By Koviao Matuzee
Students Union of Namibia (SUN) Board Chairperson Benhard Kavau has called for government to establish an Internship Monitoring and Protection Task Force to safeguard young people from exploitation, harassment and unfair workplace practices.
In an exclusive interview with Confidente, Kavau said internships should be a bridge between education and employment, not a source of cheap labor for employers.
Kavau’s call comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of interns in Namibia, including allegations of unpaid or delayed stipends, excessive workloads, inadequate supervision and students being assigned duties unrelated to their fields of study.
He said some interns are placed in vulnerable positions because they are desperate to gain workplace experience and complete their academic requirements, creating an environment where employers can take advantage of their situation.
“Internships are designed to provide students with practical experience, professional exposure, and opportunities to develop skills relevant to their fields of study,” Kavau said.
However, he said some students end up performing work similar to permanent employees without receiving appropriate compensation or meaningful mentorship.
Kavau also raised concerns about interns being given responsibilities that have little connection to their qualifications.
He cited cases where interns have allegedly been instructed to perform duties such as cleaning supervisors’ offices instead of gaining experience in their respective professions.
According to him, such practices undermine the very purpose of internships.
“Interns should not be treated as personal assistants, domestic workers, cleaners, or substitutes for permanent employees simply because they occupy a vulnerable position within the organisation,” he said.
The SUN chairperson also highlighted sexual harassment and abuse of authority as serious concerns, particularly involving female interns who may fear reporting inappropriate conduct because of possible retaliation or jeopardizing their placements.
Kavau is therefore calling for stronger monitoring of internship programs, arguing that government frameworks alone are insufficient without mechanisms to ensure employers comply with them.
He proposed that a dedicated government task force conduct workplace inspections, investigate complaints and establish confidential channels through which interns can report exploitation, harassment, unpaid stipends and abuse of authority.
He further wants employers participating in internship programs to provide structured mentorship, proper supervision, relevant work experience, and clear learning objectives.
The call comes against the backdrop of renewed public attention on internship conditions in Namibia after the recent report by The Namibian Newspaper, on youth leaders accusing some companies of exploiting interns, with concerns including low allowances, full working hours and graduates remaining in internships after obtaining their qualifications.
According to Kavau, the issue is ultimately about protecting young Namibians who enter the workplace hoping to build careers.
“Internships should not simply be a period in which a student provides labor to an organisation. It should be a structured learning experience that prepares young people for meaningful participation in the workforce,” he said.
