A group of municipal workers has accused the Keetmanshoop Municipality of terminating their contracts unfairly, citing alleged favouritism. The workers raised these allegations in an interview with NBC News. 

Despite some having been employed since 2023 and 2024, the workers claimed that their fixed contracts have been terminated. 

The three affected employees allege the newly appointed staff have been granted permanent positions due to alleged political favouritism.

Elroy Kooper described the decision as unfair, citing their longer years of service.

"They have hired their own people, family members, only making sure that members from a certain political party are employed, especially the youth from LPM. I went to the office of the HR; I wanted to speak to him and find out what is actually going on, but he kicked me out of the office. There are people I have worked with who are from LPM who were given permanent positions; I can name them. My question is, do you have to be from LPM first before you get a job?"

Another worker, Marcellino Blaauw, employed with the municipality since 2024, says favouritism in hiring is nothing new at the Keetmanshoop municipality.

"This is not the first time this has happened; it's been going on for a long time at the Keetmanshoop municipality, where they give jobs to friends and family, or you have to belong to a certain political party to have a chance to be employed."

In response, the Public Relations Officer Monica Imene says the council is not aware of the issue, and therefore they are unable to respond at this stage.