Namibia has stepped up efforts to fight unemployment and poverty, with 278 new correctional officers graduating after nine months of basic training at the Lucius Sumbwanyambe Mahoto Correctional Service Training College in Omaruru.
The officers—181 men and 97 women—began the 31st basic training intake in September last year. They completed a 13-module course covering various aspects of correctional service work. The group includes graduates from psychology, social work, theology, nursing, agriculture, and law, along with artisans and Grade 12 certificate holders.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who represented President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said the training and deployment of these officers are part of Namibia’s broader strategy to reduce poverty and create jobs.
“This graduation comes at a time the country is intensifying efforts to combat unemployment and reduce poverty,” said Ngurare. “Skill development has also been prioritized to empower inmates with employable capabilities post-release. I am proud to note that between 2017 and April 2025, more than 13,898 inmates have benefitted from these interventions.”
He added that agricultural training offered to inmates contributes not only to rehabilitation but also to national food security and institutional self-sufficiency.
Commissioner General of the Namibian Correctional Service, Raphael Hamunyela, thanked the government for supporting the recruitment process.
“I salute the dedicated executive directors, our minister, and the able team set up by our president, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, that availed resources for the Namibian Correctional Service to have another recruitment in the 2025–2026 financial year, with almost double the number of the current intake,” Hamunyela said.
The next group of recruits is expected to report for the 32nd intake in August this year.
Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, said the graduation brings the total number of correctional officers in Namibia to 3,030. However, she pointed out that more needs to be done.
“The approved structure stands at about 10,233 positions. We still have vacancies of over 2,000 that remain,” said Iipumbu. “The departments require more incentives to operationalize various interventions, notably the facility in the Kunene Region and another one in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region.”
She said food production interventions should be established at the newly acquired facilities to support national development goals.