Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has firmly rejected calls for regional job preferences, stating that employment opportunities should be based on merit rather than geographical origin.
The President’s remarks came during an engagement with Swapo youth in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West region, on Friday, where a young person raised concerns about outsiders taking job opportunities in their region.
“Let people mingle,” Nandi-Ndaitwah responded to the youth’s complaint.
“I don’t want people to be discriminated against, and there should be no discrimination on who should be given employment; whoever meets the merits must be given a job.”
The President emphasised that the government’s priority is to create employment opportunities for all qualified citizens, regardless of their regional background.
“Because we want people to be employed,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, underlining the administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment through inclusive hiring practices.
The engagement highlighted ongoing tensions in some regions where locals feel disadvantaged by job seekers from other parts of the country. However, the President’s response made it clear that the government will not support policies that restrict employment based on regional origin.
The President’s stance aligns with constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, while addressing concerns about unemployment that affect many young Namibians across all regions.
Nandi-Ndaitwah announced new education subsidies aimed at improving access to higher education and skills training. These initiatives are expected to prepare young people for the job market better and reduce regional disparities in educational opportunities.
The President’s comments come at a time when youth unemployment remains a significant challenge across Namibia. Recent statistics indicate that young people continue to face difficulties finding employment, particularly in rural areas where economic opportunities are limited.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has previously stated that addressing unemployment requires a comprehensive approach that includes skills development, economic diversification and creating an environment that enables businesses to grow and hire more workers.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s firm position against regional discrimination in employment is likely to resonate with job seekers from smaller regions who often migrate to urban centres and economic hubs in search of opportunities.
As Namibia continues to grapple with unemployment challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s emphasis on merit-based hiring and the rejection of discriminatory practices signals a commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their regional background.
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