Amongst his top priorities, new councillor for Kapako Linyando Kupembona has vowed to tackle statelessness amongst the constituency’s inhabitants, while prioritising youth empowerment projects.

Kupembona shared his plans in an interview with this publication last week, saying youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the constituency. “Youth unemployment is a serious issue in our region and constituency, and it is something we are hoping to address by introducing programmes that will help young people find ways to create their own sources of income,” he said.

He added that young people played a significant role in his election victory, having actively participated in his campaign and election efforts.

“The youth worked with me during the campaign, and it is now my responsibility to ensure that youth programmes are made available and implemented,” Kupembona said. As part of his youth-focused initiatives, the councillor said the constituency plans to continue hosting the annual Kapako village youth soccer tournament, which he believes plays an important role in bringing young people together and keeping them away from harmful activities.

“This tournament helps keep young people engaged and away from negative influences in the community,” he added.

On statelessness, Kupembona expressed concern that many residents remain undocumented more than 30 years after independence, describing the situation as heartbreaking.

“During my campaign, I was approached by 13 students who passed with flying colours but are struggling to further their education because they do not have identity documents. This is something we need to fix as soon as possible,” he said.

Reflecting on his election victory, Kupembona said the win belongs to the people of Kapako.

“This victory is for the people. It shows that they believed in what we presented to them, and now it is up to us to deliver on those expectations. It is time to get to work and give them what they voted for,” he said.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na