Chinese Company Employees Protest

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Last October, the Namibian government issued a ban on Xinfeng, an exporter of lithium ore to China, citing irregularities in the shipments. Xinfeng, however, vehemently deniedtheallegations,statingthatthe lithium ore, amounting to 75,000 metric tons, was dispatched to their Chinese headquarters for testing purposestoaidindesigningalithium processing plant within Namibia. Building on this development, Namibia recently enforced a ban on the export of unprocessed lithium and othercriticalminerals,effectivefrom June 8.The intention behind this ban istofosterlocalprocessing,ensuring that Namibia maximizes the economic benefits derived from its abundantmineralresources.Lithiumholds significant importance for renewable energy storage, while rare earth mineralslikedysprosiumandterbium are essential for manufacturing permanent magnets used in electric carsandwindturbines.

Continued from page 1 service.Thisraisesfears that wages and benefits will be reduced by the labour hire company

However, the employees strongly believethatthisdecision is unfair, procedurally flawed, and a violation of both the recognition and procedural agreements in place, as well as the Labour Act No. 11 of 2007.

Adding to their concerns, the notice of terminationprovidesa fixed package for all employees, disregardingtheirlengthof

Considering these grievances, the employees presented their demandsinthepetition:

1 The company management should reconsider the decision to terminate workers, as it is viewed as unproceduralanddetrimentalto the employees and the nation.

2. The transfer of em- ployees to the labour hirecompanyshouldbe put on hold until negotiations with the unionarefinalised.

3. Company management must respond to theemployees'concerns by Friday, June 30, 2023.

4 The Honourable Minister, Uutoni Nujoma, is urged to intervene urgently and confirm that his ministryreceivedthetermination notice from Seafresh and Namsov Factory,asprescribedin theLabourActNo.11of 2007. Additionally, the ministry's role in ensuring that employees are directly recruited by employers, rather than through thirdpartylabourhirecompanies The employees expressed their hope that their demands will be seriously considered and addressed by the company management and the relevant authorities.Theyseek a fair resolution that upholdstheirrightsas workersandensuresa just and equitable workingenvironment.

A royal visit from His Majesty Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, King of Ondonga, to the Namibian Ports Authority

During the visit, the Kingandhisdelegation were provided with a comprehensive presentation on the operations and ongoing projects of theAuthority To showcase Namport's capabilities and efficiency,theKingandhis entourageweretakenon an extensive tour of the state-of-the-artfacilities at the Port of Walvis Bay Elias Mwenyo, Executive: Commercial

Services of Namport said, "Namport remains committed to maintaining strong working relationships with its stakeholders and continually seeks opportunities to showcase what the entity has to offer for Namibia and beyond.”Theroyalvisit from His Majesty, Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo serves as a testament to Namport's dedicationtosharingits development plans with all Namibians Namport appreciates therecognitionandthe opportunity to demonstrate its commitmenttothenation's growthandprosperity Ondonga is a traditional kingdom of the Ovambo people in what is today northern Namibia. Its capital is Ondangwa, and the kingdom's palace is at Onambango.

TheNamibianPortsAuthority(Namport)washonouredbyaroyalvisitfromHisMajesty,Fillemon ShuumbwaNangolo,theKingofOndonga,accompaniedbyhisesteemeddelegationonFriday,23 June 2023. Welcoming the King and his delegation, Mr. Andrew Kanime, the Chief Executive OfficerofNamport,emphasisedthesignificanceofthisvisit,highlightingtheimportancethatthe governmentofNamibiaanditspeople'splaceontheNamibianPortsAuthority

Police Arrest 3 Suspects in Foiled Robbery Attempt, Fake Registration Plates Found

Eileen van der Schyff

In a significant development on Wednesday morning this week, the police apprehended three local men for their alleged involvement in a plannedrobbery Thearrestsweremadefollowingatip-offreceivedby theauthorities.Thesuspectsnowfacechargesofconspiracytocommit robbery,alongwiththeadditionaloffenseofdisplayingfakeregistration plates.

AccordingtoInspector Ileni Shapumba, the Commander of Community Affairs of the Erongo police, investigations revealed that thesuspectshadrented a Volkswagen Polo, which they had tinted and equipped with counterfeit number plates A dramatic chase unfolded as the police pursued the suspects from Walvis Bay to Kuisebmond. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement officers discovered three sets of different number plates This incident sheds light on a growing concern for the police, as cases of robberiesandattempted robberies involving fake registration plates areontherise.Inspector Shapumba expressed his apprehension regarding the lack of controlovertheacquisition of vehicle registrationplates.Hecalled upon printing shops to enhance their control measuresintheprinting and issuance of registrationplates.

“Individuals should not be issued a vehicle registration plate or number unless they possess authentic proof of ownership from the National Traffic Information System (NATIS),” Inspector Shapumbaemphasised.

The police's swift response and successful operation serve as a reminderoftheircommitment to maintaining public safety and combating criminalactivities.Investigations into this foiled robbery attempt are ongoing, and the suspects will be brought before the court to face the charges against them. The incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance and collaborative efforts to curb crime and ensure the integrity of vehicle registrationprocessesinthe region.