National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) secretary general Joseph Kauandenge said young people, in general, especially those in the NUDO Youth League, should not expect party elders to hand them power on a silver platter.

 Kauandenge said this on Saturday in a speech read on his behalf by NUDO deputy secretary general Uaraa Uapingene at the party’s executive committee meeting that took place at a lodge in Windhoek.

Kauandenge said life in politics is not an easy road for young people, as there will always be obstacles. One of the challenges, he said, is that those who are already established in the political arena tend to not take youth seriously. Therefore, if young people are under the impression elders will give them power on a silver platter, they are mistaken.

“As a young person you must not expect power to be handed over to you just because you are young, you must carve your niche in politics. Resolve in aiming higher to claim your place. When engaging with elders in your party, engage them and offer substance and well-rounded reasoning, only then can they start taking you seriously,” said Kauandenge.

He added that young people should expect the reality in politics, the reality of being betrayed in the process and used to advance other people’s agendas and getting dumped when they are no longer needed, and it is a reality that has occurred over and over again in all party formations all over the world.

“It is imperative that you stay above political pettiness, personal grudges between elders and becoming choir conductors in fights in the party. One big mistake that you can make as a young person is getting involved in personal political fights between your elders, as this has the potential to leave you as a casualty of personal egos,” warned Kauandenge.

He further said people must put the party’s interest above personal interest because they must have read and understood the party’s constitution, its plan of action and manifesto when they joined the party.

“No one joins a party because of someone, as people change parties all the time, but the ideas and character of the party does not really change but remains the same for generations to come.” 

– Nampa