Banner Left
Banner Right

From degrees to taxi driving: The struggles of graduates facing unemployment in Namibia

HOPELESS … A group of taxi drivers at Walvis Bay say they face disappointment on a daily basis, as their degrees are collecting dust.

“Kuiseb, lady? You can get in here . . . Where are you going, tate? Narraville, or the mall?”

Matheus Andjele’s days consist of interactions like these.

What his customers don’t know, is that this taxi driver has a degree. More than one, actually.

Andjele (31) completed his high school career at St Charles Lwanga Secondary school at Outapi in 2012.

In 2019 he obtained a degree in human resources at the International University of Management.

He also graduated from Mahatma Gandhi University in India with a master’s degree in finance and business analytics in 2023.

“Do you know how many taxi drivers have degrees? We are hustling day and night, after studying hard to get degrees. Some of us even have master’s degrees,” he tells The Namibian.

The third of five children, Andjele returned home after his studies with high hopes of taking care of his family, but ran into disappointment after disappointment looking for a job.

He finally resorted to taxi driving.

‘NO JOB OFFER’

Andjele says he has been invited to several interviews, but has never received a job offer.

“Some say I’m overqualified, while others say I have no experience.

They are looking for five years’ experience. Where do I get that when I just came from school?”

He is appealing to the government to intervene.

“I want them to abolish the five years’ experience they’re always asking for.”

It’s sad to see graduates roaming the streets, he says.

“Some are selling ‘order with me’ bales and have other businesses, and they are experiencing challenges from the community and from the government as well.

“I appeal to the government to do surveys to determine what help is needed. Give young entrepreneurs tenders too. Do away with corruption and do the right thing.

“Do away with long speeches and act, it’s time for the young ones to take over. We are voting every time and then there’s no changes.”

Andjele says as if being unemployed isn’t bad enough, community members often mock unemployed graduates.

“They keep mocking that I have all these papers, but driving a taxi. Some say I must create jobs with my business degree, but where will I find the start-up capital?

“You have to know someone in order to get a job. Change comes to those who are close to those in offices.

I am living in a shack with my degree. I have voted twice. I hope changes will come one day,” he says.

Andjele dreams of studying even further, but needs to find a job first to support his mother and siblings.

Matheus Andjele

‘DYING WITH DEGREES’

Alloisius Maluvadi, another taxi driver, graduated in 2022.

He has a degree in biomedical science and a certificate in human resource management.

“It really hurts to have qualifications and do something else for survival. If you don’t do something, you won’t eat. You’ll die with your qualifications.”

Maluvadi is also appealing to the government, and especially the private sector, to give graduates a chance.

“Qualifications do not matter if you have no connections. We have wasted thousands on school. We’ve had all these empty election promises,” he says.

Taxi driver representative at Walvis Bay Onesmus Ndengu says drivers have been venting to each other about the situation.

“I have tertiary papers too,” he says.

Ndengu says he graduated from the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology in 2018.

“I know of about 30 drivers in my group with certificates, diplomas and degrees. You have to know someone to get a job. Nobody wants to sit at home and die of hunger.

“The younger generation will disrespect you if you sit at home.”

At the time of this interview last year, Andjele was unemployed.

He has since been employed as a payroll consultant and is determined to rise in his career. He advises those who are still struggling to find employment not to give up.

“Education is an investment. You have acquired valuable knowledge and skills. Do not be discouraged by those who say you have wasted your time.

“Keep searching and networking. Build your network by attending events. We currently have an emerging oil and gas industry. Take advantage of it.

“Enrol for short courses in other fields in the meantime. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and your alumni network,” he says.
He also suggests considering alternative jobs.

“You can even work at a car wash. Love what you’re doing in the meantime, because people will notice,” he says.

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!

Latest News