By: Justicia Shipena

 

Cabinet has taken a hit at Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) on its activities against some foreign owned business establishments.

 

In a latest cabinet statement delivered by information, communication and technology minister Peya Mushelenga on Thursday, eight unnamed persons have been fingered for carrying out subversive activities against foreign businesses.

 

Although it does not mention who the ‘eight persons’ are, the clock head points to NEFF.

 

These have been slammed for “creating platforms of structural distrust among various business groupings, notably local versus foreign business owners and fermenting a state of mayhem and disruption of public order”.

 

“Business regulation should therefore never be seen as an exercise focused solely on detecting violators and having a punitive bent,” the cabinet stressed.

 

Mushelenga stamped that the cabinet condemns the activities of inciting the public to resort to riot.

“Cabinet strongly condemns closing down business premises, outward breaking of the laws that govern this nation, creating inherent confusion and mayhem,” he said.

 

In this light, he said the cabinet is calling for business owners to adhere to operational legislation with no exception.

 

He further stressed that the government would not tolerate business people who disregard the country’s laws.

 

Furthermore, Mushelenga reiterated that the finance ministry and its agencies continue to ensure business regulations, monitoring and supervision.

 

“Cabinet reiterates that all persons, foreign and local, should adhere to business laws, and non-adherence should be reported to compliance enforcement officers,” he said.

 

He added that the labour ministry is the one with powers to ensure adherence to workplace compliance optimisation.

 

“Such powers may range from the issuance of compliance order and even the closing order of all working activities in the event of extreme non-adherence to set laws and regulations,” he said.

 

Mushelenga further said it is incorrect and misleading to suggest that Namibia has two separate laws regulating foreign and local businesses.

 

“There exist no attempts by the government to seek support and elevate foreign businesses at the expense of local businesses,” said Mushelenga.

 

 

The Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA), do not only ensure the administration and management of the national tax management system, but also regulate border issues such as counterfeit consumer goods,” he said.