!Kung Traditional Authority leader Chief Illony Arnold has expressed dissatisfaction with the Namibia Defence Force recruitment shortlist, citing the exclusion of youth from the Tsumkwe Constituency.

Arnold spoke to NBC News after the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs announced that 4% of 1,500 planned NDF positions would be reserved for marginalised communities. The constituency received over 200 applications, but only two candidates from Tsumkwe were shortlisted.

"This does not reflect fair representation," Arnold said. She noted that no youth from Tsumkwe West made the list, while only two from Tsumkwe East were selected, despite the area's marginalised status.

"I am disappointed by the NDF shortlist. Youth with Grade 11 and 10 came to my office; we attached consent letters to their applications and sent them through, but none were shortlisted. If it's the application forms, why can't officials help them?"

The Traditional Authority has provided recommendation letters, Arnold said, but youth remain overlooked. "It's painful to see Grade 10 and 11 learners at bars and streets after parents invested in their schooling. Some fight parents over social grants."

She linked high youth unemployment, 68.3% per the latest census, to rising alcohol abuse and crime.

NDF spokesperson Colonel Petrus Shilumbu clarified that the 4% quota (about 60 recruits nationwide) applies across 14 regions, averaging four per region, and is not exclusively for Tsumkwe.