NAMCOL moves to end renewals of fixed term contracts after November 25th

The Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol) has announced that its board has approved the extension of contracts for employees in critical positions until November 2025, provided they meet the required qualification criteria.

A statement issued by the Office of the CEO says that these extended contracts will include revised terms clearly stating that no further renewals will occur beyond November 2025.

It also says that any continuation of employment thereafter will be subject to a transparent and competitive recruitment process.

The decision was formally communicated to affected staff on 16 May 2025, but this has sparked concern and dissatisfaction among some employees.

Nearly half of Namcol’s workforce, about 49%, are currently employed on fixed-term contracts.

The college says this structure was initially used to meet operational demands but is no longer viable under the current legal and governance framework.

“This resolution is not a reflection of the dedication or performance of the affected staff. On the contrary, Namcol deeply appreciates the contributions of all its employees, particularly those who have served through multiple contract terms. However, the college has a responsibility to ensure that all employment practices are legally sound and ethically upheld, in line with its public service mandate,” reads the statement.
Namcol stressed that these contract extensions will be the final renewals, and any future employment will require staff to apply through a competitive recruitment process.

Photo: Contributed

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.