MUN in turmoil amid alleged constitutional violations

The Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) is embroiled in internal conflict. 

Its western region branch is accusing the national leadership of unconstitutional activities and misusing union funds to silence dissent.

In a media statement last Tuesday, the MUN’s western region branch, through its chairperson, Abiud Kapere, condemned alleged actions initiated by the union’s head office administration.

He described the actions as “a serious breach” of members’ constitutional rights.

Kapere highlighted concerns about disciplinary enquiry notices issued by a staff member without the mandate of the national executive committee (NEC), calling it a violation of the MUN’s constitution.

“The western region stands firm on the principles of accountability, constitutional compliance and transparency, advocating for these without fear or favour,” he said.

The branch further alleged that membership fees were being misused to convene unauthorised NEC meetings aimed at targeting members with opposing views.

The branch accused the current leadership of attempting to financially cripple members who challenge the union’s non-compliance with its constitution. 

It pointed to the NEC’s failure to implement a forensic audit and convene an extraordinary congress as per a congress resolution.

He demanded that the extraordinary congress be convened no later than November this year, warning that failure to do so would prompt legal action.

Abraham Baisako, a former union leader who was recently expelled, described the leadership’s actions as “unconstitutional and politically motivated”.

“What we are witnessing is nothing short of a witch-hunt. The decisions that led to my expulsion were taken in bad faith, driven by an agenda to remove those who are committed to upholding the true values and resolutions of our congress,” he told The Namibian recently.

He also raised concerns about attempts to amend the union’s trust and business arms, Namibia Miners Investment Trust (Namit) and Nam-Mic Holdings, which he believes is part of a broader effort to consolidate power.

“This was done under the guise of acting in the best interests of the organisation, but in reality it was a move to capture the trust and secure control over its financial resources,” Baisako said.

MUN acting president Mathew Mberiuana dismissed the western region’s statement as “calculated” and “misleading”, accusing it of attempting to create regionalism and undermine the union’s governance processes.

Mberiuana also refuted allegations of fund misuse, saying the union has entered into a service-level agreement with Legal Shield to cover legal costs for paid-up union members. 

He accused Baisako and other leaders of obstructing the NEC’s efforts to carry out the forensic audit and organise the extraordinary congress, describing their actions as a deliberate attempt to “frustrate and cover up their own abuses”.

The NEC has resolved to undertake individual inquiries into allegations against certain members, including Baisako, for unauthorised withdrawals from Namit. 

Baisako’s expulsion was a result of these inquiries, according to the NEC.

The western region has called on all union members to remain focused on convening the extraordinary congress.

“The members deserve to know the truth. The only way to restore integrity and trust in our organisation is to convene an extraordinary congress, where all these issues can be addressed transparently,” Baisako urged.