Rudolf Gaiseb

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah continues to strengthen youth development and has now declared that the National Youth Service (NYS) will be the sole provider of military, police, and correctional services.

The President announced this at the 16th Intake National Service Training Pass-Out Parade at the Rietfontein Training Centre on Friday. “This is to ensure a coherent and disciplined security sector,” the President said. She highlighted that the NYS Act provides that graduates receive preference for recruitment into the Defence Force, Police and Correctional Service.

“The NYS is a fundamental institution that moulds our young people to consolidate our democracy, foster unity and cohesion, promote patriotism and love of the country and its people, and ensure quality service delivery and shared prosperity for all,” she stated. Meanwhile, 600 graduates from this year’s intake will be integrated directly into the Namibian Defence Force, while the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security consider the remaining 430 recruits in their next cycle of recruitment. 1030 received training at the Rietfontein and Henties Bay NYS centres.

11 000 had applied.

She acknowledged that at full capacity, the NYS centres can train four thousand recruits, and due to resource constraints, only a fraction can be taken at a time.

“Nevertheless, over time and within our limited resources, more young people will be admitted to the centres, enabling NYS to reach its full potential,” she said.

The training’s long-term strategy is to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds and mould them into disciplined, committed, and patriotic citizens.

Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored that, held by the service, is the spirit of discipline and patriotic youth inspired by Founding President Sam Nujoma, who inaugurated the service during independence. “His vision remains relevant today and in the future. Therefore, as a government, we are duty-bound to continue this programme so that more young Namibians can receive transformative training,” she underlined.

The President requested all government institutions, including state-owned enterprises, the private sector and individuals, to make use of the NYS graduates.

“You are unlikely to regret your actions if you take them into your operations,” her excellency said. In the meantime, the government is studying a proposal brought to our attention by the public for all new government employees to undergo a one-month NYS Orientation during their probation. “The movers believe that such orientation will help cultivate a public service culture rooted in integrity, professionalism and excellence,” she added.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia needs public servants who see their work not merely as employment, but as a calling.

Nandi-Ndaitwah called on all government institutions, including regional councils and state-owned enterprises, to open voluntary service opportunities for NYS graduates starting in February 2026. “Host institutions are to make adequate budgetary provision for upkeep allowances. Work-integrated learning is not a favour; it is a national duty,” she said.

At the same time, the government pulled resources together with two other African countries to strengthen the training.

For this intake, the Zambian National Service provided instructors and trained 11 of Namibia’s cadet officers. “We are very grateful to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for that support. I equally thank the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for engaging with the NYS to strengthen training collaboration,” she noted. The President said these partnerships reflect the enduring solidarity between the nations, which is rooted in the liberation struggle and carried forward through shared development.

Amidst all these, Nandi-Ndaitwah has described the youth as the future architects of Namibia and a fallback strategy of every nation. She lauded them for undergoing intense training and acquiring the discipline and values of nation building. “You are the young men and women who have embraced discipline, unity and sacrifice at a time when our country needs you the most. You remind us that the spirit of one Namibia, one nation, is alive, and that the next chapter of our nation’s story is in safe and capable hands,” she said. While adding that they carry the values they have learnt wherever they go, she urged them to be the example in their families, their communities and their workplaces.

She urged them to demonstrate the exceptional discipline and commitment in various offices, ministries and agencies that have been set by those who have previously completed the programme. “They serve with a sense of duty and pride. That is the standard we expect of all public servants and of all Namibians who aspire to lead and uplift their communities,” she noted.

She also reminded the graduates that the experience they have acquired in different trades is good enough for them to be able to stand on their own feet as artisans.

At the same time, Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged youth to venture into agriculture.

Agriculture being the government’s top priority, she urged those who excelled in the field to “go and feed the nation.”

Significantly, she also encouraged the graduates and specialists in various trades to make use of the National Youth Development Fund to fund and grow their enterprises.

“I encourage you to take advantage of this golden opportunity provided by your caring government. Your skills are needed. Work on your business plan and submit your application,” she said.–rrgaiseb@gmail.com