President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government is deliberating on enforcing that all ministries look into absorbing graduates of the National Youth Services (NYS).
The President made these remarks at the NYS 16th pass-out parade of more than 1,000 recruits from the Henties Bay and Rietfontein Training Centres in the Erongo and Otjozondjupa Regions, respectively.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah issued a directive that from February 2026, all government institutions must prioritise NYS graduates for entry-level appointments.
From this intake, 600 graduates will be directly absorbed by the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), while 430 are to be taken in by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS).
"I call on all government institutions, including regional councils and state-owned enterprises, to open voluntary service opportunities for these 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," stressed president Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The President added the government is also studying a public proposal that all new government employees undergo a 1-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.
Namibia needs public servants who see their work not merely as employment but as a calling."
The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture (MEIYSAC), Sanet Steenkamp, and Otjozondjupa Governor, John ||Khamuseb both applauded NYS for continued assurance on youth education and skills development.
"This training is firmly aligned with Namibia's broader National Development Agendas and the National Youth Policy III.
The Ministry's support, including additional funds, enabled the Service to increase its intake from 750 recruits in 2024 to 1,056 for the current intake."
"The National Health Service is on the right trajectory in delivering its noble vision to be the dynamic and sustainable youth empowerment service, inculcating patriotism in a sense of national pride in youth, thereby contributing to the social economic development."
NYS Board Chairperson Nico Tembwe credited NYS success to its 2023-2028 Integrated Strategic Business Plan and Annual Financial and Business Plan 2025-2025.
"That is structured around 5 strategic pillars. 1. Financial sustainability, youth empowerment and development, governance, operational excellence and human capital engagement.
The service is now in its 3rd year of implementing the strategic plan and has recorded significant milestones in fulfilling its mandate, particularly in the area of youth empowerment."
On behalf of the 16th intake graduates, Sofia Matthews had this to say.
"The 12th of December is not just a day to celebrate graduation for the recruits but a milestone which left a mark on us. a fulfilment journey, and we acquired a lifelong skill. Today is more than a ceremony; it's a milestone, a turning point."
The recruits are expected to be deployed across the country come January 2026.