Call for transparency in government recruitment practices

Dear Editor,

I am writing to raise a serious concern regarding recruitment and employment practices in Namibia.

It has become increasingly evident that many institutions, including the Namibian Defence Force, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Correctional Service, often favour family members or close associates during recruitment processes. As a result, many qualified and skilled Namibians remain unemployed and discouraged, despite holding certificates and recognised qualifications. Such practices undermine the principle of “One Namibia, One Nation,” which is meant to guarantee fairness and equal opportunity for all citizens.

I strongly propose that these institutions, and indeed all government ministries, review and strengthen their recruitment systems. Recruitment teams should broaden their outreach by engaging communities directly and ensuring that every household has a fair opportunity to present at least one qualified candidate for consideration. This approach would promote transparency, inclusivity and equal access, while restoring hope to families that have long felt excluded from public employment opportunities.

This concern is not limited to a single organisation; it affects the entire government system. A fair and inclusive recruitment framework is not only a matter of justice, but a necessity for national development, social stability and the restoration of public trust. I therefore urge that this matter be given serious consideration by the relevant authorities and shared widely for public discussion.

Hausiku Eino Sende