Government Restricts Security Forces Recruitment to National Youth Service Graduates
By TUW
The government has unveiled a new policy that will significantly reshape how Namibia’s security services recruit their members, placing National Youth Service (NYS) training at the centre of future enlistment.
Speaking during the 16th NYS pass-out parade held at Rietfontein in the Otjozondjupa Region, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that upcoming recruitment into the Namibian Defence Force, the Namibian Police Force and the Namibian Correctional Service will be restricted to graduates of the National Youth Service programme.
The ceremony marked the completion of training for 1 030 recruits drawn from the Henties Bay and Rietfontein NYS centres. Their graduation followed a highly competitive intake process, which saw more than 11 000 young Namibians applying for the 16th intake.
According to the President, Cabinet has resolved that NYS graduates must be prioritised for entry-level positions across all government institutions. She explained that the decision is intended to promote uniform standards, discipline and cohesion within the country’s security sector.
Of the graduates who passed out, more than 600 are expected to be absorbed immediately into the Namibian Defence Force. A further 430 will be considered for enlistment by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security during its next recruitment phase.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also revealed that government is assessing a proposal that would require all newly appointed public servants to undergo a one-month NYS orientation as part of their probation period. She said such an initiative would strengthen values of professionalism, integrity and service excellence within the public sector.
She emphasised that Namibia needs public servants who view their roles as a responsibility to the nation rather than simply a source of income.
The President further called on state-owned enterprises, private companies and individual employers to give preference to NYS graduates when filling vacancies, noting that their training equips them with discipline and a strong work ethic.
She expressed confidence that organisations that integrate NYS graduates into their operations would benefit from their commitment and skills.
She encouraged graduates to venture into entrepreneurship and to take advantage of the National Youth Development Fund, noting that their skills are needed for national development.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its support to the training programme and noted that discussions are underway with the United Republic of Tanzania to establish a similar cooperation arrangement. She also thanked the NYS Board for their commendable efforts in steering the programme and expressed gratitude to the families of the graduates for their unwavering support.
As the official Patron of Road Safety, the President appealed to all Namibians to exercise caution and prioritise safety on the roads during the festive season.
In closing of her speech, she congratulated the graduates of the 16th Intake for making the Land of the Brave proud through their courage, discipline, and commitment, urging them to be sterling examples wherever they go.
