Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shelleygan Petersen
Published on 2024-04-07 06:00:00
The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs in Namibia is committed to recruiting and training soldiers to ensure the safety and security of the country. It was revealed by Defence Minister Frans Kapofi that the ministry spends N$80,000 on every soldier it recruits and trains. The process of recruiting soldiers is rigorous and costly, involving physical and medical tests, criminal record verification, and qualification verification.
In the last intake, 1,264 soldiers out of 1,300 graduated, and another 1,600 are currently undergoing training. This comes at a high cost, with an average expenditure of N$101 million on the graduates and N$128 million on those in training. The selection process is extensive, and once recruits report to training centers, they are provided with uniforms, bedding, meals, toiletries, and other basic amenities during the initial three months. Recruits also receive monthly allowances throughout their training period.
The ministry’s training programs are ongoing, with a significant investment of N$68 million over two financial years for existing staff development. The overall budget allocated to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has increased from N$6.3 billion to N$6.7 billion. This includes costs for recruitment, training, transportation, training aids, and tents.
Despite criticism from analysts, such as economist Angelique Bock, who argue that the defense budget cannot be excluded, the ministry continues to prioritize the training and development of its personnel. Investments have also been made in infrastructure, with N$111 million spent on the rehabilitation and maintenance of the ministry’s head office in Windhoek. Additionally, N$181 million was budgeted for infrastructure development, rehabilitation, and maintenance, with a significant portion allocated to the head office and military base facilities.
Furthermore, the ministry allocated N$11.5 million for meetings related to the inter-state defense and security committee in Windhoek, demonstrating its commitment to cooperation and collaboration in the defense sector. The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs remains dedicated to ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the Namibian Defence Force through continuous training and investment in infrastructure and personnel development.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs plays a crucial role in safeguarding the security and sovereignty of Namibia. Through strategic investments in recruitment, training, and infrastructure, the ministry aims to maintain a highly skilled and well-equipped defense force capable of addressing various security challenges. The significant budget allocations demonstrate the government’s commitment to the defense sector and its importance in ensuring the safety and well-being of the country.
Read the original article on The Namibian
