OMEGA 3 – A newly built hostel at Ndoro Memorial Combined School in Bwabwata has become the centre of a heated dispute, with members of the Khwe community accusing education authorities of sidelining them from job opportunities in their own backyard.
In a petition dated 10 August 2025, addressed to Zambezi education director Alex Sikume, community leaders say the ministry of education’s regional office unfairly favoured outsiders in the recruitment process for cleaners and matrons at the 600-bed facility.
They argue the situation is especially unacceptable given the hostel’s location – in the heart of Khwe ancestral land inside Bwabwata National Park, on ground they say includes old grave sites. “Ultimately, the hostel is built on our graveyards; remains were unearthed during excavation,” the petition states.
While several Khwe applicants reportedly hold hospitality qualifications and experience, community members claim only a handful were shortlisted. They are demanding that 80% of hostel jobs be reserved for marginalised Khwe.
They also want a fresh recruitment process conducted locally in Omega 3.
Other demands include an explanation for why cleaner posts were cut from 10 to six.
They also want a review of shortlisted candidates’ qualifications by the school board.
Additionally, they demand priority hiring for local hospitality graduates.
The petition is signed by Deputy Headman Mbeleko Bornface, youth activist Dennis Munyingwa, and campaigner Tina Kwala, who have set a 16 August deadline for action. They warned that if the ministry fails to respond, they will stage mass protests and continue boycotting the hostel’s opening.
The standoff is unfolding against the backdrop of deep economic hardship. National statistics show unemployment among Namibia’s marginalised groups at 77%, with 68% living in extreme poverty — issues government integration programmes are addressing.
Construction of the hostel began in 2016, but has faced repeated delays. Now, despite being complete, it remains unused, leaving Ndoro learners without much-needed accommodation.
Learners continue commuting long distances to and from school, crossing paths with dangerous wildlife animals in the thick forests of Bwabwata.
When contacted for comment Tuesday, Sikume denied reports of class disruptions but confirmed the recruitment process had been paused.
“The recruitment for the hostel staff started, but the process was put on hold as the community is demanding the recruitment of only people from the area,” Sikume said. He said the directorate is ready at any time to finalise the recruitment so that the hostel is opened.
“We have followed the recruitment policy. Currently there is no hostel staff recruited for Ndoro,” he noted.
– anakale@nepc.com.na