Allexer Namundjembo
The National Youth Service (NYS) has launched disciplinary action against staff members after an internal investigation found that an individual was allowed into the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) without meeting the required conditions.
The matter came to light after social justice activist Johannes Johannes questioned how Lascow Salufu was admitted to an Instructional Skills Course at Omaruru in 2022 without completing the required civic training.
Salufu is employed at NCS. The NYS confirmed that he completed only a short course in supervision and management.
“He completed a short training course in supervision and management for the purpose of his role at the youth services. Further, Salufu did not complete the required six months of the National Service training, which is a fundamental prerequisite for recruitment into the service,” the NYS said in a statement on Thursday.
The NYS said the six-month civic training is required for anyone who wants to use the service as a pathway into uniformed services such as the police, defence force or correctional service.
The investigation also found that Salufu’s name was added to a replacement list of NYS-trained recruits who had failed NCS vetting requirements.
“The list was unprocedurally submitted directly to the NCS recruitment office,” the NYS said.
The NYS has formally informed the Namibia Correctional Service that Salufu did not meet the recruitment standards.
Johannes said the issue has caused concern among trainees who completed all the required steps.
“This isn’t just about one person. It’s about every young Namibian who obeys the rules, works hard, and expects a fair chance. People are starting to lose faith in the system if exceptions keep happening without explanation,” he said.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about fairness in public sector recruitment. Recent allegations claimed that the daughter of Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo had been hired by the Namibia Correctional Service despite questions about whether she met all requirements. The NCS denied any wrongdoing and said she passed written and practical assessments and met the necessary criteria.
In 2024, a councillor in the ||Karas region warned about nepotism and corruption in public service recruitment. In 2025, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) investigated claims that relatives and associates of senior officials were being appointed unfairly.
Past investigations in the police and defence forces have also raised concerns about hiring and promotions.
The NYS said it wants to restore trust by notifying the NCS of the irregular enlistment and starting disciplinary measures against those involved.
“People need to see that following the rules pays off. Otherwise, it feels like the system is rigged.”
