The Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) has welcomed the government's decision to increase internship allowances and extend placements to six months. However, the organisation says that better pay must be matched by meaningful skills development and more employment opportunities for young Namibians. Nanso representative Ndayola Mulongeni stated that existing allowances were inadequate to meet the cost of living.
Mulongeni said that while the increment may not fully address the challenges faced by interns, it is a welcome improvement that will provide some financial relief. She also noted that extending internships to six months could give graduates more time to gain practical experience and strengthen their skills. However, she emphasised that better internship conditions should be accompanied by deliberate efforts to create employment opportunities for young people.
A report by The Current on a cleaning programme advertised as an internship by the Rössing Foundation has raised questions about whether some placements provide meaningful skills development or fill roles that could otherwise be formal jobs. The programme advertised a 12-month cleaning placement for unemployed young people at Arandis, promising workforce training and a reference letter upon completion.
Swakopmund-based labour expert Tuhafeni Petrus questioned whether the duties described qualified as an internship, arguing that the work amounted to ordinary cleaning. He also questioned the value of unpaid or inadequately paid placements for unemployed young people, saying that they still have basic living expenses despite not having formal employment.
Petrus expressed concern that unemployed young people are being taken advantage of, saying that they still need to pay rent, buy food, and cover other living expenses. He argued that it is unfair to expect them to volunteer without adequate compensation.
The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) has begun working on possible adjustments to its engagement allowances for young people following the government's decision to increase internship payments. NTA chief executive Erick Nenghwanya said that the authority welcomed the government's decision and had already started working on its own arrangements to make similar adjustments to engagement allowances.
Nenghwanya stated that higher allowances will help young people sustain themselves during workplace placements and make their life easier in terms of the cost of living. He noted that the NTA had consistently called for higher allowances to support young people during their internships.
Key points
- Nanso welcomes higher internship allowances but calls for more employment opportunities.
- Labour expert questions value of unpaid or inadequately paid placements.
- NTA begins working on adjustments to engagement allowances.
