Staff Reporter
THE Office of the Labour Commissioner has launched the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and highlighted the progress made in the Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) initiative, which, amongst other things, is meant to decrease the number of backlog labour cases as well as improve service delivery.
Speaking at the event, Inecia Theresia Brandt, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, explained that the development of the Standard Operating Procedures was one of the key recommendations from the International Labour Organization (ILO) Diagnostic Workshop on Access to Labour Justice held in March 2024.
“Our objective is clear. We seek to establish a labour justice system that is efficient, predictable, transparent and centred on the needs of the people we serve. Every employee and every employer who approaches the Office of the Labour Commissioner should receive the same high standard of service, regardless of where in Namibia they seek assistance,” Brandt said.
Identifying some of the pillars of the Standard Operating Procedures, Brandt said the Office of the Labour Commissioner seeks to uphold respect and dignity, fair and orderly proceedings, professionalism, and an efficient and predictable process.
“Operating Procedures establish consistent practices across all regional offices. Together with the Business Process Re-engineering initiative and the planned electronic Case Management System, they will simplify processes, improve transparency, strengthen accountability and reduce unnecessary delays,” Brandt said.
She added that while reducing the backlog of labour disputes remains an important priority, the Office of the Labour Commissioner recognises that lasting improvement cannot be achieved exclusively by concluding more cases.
“Sustainable reform requires stronger systems, streamlined processes, competent officials and an institutional culture committed to excellence in public service,” Brandt said.
As at November 2025, the Office of the Labour Commissioner had a backlog of some 475 cases.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: File
