NamPower dismisses bursary graduate's claim of job guarantee

A NamPower bursary recipient who completed his electrical engineering studies in 2023 says he has been left unemployed for nearly two years, despite what he claims was a contract clause that created expectations of employment at the power utility after graduation.

The graduate, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, was awarded a NamPower bursary on 17 February 2022 to study electrical engineering at Northlink College in South Africa.

He completed his Level 6 electrical diploma on 1 March 2023 with strong academic results.

According to the graduate, the bursary agreement signed with NamPower created, in his view, a clear expectation of employment after completion of studies.

“After graduating, I awaited further guidance regarding placement, which did not happen as expected,” he said.

Clause 6.1 of the contract, seen by Namibian Sun, states: “After completing the course for which the bursary is granted, the student is obliged to work for NamPower. The student undertakes to remain in the service of NamPower for a minimum period equal to the number of months or years for which the bursary was utilised.”

The same clause further provides that if NamPower is unable to employ the student, the graduate must take up employment elsewhere in Namibia for a period equivalent to the duration of the bursary.

The graduate says this wording led him to believe NamPower would either place him within the company or actively facilitate alternative placement.

No vacancies

In August 2023, five months after completing his studies, he was contacted by NamPower’s bursary office and instructed to submit his CV and supporting documents to the human resources department.

“I submitted everything as requested. I also applied for vacancies through NamPower’s recruitment system and made several follow-up calls,” he said.

However, he was repeatedly informed that there were no available positions.

“I was told there were no vacancies at the time and that I would be contacted when opportunities arose. To date, no formal correspondence confirming the final position on my employment has been received.”

He said he has pursued other job opportunities, also without success. 

The situation is further complicated by the nature of his qualification. The Level 6 electrical diploma funded by NamPower requires a mandatory 24-month internship as part of the programme – a requirement he says cannot be fulfilled without formal placement.

Without this placement, the qualification remains incomplete, leaving him stuck in professional limbo.

“I followed every process they asked of me. I did well academically and fulfilled my part of the agreement. I just want clarity and a fair opportunity,” he said.

NamPower responds

When asked to comment, NamPower explained that it does not guarantee a job to bursary recipients.

“NamPower does not guarantee employment to bursary recipients upon completion of their studies,” the company said, citing clauses 16.2 and 16.3 of its external bursary policy.

The power utility explained that bursaries are awarded as part of its corporate social responsibility programme aimed at national skills development, rather than as a guaranteed recruitment pipeline.

“Graduates funded under the bursary programme are considered for permanent employment only when suitable vacancies exist within NamPower,” the company said.

NamPower added that there is no fixed timeline for placement after graduation and that recruitment depends on operational needs.

“The process is facilitative rather than guaranteed,” the utility stated.

The company noted that some bursary recipients complete their studies without being placed at NamPower.

“This is expected within the context of the bursary programme. NamPower does not guarantee placement, and graduates are expected to seek employment elsewhere in Namibia,” it said.

Regarding internships, NamPower said support is provided where capacity exists, but opportunities depend on available mentors and organisational needs and are “not guaranteed in all cases".

Contract details 

Despite the response, the graduate maintains that the wording of his contract created a reasonable expectation of employment.

“I just want NamPower to honour the spirit of the agreement,” he said.

Namibian Sun sought a lawyer’s view on the bursary contract. Lawyer Norman Tjombe, who reviewed the document, said NamPower’s interpretation appears correct.

"It is not that a job is promised – it only says that you would have to work for NamPower for the same number of years as the initial bursary, but then immediately says that if NamPower cannot employ you, then you have to work in Namibia."