Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibia’s latest National Youth Service (NYS) graduates to uphold discipline, patriotism and service as they enter the workforce, announcing that government institutions and the security sector will increasingly prioritise NYS graduates for recruitment. Speaking at the pass-out parade of the 16th NYS intake at Rietfontein Training Centre, the President emphasised the role of youth in nation-building and reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding youth training opportunities despite resource constraints.
Addressing recruits, families, dignitaries and regional leaders, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said she was honoured to conclude her 2025 public engagements with the NYS graduates, describing the institution as a pillar for moulding disciplined, patriotic young citizens capable of strengthening democracy, unity and national development. She said the large turnout of more than 11,000 applicants for just over 1,000 available places showed a generation eager to serve and grow.
Photos: Ministry of ICT Otjozondjupa
The President applauded the vision of Founding President Sam Nujoma, who established the NYS to foster discipline and patriotism among young Namibians, and said government remains committed to sustaining and expanding the programme. Although the NYS has the capacity to train up to 4,000 recruits, financial limitations mean only a fraction can be admitted each year. She assured the nation that more young people would be enrolled as resources improve.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the NYS programme continues to deliver graduates who excel in offices, ministries and agencies, and urged all government institutions, regional councils and state-owned enterprises to open voluntary service opportunities for the 2025 graduates starting February 2026. Host institutions were encouraged to make budgetary provision for upkeep allowances, as work-integrated learning is a national obligation.
The President confirmed that 600 graduates from this intake will proceed directly to the Namibian Defence Force. She urged the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to consider the remaining 430 in its next recruitment cycle and encouraged all public and private institutions to employ NYS graduates, describing them as disciplined and dependable.
She further announced that, going forward, recruitment into the military, police and correctional services “will only be drawn from the NYS database” to ensure a coherent and disciplined security system. Cabinet has also directed all government institutions to prioritise NYS graduates for entry-level appointments. Government is reviewing a proposal for all new public servants to undergo a one-month NYS orientation during probation to strengthen professionalism and integrity in the civil service.
Addressing the graduates directly, the President praised their discipline and transformation over the past six months. She said their newly acquired skills – including agricultural training – position them to contribute meaningfully to national development. She encouraged them to take advantage of the National Youth Development Fund to start enterprises and create opportunities for themselves and others.
The President also recognised the support of parents, families and international partners, including the Zambian National Service, which provided instructors and trained 11 Namibian cadet officers, as well as the Government of Tanzania, which is strengthening training cooperation with the NYS.
In closing, she congratulated the recruits of the 16th intake, urged the public to observe road safety during the festive season, and wished the nation a Merry Christmas before officially declaring the intake closed.
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