Furore grows over struggle kid jobs

Kunene health director Thomas Shapumba last Thursday met with youth at Khorixas to clarify the appointments of six struggle kids in cleaner positions at state health facilities in the region.Four struggle kids were appointed at the Outjo State Hospital, one at the Khorixas State Hospital and another at a clinic at the Erwee settlement between last December and 20 January, as per a cabinet directive, a decision which has angered the youth due to the high unemployment rate in the region.During the meeting, Shapumba urged the youth to engage the minister responsible for employment creation to address the issue.“It was not my decision. I'm just here to follow directives and there is nothing much I can do about it. This was the instruction from people who are above me. I understand that the unemployment rate in the region is high and that youth are frustrated,” he said.After the meeting, youth activist Julien /Uises said the group is not satisfied with the answers they received from Shapumba.“He has not responded to any of our questions at all. All he said is that he was just following rules. What Act in the constitution of Namibia stipulates that struggle kids just have to be employed without undergoing interviews?” she asked.Unemployed youth Redney /Howoseb said ministries do not consider unemployed youth in the region when there are employment opportunities.“We are only visible when it is time for elections. 'One Namibia, One Nation' is losing its meaning. We do not feel like we are in a democratic Namibia,” he said.Howoseb added that cabinet should be aware of non-struggle kids who have undergone vocational training and are still struggling to secure jobs even as cleaners.About 60 unemployed youths attended the meeting.This follows a similar meeting held at Outjo last Tuesday after residents protested against the permanent job placements of nine struggle kids as cleaners and labourers at the Outjo State Hospital, the agriculture ministry's division of veterinary services and Outjo Primary School.NAMPA

Furore grows over struggle kid jobs

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-08

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Furore grows over struggle kid jobs

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-08

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