Paulus Mbangu, a member of the National Council, has recently voiced concerns regarding the living standards of workers in Namibia's table grape industry, particularly those residing in the informal settlement at Aussenkehr. This comes in the wake of a report by the Windhoek Observer where Mbangu underscored the reputational risks associated with subpar labor practices, referencing a catastrophic fire last year that razed 72 reed houses as a stark indicator of the perils of insufficient housing. "No customer wants to associate themselves with a business with bad news or bad labor practices," he remarked.
These comments were made alongside news from SilverStreet Capital, revealing their record-breaking harvest, with 2.7 million cartons of grapes shipped to Europe in a span of seven weeks. Despite this economic triumph and the employment opportunities it generates, there remains a stark contrast in the living conditions of the workers, many of whom reside in makeshift reed houses lacking basic amenities like electricity and potable water, and receive only basic wages devoid of additional benefits.
Mbangu drew attention to the potential violation of the Namibian Constitution's Article 9, equating labor exploitation to forced labor due to the absence of viable living alternatives for the workers. He advocated for the grape farming sector to invest in adequate worker accommodation, emphasizing the business advantages of ethical labor practices, including the attraction of skilled labor, enhanced job satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity, alongside reduced turnover rates. Additionally, he stressed the importance of adhering to the Labour Act to prevent legal repercussions.
The plight of Aussenkehr's residents has not gone unnoticed, with calls for the establishment of a village council to improve infrastructure and service delivery in the aftermath of the 2024 fire disaster. Such measures are deemed crucial for elevating living standards and ensuring the sustainable development of the table grape industry in Namibia.
Source: Windhoek Observer