RFA and 14 Employers Face Review for Affirmative Action Non-Compliance

Staff Reporter FIFTEEN employers, including the Road Fund Administration (RFA), Beefcor Meat Suppliers, the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and Letshego Bank, among others, are set to appear before the Employment Equity Commission’s (EEC) Review Panel this week for failing to comply with the Affirmative Action Act (No. 29 of 1998). This was announced by the Employment Equity Commissioner, Otniel Podewiltz, who revealed that the relevant employers will appear before the Review Panel on today, 21 January 2026, and Thursday, 22 January 2026, from 09:00 to 13:00 at the National Council in Windhoek. The hearings will be open to the public. SUMMONED: Schedule for the 15 employers scheduled to appear on Wednesday and Thursday. Photo: Ministry of Justice. Podewiltz revealed that the employers scheduled to appear before the Review Panel include Namibia Rotomould (Pty) Ltd, Moncha Trading CC t/a Wykveld Quality Produce, Kongsberg Maritime (Pty) Ltd, Walvis Bay Primary School, Antonius Residenz Trust, Bidvest Steiner Namibia (Pty) Ltd, RFA, Beefcor Meat Suppliers (Pty) Ltd, Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), NTA, Letshego Bank, Namibia Oncology Centre (Pty) Ltd, Independent Security Services CC, Amitofo Care Centre of Namibia, and Swanib Cables (Pty) Ltd. “Pursuant to sections 35 to 40 of the Act, the Review Panel hearings are convened to address deficiencies in Affirmative Action Reports submitted by relevant employers. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Commission disapproves such reports for non-compliance with specific statutory requirements, which results in the reports being referred to Review Panels for mediation. The Review Panel hearings constitute formal, quasi-judicial proceedings,” Podewiltz said. He explained that the Review Panels aim to address the deficiencies identified in the disapproved reports and assess whether genuine efforts are being made to promote fair and equitable employment practices within the respective workplaces. “The process provides an opportunity for mediation, enabling employers to address identified shortcomings. Furthermore, the Panel is empowered to issue final and binding orders, and the Commission may, where appropriate, initiate criminal proceedings against employers for non-compliance if such non-compliance constitutes an offence under the Act,” Podewiltz explained. Podewiltz stressed that the public nature of the hearings aligns with the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to correct historical imbalances and promote equitable employment practices throughout the Namibian economy. “The Commission remains committed to its mandate to address historical inequalities, increase the representation of previously disadvantaged groups, and foster inclusivity, diversity, and non-discrimination in workplaces,” Podewiltz added. The Commissioner confirmed that the EEC has commenced the process of identifying and formulating criminal charges against the relevant employers for contravening section 47 of the Affirmative Action Act.