Govt to replace some ‘tenderpreneurs’ with TVET trainees
Govt seeks broader inclusiveness
Government’s drive to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy in service delivery has gained momentum, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announcing that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) trainees will be engaged to carry out certain public works that were previously contracted to private companies through tenders.
Ngurare emphasised that the initiative is not a direct attack on individuals who have traditionally relied on government tenders, but rather a practical step toward improving efficiency and reducing costs. The move aligns with a recent decision by the ministry of health to eliminate middlemen from its procurement processes - a reform that has already saved the ministry over N$220 million, according to minister Esperanza Luvindao.
This broader shift in government strategy is reportedly backed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Prior to her inauguration in March, Namibian Sun reported that she intended to remove excessive bureaucracy from public service delivery, particularly in the health sector where third-party involvement had drained resources.
Cutting through red tape
Speaking to the media in Kavango East last week, Ngurare advocated for “common sense” in public procurement, arguing that not every government project should be subjected to protracted and corruption-prone public procurement processes.
Reinforcing this message during a familiarisation tour of the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) yesterday, the prime minister called on TVET trainees to take a leading role in critical infrastructure projects - particularly in education and healthcare. These projects include classroom repairs, sanitation upgrades, and clinic improvements.
“We want TVET trainees to do a great deal of the work that government needs done,” Ngurare said. “This includes rehabilitating classrooms, fixing sanitation facilities, and improving clinics.”
He was accompanied by Luvindao and education minister Sanet Steenkamp.
“Capacity beyond expectations”
Following meetings with NTA management and board members, Ngurare expressed strong confidence in the institution\'s capabilities.
“They confirmed that their capacity is beyond what we had anticipated. You can do much more than we had hoped,” he said, lauding centre managers and staff as “the backbone of the ideas we want to implement.”
Drawing from his own background as a former TVET trainee, Ngurare encouraged young Namibians to embrace vocational education. “The education of the Namibian child must take place in an environment that respects the dignity of the child, the teacher, and the community,” he said.
He also questioned the underutilisation of skilled tradespeople. “I’ve met many young plumbers and electricians - they are excellent. So why aren’t we using them?” he asked.
Ngurare acknowledged that some larger contractors may be uncomfortable with the expanded role of TVET trainees but reassured them that there is room for everyone.
“I know some big contractors might not be happy with this, but they don’t need to worry. The capacity is large - ust make space for the small players too,” he said, emphasizing inclusivity.
Reviving food-for-work programmes
The prime minister also reiterated government support for vocational training centres across the country. “Over 248 VTCs and industries are performing well, and about 75 private VTCs are being supported. This shows government commitment to both public and private initiatives,” he foted.
He announced the revival of the food for work and cash for work programmes, aimed at providing income to households while supporting infrastructure development.
Ngurare provided an example to illustrate the impact: “In a household with five able-bodied members earning N$118 per day, that household could earn over N$17,700 per month. These are families that previously had no income.”
Urgency of action
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by the state of school infrastructure across the country. In the northern regions of Oshana, Omusati, and Ohangwena, 976 schools are reportedly operating in substandard conditions.
Ngurare confirmed that the initiative will be rolled out nationwide—from Okongo and Oshikoto, to Kavango, Zambezi, and other regions. He stressed that trainees will be properly supervised to ensure that quality standards are upheld.
Closing his remarks, Ngurare called for national unity and a renewed spirit of service.
“We are too few to be poor. We are too few to accept that Namibian children are taught in infrastructure that is not decent,” he said. “Let’s set aside our differences and ensure every Namibian is included in the institutions we run. We must be servants, not masters.”
Ngurare emphasised that the initiative is not a direct attack on individuals who have traditionally relied on government tenders, but rather a practical step toward improving efficiency and reducing costs. The move aligns with a recent decision by the ministry of health to eliminate middlemen from its procurement processes - a reform that has already saved the ministry over N$220 million, according to minister Esperanza Luvindao.
This broader shift in government strategy is reportedly backed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Prior to her inauguration in March, Namibian Sun reported that she intended to remove excessive bureaucracy from public service delivery, particularly in the health sector where third-party involvement had drained resources.
Cutting through red tape
Speaking to the media in Kavango East last week, Ngurare advocated for “common sense” in public procurement, arguing that not every government project should be subjected to protracted and corruption-prone public procurement processes.
Reinforcing this message during a familiarisation tour of the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) yesterday, the prime minister called on TVET trainees to take a leading role in critical infrastructure projects - particularly in education and healthcare. These projects include classroom repairs, sanitation upgrades, and clinic improvements.
“We want TVET trainees to do a great deal of the work that government needs done,” Ngurare said. “This includes rehabilitating classrooms, fixing sanitation facilities, and improving clinics.”
He was accompanied by Luvindao and education minister Sanet Steenkamp.
“Capacity beyond expectations”
Following meetings with NTA management and board members, Ngurare expressed strong confidence in the institution\'s capabilities.
“They confirmed that their capacity is beyond what we had anticipated. You can do much more than we had hoped,” he said, lauding centre managers and staff as “the backbone of the ideas we want to implement.”
Drawing from his own background as a former TVET trainee, Ngurare encouraged young Namibians to embrace vocational education. “The education of the Namibian child must take place in an environment that respects the dignity of the child, the teacher, and the community,” he said.
He also questioned the underutilisation of skilled tradespeople. “I’ve met many young plumbers and electricians - they are excellent. So why aren’t we using them?” he asked.
Ngurare acknowledged that some larger contractors may be uncomfortable with the expanded role of TVET trainees but reassured them that there is room for everyone.
“I know some big contractors might not be happy with this, but they don’t need to worry. The capacity is large - ust make space for the small players too,” he said, emphasizing inclusivity.
Reviving food-for-work programmes
The prime minister also reiterated government support for vocational training centres across the country. “Over 248 VTCs and industries are performing well, and about 75 private VTCs are being supported. This shows government commitment to both public and private initiatives,” he foted.
He announced the revival of the food for work and cash for work programmes, aimed at providing income to households while supporting infrastructure development.
Ngurare provided an example to illustrate the impact: “In a household with five able-bodied members earning N$118 per day, that household could earn over N$17,700 per month. These are families that previously had no income.”
Urgency of action
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by the state of school infrastructure across the country. In the northern regions of Oshana, Omusati, and Ohangwena, 976 schools are reportedly operating in substandard conditions.
Ngurare confirmed that the initiative will be rolled out nationwide—from Okongo and Oshikoto, to Kavango, Zambezi, and other regions. He stressed that trainees will be properly supervised to ensure that quality standards are upheld.
Closing his remarks, Ngurare called for national unity and a renewed spirit of service.
“We are too few to be poor. We are too few to accept that Namibian children are taught in infrastructure that is not decent,” he said. “Let’s set aside our differences and ensure every Namibian is included in the institutions we run. We must be servants, not masters.”
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