The Control Administrative Officer in the Erongo Governor's Office, Jacky Gaingob, has warned that retail workers are being exploited and are too afraid to speak out because they fear losing their jobs.

Gaingob told parliamentarians that weak enforcement of minimum wage provisions is leaving workers vulnerable.

“The sector might have a minimum wage, but how it is enforced at times goes hand in hand with employees being threatened with sacking if they dare to contradict the owners. So therefore it is for me; it is timely that this committee is present in the region."

Gaingob and the Deputy Director in the Governor's Office, Frederika Shiwedha, emphasised that the implementation of an hourly minimum wage could offer greater protection.

“These people are being exploited, and they don't have that much job security, and job security is very paramount," explained Gaingob.

"I want to be protected so that our social security is being paid, our taxes are fairly deducted and we have the PPEs, and we are working on conducive hours as stated in the Labour Act. That's what we want to see; that conducive environment has to be strengthened by all parties,” added Shiwedha.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations has concluded its mission to assess working conditions and the implementation of labour laws in the retail sector in the Erongo Region.