Windhoek
Children born during the liberation struggle waiting for possible recruitment while at home fear the government might forget them as government apparently only addresses the concerns of those who are camping in Windhoek, according to them.
A group of about 200 children who were camping at the Swapo head office in Windhoek last year returned home six months ago after being requested by government officials to do so. Other group members decided they would continue camping at the Ndilimani cultural troupe farm at Brakwater until they get jobs.
Some group members residing in Windhoek while waiting to be employed told New Era they have not heard from government since returning home.
“It is six months now that we are at home and they (government) are quiet,” said a female ‘struggle kid’ that spoke on condition of anonymity.
She added that they learnt they are no longer part of the list of names they drew up while they were camping in Windhoek. The group usually submits their names at different ministries to be considered for possible employment.
The members added that fellow group members camping in Windhoek are not forthcoming in sharing information about the recruitment process or new developments. “They instead ask us why we went home.”
‘Struggle kids’ told New Era that while at Swapo headquarters, the Minister of Safety and Security (Rtd) Major-General Charles Namoloh and an official from the youth and sport ministry Patrick Haingura, among others, were the ones who told the group to return home while the government deals with their plight.
“We only read about what is happening in the newspapers. When will we be recruited? We are now old. Some of our group members are 40 years old. We are not demanding specific jobs. We will take up whatever job is available,” remarked one of the ‘struggle kids’.
Meanwhile, Windhoek group leader Jerry Hamukwaya said a committee to deal with group recruitment has been set up.
Two of the children of the liberation struggle are part of the committee.
Hamukwaya said the committee would draw up a master list of all unemployed members. He said it is estimated there are about 2 500 members’ countrywide who are still unemployed.
According to Hamukwaya, the committee will also deal with corrupt practices such as ensuring that available work positions are not given to other individuals.
When approached for comment, Haingura referred the reporter to the youth ministry permanent secretary Alfred for comment. However, Haingura said he wasn’t among those who told the ‘struggle kids’ to go home, but a technocrat who deals with implementation of decisions. Ilukena referred the reporter to the office of the prime minister.
New Era could not get hold of the public relations and communications officer in the office of the prime minister Saima Shaanika yesterday.