24-hour border operations creates jobs

Following the transition to 24-hour operations at the Katima Mulilo and Buitepos border posts, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, and the Road Fund Administration (RFA) have initiated a recruitment drive to increase staff at these ports of entry.

The ministry aims to hire 14 immigration officers for the Katima Mulilo border post and another 14 for the Oshikango border post.

In addition, the RFA is looking to recruit six border post collectors for the Katima Mulilo border post, along with three collectors for operations at the Oshikango, Mata-Mata and Noordoewer border posts.

According to RFA spokesperson Scheifert Shigwedha, the decision to hire more officials is driven by the need to cover additional shifts in order to properly staff the border posts in line with the new operational hours.

Shigwedha said the RFA plays an integral role in the logistical enabling environment.

“The growth of the institution is inevitable. This also aligns with the RFA’s strategic approach towards logistic corridor development. It contributes to the expansion of the Trans Kunene, Kalahari, and Caprivi highways, facilitating the movement of goods to the harbour,” he said.

The Katima Mulilo border post transitioned to 24-hour operations last week, becoming the third border post to adopt round-the-clock operations following Buitepos and Noordoewer.