EEC summons 15 employers over non-compliance with Affirmative Action Act

By: Hertha Ekandjo

The Employment Equity Commission (EEC) has summoned 15 relevant employers to appear before a review panel for failing to comply with the provisions of the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, Act No. 29 of 1998.

The affected employers, defined as companies employing ten or more employees, were cited for deficiencies in their submitted Affirmative Action reports.

According to the Commission, the review panel hearings will take place from 21 to 22 January 2026 at the National Council in Windhoek.

The hearings are convened in terms of sections 35 to 40 of the Act, which empower the EEC to refer disapproved reports to review panels for mediation and corrective action. The proceedings are classified as formal, quasi-judicial hearings.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Commission noted that, the review panels will examine shortcomings identified in the submitted reports and assess whether employers have made genuine efforts to promote fair and equitable employment practices within their workplaces.

The process also provides an opportunity for mediation, allowing employers to address identified gaps. However, the review panel is empowered to issue final and binding orders, and the Commission may initiate criminal proceedings where non-compliance constitutes an offence under the Act.

The EEC said the review panel mechanism plays a critical role in holding employers accountable, ensuring compliance with affirmative action obligations, and advancing equitable employment practices in Namibia.

The Commission further stated that the public hearings support the objectives of the Act, which seek to redress historical imbalances, increase the representation of previously disadvantaged groups, and promote inclusivity, diversity and non-discrimination across all sectors of the economy.

In addition to the hearings, the EEC has commenced the process of identifying and formulating criminal charges against several employers for contraventions under section 47 of the Act.

Among the employers summoned to appear before the review panel are Namibia Rotomould (Pty) Ltd, Moncha Trading CC trading as Wykveld Quality Produce, Kongsberg Maritime (Pty) Ltd, Walvis Bay Primary School, Antonius Residenz Trust, Bidvest Steiner Namibia (Pty) Ltd, Road Fund Administration, and Beefcor Meat Suppliers (Pty) Ltd, among others.