningful, which is to reinforce the relationship between leadership and membership, to have a deeper understanding of the union’s work, and to build a more informed, engaged, and united membership, one that is prepared to participate actively in shaping our shared future,” he said. Adding to the sentiments, MUN Western Regional Chairperson, Niklaas Afrikaner, highlighted on the challenge of lack of awareness of the initiatives by the members “Still, challenges remain. Many workers are unaware of the benefits available to them through the union. Some believe the union is only there during strikes or salary disputes. But we must change that narrative. MUN membership means support in every season of your life whether you’re starting your career, raising a family, launching a business, or investing in your children’s education,” he stated.
The roundtable brought together MUN national, regional leaders and the western region members. The agenda included panel discussions, open floor sessions, and reflective presentations on the union’s history, its evolving role in the present day, and the shared responsibility of building a stronger, more informed and resilient membership base. Attendees also engaged in conversations about the economic and social benefits of collective bargaining, as well as the significance of solidarity in securing long-term worker protections
The Regional Chairperson further underscored the union’s dedication to finding localized solutions to member challenges. A panel discussion which was facilitated highlighted various aspects on the current state of MUN and its members what are the most pressing issues currently facing mineworkers in their regions and regional leadership communication between grassroots members/shop stewards and the national union ensuring that local concerns inform broader union strategies and actions to mention a few. In a significant development, MUN provided an update on it’s NAMIT SME Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support entrepreneurial ventures by current and former members. Established in 2024, the fund has already disbursed over N$800,000 to entrepreneurs in various regions, demonstrating tangible support for members’ economic empowerment. As of this year, 54 applications have been received, reflecting growing interest and demand for inclusive economic support from the Union. Members in attendance were pleased and grateful for such initiatives which allow transparency and an open communication with its leadership. Rauna Namolo Osino, a current MUN member expressed her opinion on the importance of the round table discussions. “The roundtable discussions were an important step toward real change. They gave members a chance to engage directly with leadership in an open, respectful space — not for conflict, but for solutions. I truly believe these kinds of platforms should happen more often. However, dialogue must lead to action. If workers’ voices are heard but not acted on, then we’re simply talking in circles. Let’s make roundtables a bridge to impact — not just conversations,” she noted. Another MUN member Theopolina Fanuel Carbon shared “As a member, I appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with the leadership and share the challenges my voice as an MUN member. It was empowering to not only voice my concerns but also suggest possible solutions. Being heard in this way gives me hope, and I look forward to seeing the changes that come from these conversations,” she noted Additionally, the Union announced the launch of the MUN National Games to take place in Q1 2026. The MUN recognizes the importance of the well-being, social cohesion, and work-life balance for its members. To address the challenges of stress, burnout, and limited recreational opportunities, this initiative will leverage structured sports activities to promote physical health, teamwork, and camaraderie among union members while fostering a stronger sense of community. The national games will include Netball, Volleyball, Tournament, Tug – of- War and Tournament and 5km/10km/20km run. These games will take place in March 2026 with an official launch set to take place in August 2025 for all further logistic announcements. Through these and other initiatives, the Mineworkers Union of Namibia continues to enhance its footprint, affirm its values, and demonstrate its commitment to the advancement and wellbeing of Namibian workers.