NamRA denies allegations of recruitment prejudice
Agency excludes certain ethnic groups, MP says
The finance minister will face questions on NamRa and its 'prejudiced' recruitment processes today, the parliamentarian said.
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has refuted allegations that its recruitment processes are ‘prejudiced’.
According to member of parliament Edson Isaacks, the agency has deliberately excluded certain ethnic groups during recruitment.
He made these comments during the seventh session of the National Assembly last week.
In a statement, NamRA said it has maintained a transparent recruitment process where all positions are advertised internally or externally.
“Shortlisted candidates are subjected to a competent interview process that determines the best candidate(s) for positions, guided by our recruitment, selection and induction policy," it read.
"For internal positions, the candidates are first subjected to an online interview test and those who perform well qualify for oral interviews. It is worth noting that written tests are extended to all applicants, hence no person is excluded at this stage," NamRA CEO Sam Shivute added.
Straight answers
During a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun, Isaacks said he has questions to ask the finance minister in parliament today.
"I don't want to preempt anything by giving a comment to the media today. I have direct questions to ask the minister so that they don't dodge the truth," he said.
Meanwhile, according to NamRA’s statement, staff members from the inland revenue department and the directorate of customs and excise were seconded for a period of three years.
"To date, NamRA has appointed 1 045 staff, of which 867 or 82.9% are from seconded employees. Only 188 seconded staff have not been absorbed, while 30 seconded staff have declined employment offers for different reasons," Shivute said.
According to the agency, reasons for the reluctance from staff range from finding remuneration packages unsatisfactory to unwillingness to take up positions at other duty stations.
"In terms of job security, NamRA is committed to absorbing the seconded staff, and in the event that such is not realised, we will engage the ministry of finance for the deployment of the remaining staff in the public service," Shivute said.
According to member of parliament Edson Isaacks, the agency has deliberately excluded certain ethnic groups during recruitment.
He made these comments during the seventh session of the National Assembly last week.
In a statement, NamRA said it has maintained a transparent recruitment process where all positions are advertised internally or externally.
“Shortlisted candidates are subjected to a competent interview process that determines the best candidate(s) for positions, guided by our recruitment, selection and induction policy," it read.
"For internal positions, the candidates are first subjected to an online interview test and those who perform well qualify for oral interviews. It is worth noting that written tests are extended to all applicants, hence no person is excluded at this stage," NamRA CEO Sam Shivute added.
Straight answers
During a telephonic interview with Namibian Sun, Isaacks said he has questions to ask the finance minister in parliament today.
"I don't want to preempt anything by giving a comment to the media today. I have direct questions to ask the minister so that they don't dodge the truth," he said.
Meanwhile, according to NamRA’s statement, staff members from the inland revenue department and the directorate of customs and excise were seconded for a period of three years.
"To date, NamRA has appointed 1 045 staff, of which 867 or 82.9% are from seconded employees. Only 188 seconded staff have not been absorbed, while 30 seconded staff have declined employment offers for different reasons," Shivute said.
According to the agency, reasons for the reluctance from staff range from finding remuneration packages unsatisfactory to unwillingness to take up positions at other duty stations.
"In terms of job security, NamRA is committed to absorbing the seconded staff, and in the event that such is not realised, we will engage the ministry of finance for the deployment of the remaining staff in the public service," Shivute said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article