South West African Native Labour Association
Encyclopedia
The South West African Native Labour Association (SWANLA) was a labour recruitment organisation which recruited primarily Ovambo people from Ovamboland
in northern Namibia to work in the diamond mines in Namibia's southern Karas Region
. It was infamous for its use of contract labour and human rights abuses among those employed in the mines. It was established in 1943 during World War II
to accommodate a rising demand for labour. SWANLA was a driving force in the creation of opposition political movements, including future liberation movement and ruling party of Namibia South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO).
Ovamboland
Ovamboland was the name given by English-speaking visitors to the land occupied by the Ovambo people in what is now northern Namibia and southern Angola...
in northern Namibia to work in the diamond mines in Namibia's southern Karas Region
Karas Region
The Karas Region is the southernmost region of Namibia. The name assigned to the region reflects the prominence of the Karas mountain range in its southern part...
. It was infamous for its use of contract labour and human rights abuses among those employed in the mines. It was established in 1943 during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
to accommodate a rising demand for labour. SWANLA was a driving force in the creation of opposition political movements, including future liberation movement and ruling party of Namibia South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO).