Locals dismayed over Navachab recruitment process

WINDHOEK – Inhabitants of Karibib, Usakos and surrounding settlements in the Erongo Region have expressed dismay over the alleged recruitment of 60 machine operators at QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine on 17 May 2021.

Speaking to Nampa on Wednesday, the vice director of the Great Erongo Community Development Association (GECDA) Raymond Tjiuongua said to the dismay of the region’s inhabitants, applicants who were interviewed for the positions were all not from the region, but instead from the far southern and northern regions.

Another issue the communities are complaining about is that of a questionnaire used for written interviews, which has been circulating on social media prior to the interviews.

“We have on many occasions tried to negotiate with the mine’s top management to also give a preference of employment to the locals,” he stressed. Tjiuongua suggested that the mine’s management considers implementing a structure that will allow at least three members of the community to be involved in the recruitment and tender processes of the mine.

The inhabitants of Karibib, Usakos and surrounding settlements earlier handed over a petitiontothemine’smanagementon25March 2021, in which they asked for the removal of some managerial staff with immediate effect. “We would like some answers, and for our complaints to be dealt with accordingly.

Wegotaresponsefromthemine,butnothing is being done. We want to see action. What the mine has responded is not 100% of what we want as the inhabitants of the region. We the GECDA members will still hold a peaceful demonstration once more,” said Tjiuongua. Contacted for comment on Thursday, communications consultant of QKR Namibia Navachab Mine, Usi ||Hoebeb, said questions posted by the agency could not be answered as the input of investors is needed before any information could be shared.

“The management is aware of the allegations, and had previously responded to the group in writing. We will, however, respond to the latest allegations in due course,” he added.