The Public Service Commission received 141 misconduct cases for the 2024/2025 financial year, finalising 121 of them. 

This information was revealed by the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission Patrick Nandago at the commission's annual address in Windhoek. 

Commissioner Patrick Nandago said that from the 121 finalised cases, 33 were discharged from public service due to theft, embezzlement, misuse of state properties and abscondment, while 20 cases have not been finalised and have been carried over to the financial year 2025/2026. 

The commission also dealt with 72 complaints, mostly on the recruitment process; 37 of the appeals were for misconduct and 14 cases of reinstatements. 

"In this regard, the PSC experienced challenges around delays in submitting requested information to enable the PSC to finalise the cases timeously. Therefore, accounting officers are urged to ensure timely submission of requested information to enable the commission to address staff members' grievances without delays."

Under the period, government employees are said to have increased to 114,304, which is a 3.9% increase from the 110,000 that were recorded during the 2023/2024 financial year. 

Of these figures, 61,528 are female employees, while 52,776 are male.

A total of 749 staff members were appointed in posts below management positions, of which the Ministry of Health and Social Services recorded the highest appointments of 590.

"Ten human resource audits were conducted at various OMAs and RCs during the reporting period. A total number of 796 files were audited out of the 10,410 members on board at the indicated OMAs and RCs. Serious concerns related to non-compliance in the recruitment process have been noted by the commission, especially during human resources audits undertaken."

Ninety-four staff members were also promoted to management positions, with the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations recording the highest promotions of 35%.

A total of 30 foreign nationals were also appointed, with the Ministry of Health and Social Services having the highest appointments of 28 in specialised medical fields, while a total of 16 staff members were retained in public service beyond retirement age due to their specialised skills.

"The commission continues to experience challenges, including limited operational resources, a non-responsive organisational structure, and outdated legislation. The commission encourages expediting the review process. The commission, as part of its reform process, will continue to focus on areas for strategic development and improved service delivery."

The commission also recommended a total of 329 deviations on financial assistance cases, of which 283 were approved for 100% of the total costs for life-threatening conditions.