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
Mineworkers' Union of Namibia | |
| Founded | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Affiliations | National Union of Namibian Workers South West Africa People's Organization |
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]
