ZONE: Public Service Commission pledges to break barriers for youth

Outdated legislation, non-responsive structures
The commission says it is moving to improve transparency and efficiency in recruitment processes, with new digital systems, tighter oversight and ongoing efforts to expand fair access for young jobseekers.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 4 Hours Ago

For a long time, entry into Namibia’s public service has felt out of reach for many young graduates, constrained by what critics describe as outdated legislation and non-responsive structures that favour established candidates over new entrants.

However, the recent annual address by Public Service Commission (PSC) chairperson Patrick Nandango suggests a shift in approach.

Speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister, Nandango outlined a vision centred on fair access. For a generation facing high unemployment and a rapidly changing digital landscape, the focus on professionalising the public service through transparency and affirmative action signals an effort to prioritise youth participation.

One of the main challenges for young job seekers is the perceived lack of transparency in recruitment. Nandango said the commission is moving towards digitalisation and automation to improve efficiency. By modernising these systems, the PSC aims to strengthen merit-based recruitment, reducing reliance on informal networks.


Appointments

Data from the reporting period indicates that 749 staff members were appointed to posts below management level in the 2024/25 financial year. Of these, 79% were appointed within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, a sector that continues to face staffing pressures.

Nandango also highlighted concerns around non-compliance with recruitment procedures in some government institutions. He pointed to challenges linked to limited operational resources and instances where correct procedures are not always followed.

He said the commission is strengthening oversight through human resources audits to ensure compliance. This includes tighter monitoring of recruitment processes to reduce irregular appointments and ensure vacancies are filled through established procedures.

Nandango said strengthening integrity and accountability is key to improving public service delivery. He added that reforms aimed at improving efficiency and fairness are intended to support long-term sustainability in the sector.

The Teaching Service Committee is also processing more than 1 700 contract-to-permanent conversions, reflecting broader efforts to stabilise parts of the public workforce.