The South West African Native Labour Association (SWANLA) was a labour contracting organisation which contracted primarily Ovambo people from Ovamboland in northern Namibia to work in the diamond mines in Namibia's southern ǁKaras Region.
[1] 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.
[2] 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).
[2] SWANLA classified employees based on 'working abilities & health' and then were issued tags to carry, around either their neck or arms.