Hardap governor apologises to candidates who travelled for cancelled interviews

Hardap governor Riaan McNab on Monday apologised to candidates who travelled to Mariental for nursing interviews only for them to be cancelled.

McNab and regional council chairperson Gershon Dausab held a media conference on Monday at Mariental to clarify the issue around the recruitment process.

The officials suspended the nurse recruitment process in the region following allegations of tribalism during the selection process.

McNab condemned any form of tribalism or discrimination in public recruitment and announced that the interviews are suspended until further notice while the matter is under review.

“I am aware of the concerns raised regarding the ongoing nurses recruitment process including the dissatisfaction over how it was managed and the alleged tribal remarks made,” McNab said.

The governor emphasised the principle of equality, saying every individual deserves an equal opportunity for employment across Namibia.

“However, we could not proceed with a process that caused dissatisfaction and carries the risk of escalating into a larger issue,” McNab said.

A group of Mariental residents protested outside the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ regional office last Wednesday, threatening to disrupt the interviews. They alleged tribalism and claimed that qualified local candidates were being overlooked in favour of people from outside the Hardap region. A total of 30 applicants had been shortlisted for 18 available nursing positions in the region.

McNab stressed the need for due process and urged leaders to ensure that all procedures are followed correctly, policies and guidelines are strictly followed and that transparency and fairness prevail throughout the process.

During the briefing, Dausab also extended an apology to the affected candidates.

“I would like to apologise as the chairperson of the Hardap Regional Council to those affected candidates who travelled to Mariental for interviews that unfortunately were cancelled. You are welcome in the region . . . as we all are Namibians,” Dausab stated.

He explained that while opportunities should remain open to people from outside Hardap, leaders must also respect the power of the people and cannot overlook qualified local candidates for positions.

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