WINDHOEK– The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) says it is in consultations with 25 construction companies contracted to build houses to have them employ children born during the liberation struggle.
At a packed media briefing yesterday held at the Swapo Party headquarters, the youth wing’s spokesperson Job Amupanda said the SPYL would motivate that those companies that refuse to employ ‘struggle kids’ be excluded during the second phase of the mass housing project.
“We want to engage with those who got tenders from government to employ children of the liberation struggle, so that they can do work such as push wheelbarrows. Those who do not want, should not be considered during the second phase. We will motivate and make sure they are not considered,” he said.
More than 200 children born during the liberation struggle were issued with their SPYL membership cards last year. The group decided to join the SPYL to show they are bona fide Swapo Party supporters. The group has been camping in makeshift shelters on the outskirts of Windhoek supported by good Samaritans.
Companies that were awarded mass housing tenders are 7 Sirs Group, Madawa Investment (Pty) Ltd, Power-Oyeno, Calgrow M3, Delta Group Holdings, Anker Bay Investments, Oshipe Turnkey, Headhigh Investment, Flic Enterprises, Hadaga Investment, Onjanja Construction, Neto Contractors, Ferco, Namibian Homes, Stantoll, Guinas Investment, Hakahana, Caprivi Building Contractors, Afrina, Homenet, Ferusa, Pro Housing, NCCS, GreenCycle and Oruhapo.
Phase one of the mass housing scheme , which will cost about N$2.9 billion, is currently ongoing.
During yesterday’s briefing, Amupanda also brushed off what he called a “perception deliberately created” that the Swapo elders and youth are at loggerheads.
“In fact the elders are the ones urging us to speak out on issues affecting the youth and we have a good relationship with the elders. Whether we like it or not, the youth have an appointment with the future, and therefore they must be included in all development activities of the country,” he said.
Amupanda claimed the reason why some young Namibians are starting to grab land on the outskirts of Windhoek is because they are being “left out”.
On the much talked about 50/50 gender representation in the ruling party, the SPYL says it supports President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s stance that “there is no going back on the 50/50”.
“We are happy as young people of Swapo because there will be an opportunity for young women to get into leadership and provide direction. Young women must begin to enter party structures and go to parliament.”
Added Amupanda: “For those who are saying there must be consultations on 50/50, go to Etosha National Park and take a look at how a zebra appears.”
By Mathias Haufiku