Mineworkers Union of Namibia
SWAPO-affiliated trade union in Namibia
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The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) is one of the most powerful of Namibia's trade unions. It plays a leading public role in the Namibian political space and is an ally of the ruling South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) government.[1] The MUN was established in 1986. It is affiliated with the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) national trade union center and had about 8,000 members in 2017[update].[2]: 23
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"A People United Shall Never Be Defeated" | |
 Site of 2008 zinc strike | |
| Abbreviation | M.U.N. |
|---|---|
| Established | 1986 |
| Founder | Ben Ulenga |
| Type | Trade union |
| Headquarters | 7353 Mungunda Street, Windhoek, Namibia |
Region served | Namibia |
| Methods | Collective bargaining, political advocacy, benefits administration |
| Fields | Mining |
| Members | 10,000 (2025) |
Secretary General | George Ampweya |
President (acting) | Poco-Key Mberiuana |
VP (acting) | Shavuka Mbidhi |
Secretary | Cde. Rebekka Bengela |
Treasurer | Maria Shikongo |
| Subsidiaries | NAMIT |
| Affiliations | National Union of Namibian Workers, South West Africa People's Organization |
| Website | Official site |
Strikes
The MUN supported the 2008 Skorpion Zinc Strike, accusing Skorpion Zinc of practising racial discrimination and of negotiating in bad faith.[3]
Criticisms
MUN has been accused of "dishonesty and neglect over unfulfilled promises to beneficiaries" in connection with a company it owns, Namibia Miners Investment Trust (Namit), established to support union members.[4] When in 2025 government pushed for a majority stake in all new mining operations, MUN was criticised for defending this policy.[5]
Notable members
- John Shaetonhodi, union president 1986–1995, later deputy labour minister[6]
- Bernhardt Esau, secretary general of NUNW, a national trade union center, later fisheries minister[7]
- Asser Kuveri Kapere, president from 1987-1991
- Peter Naholo, secretary general from 1993-2001
- Ben Ulenga, founder of MUN[8]
