Nearly half of NYS recruits struggle to get jobs

Of the 6 539 recruits from the National Youth Service (NYS) since 2005, 3 550 (54%) managed to secure employment – while 46% have been hoping for the tables to turn in their favour in a land where youth unemployment stands at 48%.

This was noted by vice president Nangolo Mbumba, whose keynote speech was read on his behalf by sport, youth and national service minister Agnes Tjongarero during Thursday’s pass-out parade of 291 recruits who completed their six-month training at the NYS training centre at Henties Bay.

During the current financial year, the NYS received 5 556 applications but due to limited resources, the service could only recruit 310 youths from these applications.

“This indicates a significant demand among Namibian youth to participate in these programmes,” said Mbumba.

NYS deputy chairperson Jacob Hamutenya said the latest recruits were drawn from all 121 constituencies across the country. Of these, 160 recruits are men, and 131 are women.

Mbumba commended the Namibian Defence Force and police for recruiting many graduates, and urged more public and private entities to provide employment opportunities to these specially trained and disciplined youths.

“The government acknowledges the plight of the youth and the many challenges they face, such as limited skills and high unemployment. Thus, the government has prioritised addressing these challenges through various institutions and initiatives,” Mbumba said.

According to him, the latest pass-out parade is in line with the National Youth Policy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a “patriotic nation where citizens work collectively towards the common good”.

“This event also solidifies the government’s objectives in instilling civic virtues, promoting volunteerism and nurturing patriotism among the Namibian youth,” said Mbumba.

The NYS moved its training back to its Henties Bay training centre after training quality concerns were identified at its Rietfontein training centre.

Hamutenya said the training sessions held at Rietfontein were identified as sub-optimal, due to recruits being exposed to staff members lacking proper training.

“These sessions could not yield maximum benefits,” he said, adding that in response to these quality issues, the NYS has decided to relocate the National Service Training back to Henties Bay.

Furthermore, he said the reactivation of training at the Henties Bay centre enables the NYS to fully utilise all its assets in order to generate revenue, enhance its programmes and increase youth intake in its programmes, as per the NYS’ new Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2023-2028.

NYS was established to serve as a meeting point for youth from various social and cultural backgrounds; provide the youth with opportunities for further studies and training, as well as opportunities to participate in national development on a voluntary basis; and encourage patriotism, a sense of nationhood and commitment to Namibia’s development.

To achieve this mandate, the service offers three programmes – National Service Training, Voluntary Service, and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).