Junior Mayor of the Municipality of Windhoek, Emma Theofelus, serves as the liaison between school learners of Windhoek and the City of Windhoek.
Theofelus is a 16-year old learner at Khomas High School, whose role is to report back to schools about all the information pertaining to the Junior Council and civic affairs. She serves in a leadership role for the Youth Junior Council to represent the views of young people at a local level, giving them the opportunity to have a voice, discuss relevant issues, engage with, challenge and support decision making, and contribute to improving the lives of young people in Namibia. New Era’s Selma Neshiko asks her about her role as the Junior Mayor, what her priorities are, her vision, issues the youth face and her message to the youth.
Tell me about yourself?
I am a young Namibian girl. Born and bred in Windhoek. I have a passion for travelling and love the environment. I love to sing, dance, do a little of acting and an advocate for children’s rights. I am kind, loving and assertive and value the simplest things and people in my life.
What inspired you to run for mayor?
I decided to run for Junior Mayor because I am an advocate for children’s rights. I feel I have a responsibility to serve my city, and country as a whole. I am open- minded about anything that could improve the welfare of our nation, and most importantly, I am a humanitarian, I love to help people at any level and at any time in my life.
What’s it like to be a Mayor?
It feels so liberating. The people I’ve met are incredible and the experience I am having is just wonderful to say the least. I wouldn’t call it hard work because it is the opportunity that I have been given to express my love for people. I believe in a better difference and this has been the gateway for me in achieving a better change.
What are your main priorities at the moment?
I would like to raise a wide range of awareness on teen pregnancy and domestic violence against children, child abuse and empowering the girl child, as well as pushing the Child Care and Protection Bill to become a law in Namibia. My council and I are working on having a conference to discuss this issue. Also, the empowerment of young boys and girls in setting goals and having a vision for oneself is lacking. If you stand for nothing then you will fall for everything.
What is your personal agenda of issues you wants to resolve?
The inaction of the Namibian Child Care and Protection Bill. I am using all avenues to advocate for this Bill. Whether it is through the radio, television, print or via meetings, talks with the relevant stakeholders as well as other people all over Namibia or the world. My research never stops. Hopefully, with this entire mobilisation, the Bill will be enacted as a law in Namibia when it is passed in parliament next year.
What are some of the most important issues today’s youth are facing?
Alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, school drop-outs and unemployment are some of the major problems hitting the youth hard. I think there are many, many young people in our country who are very active in talking about the problems that they face, and that government is not doing anything to solve them but there is a very low number of the same young people coming up with any solutions or working towards possible solutions.
What changes would you like to see among the youth in the country?
The youth has spoken enough but now they need to put their work and money where their mouths are. The platforms are open everywhere for a public discourse and discussions to come up with plans to solve the problems. The youth now needs to take initiative and advocate for a change in their behaviour and take action for their problems.
Do you hope to further your career in politics later on?
I don’t think I have a big role in politics that I need to play. Unless the need arises for me. Right now, I plan on passing senior year with flying colours and going to medical school.
Who is your hero?
I have so many personal hero’s that I look up to in different situations that they have inspired me in. In terms of advocacy for good, it would be Nelson Mandela and Dr Sam Nujoma who fight till the end for what they believe in. They are an inspiration.
Any last words?
To the youth, develop attitudes that exhibit your growth and begin doing what you want to do now. Take action for what you believe in and remember that ‘Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe’ – St Augustine.