Some residents of the Omatjete settlement in the Erongo Region have petitioned the Zeraeua Traditional Authority against alleged unfair interferences in youth employment in mines and projects in the area.

The group leader, Kaviyenene Puriza, claimed that the traditional authority is recommending individuals linked to themselves in the Daures Constituency to get jobs and tenders.

The group is demanding investigations into alleged unfair employment in mines operating in the area and construction works at the police station.

"These concerns came about when the traditional authority recommended a certain individual from the community to replace another employee who was working at Ongwe Mining. After investigations, we found out that this individual, who was recommended to replace his colleague, was never on the company's list of eligible candidates for the job. Unfortunately, we as unemployed youths in the community have to be treated with such drastic unfair treatment when it comes to job allocation, whereby these companies come with job opportunities, and when we apply for the same jobs, people that come from other towns where there are high opportunities of getting jobs get the upper hand."

The group also wants the traditional authority to respond on why the green hydrogen project only benefitted one candidate who is linked to a councillor, including catering tenders.

"This project required ladies to apply, whereby a lot of ladies from the Omatjete district applied with a direct recommendation from one of your councillors, who happens to be a direct in-law to the candidate, who was selected. We also like to bring to your attention that when catering tenders are allocated, they never get announced to the public for eligible applicants to apply as well."

Receiving the petition on behalf of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority, Senior Councillor Fabianus Uaseuapuani.

"I thank you, our youth, our community, for expressing your democratic right to inform us of your queries on your situation that you feel the office needs to listen to and respond to. This petition is for the Chief; we receive it and, as soon as possible, will also provide you with answers as you require."

The Traditional Authority has been given 14 working days to respond to the grievances in the petition.