The Rhino garment factory, a subsidiary of Ramatex will close down next month, according to a government official. Although rumours of closure were strongly denied at the start of the year by the Ramatex management, some 1700 workers have an unknown future. The company gave notice of the possible closure to the Ministry of Trade and Industry this month, saying it no longer had a market to which to sell its products and therefore there is no reason to continue operating in Namibia. Ramatex and its subsidiaries are currently battling to fend off accusations of unfair labour practises reported to its buyers in the US.

Namibian labour unions have written to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) informing it about the prevailing environment and labour conditions at Ramatex and its affiliated companies.

In a letter to Ramatex’s major clients, Neil Kearney of ILO asked them not to buy its products from Namibia because of major workers rights violations and appalling working conditions prevailing at the Ramatex factories in the country.
The permanent secretary in the ministry of trade and industry, Andrew Ndishishi confirmed the closure of the garments factory, but said there were attempts to discuss the existing problems at the factory.