General Strike of Contract Workers

The general strike of contract workers involved approximately 25% of the entire working population, amounting to around 13,000 individuals. It began in Windhoek and Walvis Bay, quickly expanding to Tsumeb and other mining areas. This strike was a direct response to the oppressive contract system that many workers described as akin to slavery. The contract system limited workers' rights and subjected them to harsh working conditions, prompting widespread discontent among the labor force. The strike highlighted the grievances of contract workers and drew attention to the broader socio-economic issues faced by the labor community in the region. The mobilization of such a significant portion of the workforce demonstrated the potential for collective action in advocating for labor rights and improved working conditions.