Fransfontein youth are dissatisfied with what they perceive as unfair recruitment practices in road construction jobs.

During a community meeting, they voiced their concerns, expressing that their hopes had been shattered, despite the expectation that the project would provide opportunities for local residents.

Bruno Gaseb said that "while we expected Fransfontein youth to be prioritised for basic jobs, we have observed that outsiders from Opuwo and Kamanjab are being hired instead. There is a lack of transparency and favouritism, as well as a clear perception of nepotism. Recruitment seems to be influenced by personal and political affiliation rather than merit or community needs."

They claimed that government officials indicated at the launch of the project that it would create up to 300 jobs for people in the area.

However, many say they have not been considered, even for entry-level positions.

"We question why general labour positions, which require no special skills, are not being filled by local youth who are ready to work."

They also claim that the individual overseeing the recruitment informed them that hiring is limited to candidates selected by local leadership.

The Chief of the Swartbooi Traditional Authority, Otto |Uirab, confirmed receiving a letter of grievance from the residents.

"We will forward these concerns of unemployment to the relevant offices. As traditional leadership, we have to engage the Office of the Governor as well as the contractor on site."

Councillor of the Khorixas Constituency Eddie |Nanub explained that "Not all Fransfontein residents will be employed. Some of us will, unfortunately, not get jobs, and I stand with them, especially considering that poverty in the Khorixas Constituency is at 70%. However, this does not mean that everyone will be employed during this phase of construction."

Residents maintained that fair and transparent recruitment processes must be prioritised to ensure that locals benefit meaningfully from development projects in their area.