Lylie Joel 

NKURENKURU – The chief regional officer of the Kavango West Regional Council, Matheus Singambwe, has urged the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) to prioritise people from the region when filling positions at the Nkurenkuru Vocational Training Centre (VTC).

He made his appeal during a consultative meeting with the NTA in Windhoek recently. 

He said Kavango West is considered Namibia’s poorest region, with an unemployment rate of 52.8%. “Deliberate action should be taken to ensure such rates are reduced. One way of doing so is not only by giving job opportunities to people from the region, but ensuring they are prioritised,” Singambwe said. 

“We want to see that positions, especially entry-level positions, are occupied by those from this region. 

It is not a favour that we are seeking or a deviation from your policies. We are not saying if the requirement is Grade 12, then you recruit anyone with Grade 9 because they are from the region. We are saying those who meet the requirements must be given preference,” he stated.

Singambwe said this approach should extend beyond recruitment to include tender processes, advocating that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the region be given first consideration, particularly for smaller jobs.
He called for improved working relations between the NTA and the regional council to ensure better coordination, communication and cooperation.

NTA chief operations officer Epafras Shilongo acknowledged the regional council’s concerns. 

He said the authority takes matters of inclusivity seriously, and strives to ensure local communities benefit from its institutions.

“These are matters we at NTA are taking seriously – matters of inclusivity. We want locals to take part. We hear your cry. We want to ensure the Nkurenkuru VTC and all VTCs are run in a way that benefits local people,” he assured.

Regarding the Nkurenkuru VTC’s status, the NTA confirmed that the centre is ready for occupation, with key personnel recruitment commencing soon.  The first intake of trainees is expected to start classes by July 2025. -Nampa