The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) is being sued for leaving Joel Jacob (19) off the recruitment list for its May intake.
The urgent application, is supported by sworn affidavits and backed by individuals who believe Jacob’s case could expose broader injustices in the NDF’s recruitment process.
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs yesterday denied any wrongdoing.
Jacob, from Onamishu village in the Oshikoto region says he was left off the list despite passing all assessments. Jacob, who gave up a spot to study at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, says the NDF’s promise of a N$5 200 recruitment salary offered hope in the face of financial struggles, with both his parents unemployed.
In February this year, he completed all recruitment requirements, including physical fitness tests, a police clearance, and a medical check-up. However, on 25 February, he was informed that his name did not make it on to the recruitment list published in the newspaper, apparently because of the number of applicants.
Left without university admission or military enlistment, Jacob approached the Windhoek High Court for urgent relief, with the financial support of good Samaritans.
Represented by Nambili Mhata Legal Practitioners, he is seeking an interim interdict to compel the NDF to reinstate him into the training programme that commenced between 12 and 16 May. His lawyers argue that the removal was unfair, unlawful and violated his constitutional rights to equality, fair administrative justice and lawful conduct by public officials.
Jacob is also pursuing a main application to have the decision fully reviewed and set aside, or alternatively declared unconstitutional. He is demanding that the respondents, which include president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in her capacity as commander-in-chief, and senior defence officials, produce all documentation and internal communications related to his exclusion.
Jacob’s case was set to be heard yesterday. If successful, it could have far-reaching implications for transparency and fairness in military recruitment.
FAIR SELECTION
Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu yesterday said it is incorrect to say Jacob was removed from the list, as some applicants do not make it past the initial selection phase.
“Passing the first physical and medical assessments does not mean a person is automatically recruited … [Jacob’s] overall performance was average compared to the other candidates,” he said.
He explained that the ministry advertises more posts than they aim to recruit, and has applicants compete for limited slots after which the top performers are selected.
He said the selection process considers several factors: physical fitness, medical clearance, criminal background checks, regional and constituency quotas, as well as age to ensure future recruits do not retire at the same time.
Affirmative Repositioning spokesperson and member of parliament George Kambala yesterday said Jacob’s story reflects a broader problem.
“This is about an entire generation constantly let down by a system that favours connections over merit, tribal links over talent, and privilege over potential,” he said.
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