The Congress of the Agricultural Employers Association was held at the Safari Hotel, Windhoek on June 19, 2007. The following is a summary of the most important points which were discussed –
·Mr Derek Wright was elected as Chairman and Mr Helmut Förtsch as Vice Chairman. Other management members are Mr J Wasserfall for the South, Mr P de Beer for central and Mr B Kruger for the North
·The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Mr P Ilonga (in the absence of Minister! Naruseb) opened the Congress officially. He emphasized that the agricultural sector plays an important role in the economy of Namibia. Peace and stability in this sector is thus very important.
·Mr Dawie Fourie of Transformation Namibia was one of the speakers and made his presentation under the theme “The Namibian Dream Challenge”. He specially referred to the role of good leadership and that it is the christian duty of each leader to build the inner image of those with whom he is working.
·The “Dirk Sobotta Agricultural Employer of the Year Trophy” (2007) was presented to Mr & Mrs Jannie Wiese of Witvlei FA. The runner-up is Mr Johann Vaatz of Windhoek FA.
·Adv Pieter de Beer informed Congress about the practical implementation of the new Labour Act. Matters of importanse were especially the prohibition of any form of child labour, the availability of compassionate leave for 5 days for emplyees, the definition of an employee versus a contractor as well the settling of labour disputes by way of arbitration and mediation.
·Mrs Ingrid de Beer gave information about the AEA and PharmAccess project which is currently done amongst NAU members regarding the avaialability of facilities and service for primary health care.
·One point of discussion, namely “The impact of the National Pension Fund on the “Namibian Agricultural Retirement Fund” was discussed and this point was referred to the NAU Congress.