INVESTIGATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFFIRMATIVE ACT AS A TOOL FOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF A SELECTED GOVERNMENT MINISTRY IN NAMIBIA FROM 2016 TO 2021

Abstract

Motivation for the study: It has been observed that when affirmative action issues are not addressed then they impact service delivery. Secondly, there appears to be fewer studies in the area of affirmative action, particularly in the Namibian Government, especially in relation to affirmative action, particularly in the Directorate of General Services (DGS) head office in the Khomas region. Research approach: The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a case study research design. The data were collected through interviews and thematically analysed. Main results: Affirmative action is defined as measures premeditated in disregarding unlawful discrimination among employees. In investigating how the implementation of the Affirmative Action Policy is in performing, it was found out that the Affirmative Action Policy is only operational to a very limited extent. On assessing factors that hinder effective implementation of affirmative action, the study results show that lack of a monitoring policy, lack of training, lack of leadership interest, public perceptions and workplace discrimination contribute to the lack of the full realisation of affirmative practices in the DGS. In establishing measures that were put in place to implement and/or promote the Affirmative Action policy in DGS it was found that there were no attempts towards implementing affirmative action remedies. The study recommends mentoring and coaching programmes, initiating supervisory or monitoring boards, and conducting training and development programmes on affirmative action as essential strategies to promote ethical affirmative action practices. KEYWORDS: Affirmative action, effectiveness, employment opportunities, discrimination.