An Analysis Of The Implementation Of The Affirmative Action Policy In The Namibian Public Sector: A Case Study Of The Office Of The Prime Minister

Abstract

It is usually expected for post-independence governments to rectify past injustices committed by the former colonial masters. These could be injustices in relation to social, political economical, gender, race etc. Of interest to this study is the issue of affirmative action. The study investigates the impact and consequences of the affirmative action policy in its quest to eradicate past imbalances in the employment sphere. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the Affirmative Action Policy in the Namibian public sector, focusing on the Office of the Prime Minister. In order to get an in-depth understanding of the impact and consequences that emanate from implementation of the said policy, a case study approach was adopted. The study employed research instruments such as questionnaire, interviews (both structured and semi- structured) as well as documentary analysis of available reports on the subject matter. The findings show that, although the implementation of the policy has placed previously disadvantaged groups in significantly and strategic managerial positions, it has also blocked those at lower positions because of the non-movement of the previously advantaged, resulting in career path diversions. It also became evident that affirmative action is viewed as unfair as it limits qualified personnel from promotions because organisations have to comply with the policy. Such a situation has resulted in many employees being demoralised, and feeling that the progress in their careers is blank as preference is given to previously disadvantaged groups. The study finally made some recommendations that will help to smoothen the implementation of the policy.