Mariental: Hardap Governor, Riaan McNab, has urged local residents and stakeholders to remain impartial as investigations into alleged tribalism in the recruitment process for nurses at Mariental unfold. He emphasizes the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without prejudice to ensure that any necessary actions are taken.
According to Namibia Press Agency, this call to action follows a demonstration by Mariental residents outside the Ministry of Health and Social Services regional office. The protestors claimed that local applicants were being overlooked in favor of candidates from other regions for registered nurse positions at the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Additionally, allegations were made regarding tribalism remarks by the regional health director.
During a press conference on Wednesday, McNab announced that the Ministry of Health has temporarily halted the entire recruitment process to facilitate a thorough investigation. "The interview will not proceed until a full investigation is completed," McNab stated. He assured that if any inappropriate remarks were made or if proper procedures for shortlisting candidates were not followed, these issues would be promptly addressed in accordance with established protocols.
John Witbooi, representing the Swapo Youth League, informed Nampa that they had contacted both the Hardap Governor and the Minister of Health and Social Services to cancel the interview process and investigate the matter after receiving public complaints. "The Human Resources (HR) department conducted a selective process for nurses, and we have received reports of tribal remarks made by the director of health in the Hardap region and reached out to the Governor," he explained.
Nampa also interviewed Monica Kamati, one of the shortlisted candidates, who expressed frustration over the cancellation of the interview process. "We were all given a fair chance," Kamati said, referencing the initial test on 16 September that was canceled due to alleged question paper leakage. She noted that everyone had the opportunity to rewrite the test and that she had worked hard to earn her place among the top 30 candidates. Kamati pointed out the irony that those who complained about the question paper leakage are now calling for the interview halt.