Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu has commended the graduation of 296 trainees who completed basic orientation courses under the Namibia Correctional Service.
The graduates, forming the first intake of 2026, are expected to be absorbed into the service, creating new employment opportunities while strengthening the country's correctional workforce.
Minister Iipumbu says the trainee's recruitment into Namibia Correctional Service is aimed at addressing shortages of personnel affecting the institution.
"Today's graduates are not merely entering employment. They are joining a profession entrusted with maintaining security, promoting justice, facilitating offender rehabilitation, and supporting successful reintegration into society. In this regard, I wish to express sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Namibia, under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, for availing resources during the 2026/2027 financial year to facilitate the recruitment and training of additional personnel within the Namibian Correctional Service."
Iipumbu added she is pleased with the services achieving successes in different areas, despite challenges such as shortages of uniforms and accommodation and that of modern security equipment required to ensure optimal safety and security within correctional facilities.
"Many correctional officers continue to travel long distances to and from work, often under difficult circumstances and at considerable personal risk. Addressing these challenges remains critical to strengthening the operational effectiveness, welfare, and morale of members of the service. Despite these constraints, the Namibian Correctional Service continues to make significant progress in delivering on its mandate, which is to provide safe, secure and humane custody of offenders and rehabilitate and re-integrate them into the community and contribute to national development."
Grootfontien Mayor Moritz Gaingob spoke on behalf of Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Khamuseb.
"Events of this nature serve as a reminder that the national development is a shared responsibility; they bring together government institutions, and they bring together community and stakeholders from across the country in pursuit of a common goal: building a safer, more prosperous and inclusive Namibia for all."
Rouxche Mulike represented the graduates.
"These months have been more than training; they have been rehabilitation and transformation. We live here not only as graduates but also as patriots ready to serve our nation with honour and pride. We have learned to value humanity, to walk a distance in the shoes of those entrusted in our care and uphold the dignity of service."
The 10th graduation ceremony was held under the theme "Diverse Drive", which represents graduates from different regions, cultures, and educational backgrounds.