Uakutura Kambaekwa 

PDM leader McHenry Venaani has expressed concern over the alarming increase in youth unemployment and what he termed the lack of activity in Parliament, urging immediate action to address these pressing issues. 

In a statement issued  last week, Venaani emphasised that the continued rise in youth unemployment poses one of the most significant threats to Namibia’s social cohesion, economic growth, and future development.

“Young people, who make up the majority of our population, are increasingly excluded from meaningful economic participation. Namibian youth remain particularly vulnerable, with the combined youth unemployment and potential labour force rate projected to reach 61.4%,” he stated.

Venaani said his party has consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing the issue. He highlighted that Inna Hengari, a PDM parliamentarian, introduced a motion in 2021 calling for youth unemployment to be declared an emergency, underscoring that meaningful action in this area has long been a priority.

“We, therefore, call on the government to emulate South Africa, which has formally recognised youth unemployment as a national crisis. Such a declaration in Namibia is necessary to demonstrate political will and urgency,” he stated.

He added that this should be accompanied by the immediate establishment of a dedicated special committee focused exclusively on tackling youth unemployment.

According to Venaani, the committee must coordinate with all relevant ministries, engage the private sector, align education and skills development with labour market needs, and implement tangible programmes that create real jobs for young Namibians.

He further emphasised that youth unemployment is not merely an abstract statistic, but a daily crisis affecting thousands of capable, educated, and willing young people who are being denied the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

Venaani also urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her powers to recall Parliament earlier than the scheduled opening in February 2026.

“Parliament should meet at least one to two weeks earlier to allow members to discuss and pass critical legislation that affects employment, service delivery, and social protection,” he noted.

He said delaying the start of parliamentary business undermines the urgency of these national challenges, adding that citizens are tired of empty explanations,  while real problems remain unresolved. Leadership, he stressed, requires decisive action and accountability, not excuses.
-Nampa