WINDHOEK – The Swapo Youth League (SPYL) has called on the Namibian youth not to only become voting tools but to be empowered in becoming practical participants in the economy of the country.
“We therefore call on all Namibian youth to be involved in business in all economic sectors,” Dr Elijah Ngurare, SPYL secretary general urged in a statement.
He said: “We must transform Independence Avenue of Windhoek with Namibian owned businesses especially young black business as well as in all towns across the country.”
The SPYL further called on government together with the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) to set up a dedicated youth development bank to fund collateral free business initiatives for Namibian youths.
“This must be a genuine youth economic emancipation agenda,” the statement read, urging youths to come up with new ideas and focus on creativity to propel Namibia to greater heights.
The youth league said that it is meaningless for the Namibian youth to be vocal spectators on social media or remain in a state of mental cul de sac through not partaking in the democratic structures of the country.
Ngurare called on all Namibian youth to be ready on January 15 to March 2 to register as voters in the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections this year.
“However, your vote needs not be a secret, but an open secret, namely vote for Swapo Party, its presidential candidate, Dr Hage Geingob and for our parliamentarians. Only then can we influence change and decisions that have practical impact on all young people.”
The youth league appealed to youths to assist their parents in cultivating their fields and for the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry to continue giving youth volunteers allowances in the regions.
Ngurare further urged the Food and Cash for Work Programme to be rolled out in all constituencies and regions of the country.
“It is also true that we have challenges of drug and alcohol abuse as well as other aspects of moral decay especially amongst the youth. Our fight against these vices will be won if elders and parents provide a good upbringing,” the statement said.
SPYL urged government to consider that every Grade 12 graduate be enrolled for a compulsory one year in the National Youth Service and to expand community skills development centres (Cosdecs) across the country, as alluded by the Minister of Defence, Nahas Angula.
“Finally, as in the past, the mission of our Swapo Party must remain the same: the defence of the interests and service to the people.”
By Staff Reporter