Gone are the days when Namibia’s National Assembly sessions were dominated by aging politicians. As much as they were there, they laid the foundation for the youth to follow. Once perceived as a dull and distant session, Namibian politics is now experiencing a vibrant transformation where youth, charisma and innovation are taking the centre stage. These shifts are visible in the 8th Parliament, where more than 30 of the 104 members are under the age of 45. It is, without a doubt, a historic and inspiring time to be a youth in Namibia.
For many Namibian youths, the current composition of the National Assembly offers hope, representation, and a real sense of belonging. Figures such as Immanuel Nashinge, now the leader of the official opposition in parliament, and Emma Theofilus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, are examples of youth leaders who have not only taken on significant responsibilities but have also made politics aspirational. Their journey proves that public service is not only a noble endeavour but also a viable and respectable career path for Namibian youth.
Dino Ballotti, with his natural charisma and unwavering passion, personifies the spirit of this new political era. His strong connection with the public and steadfast commitment to service demonstrate how relatable leadership can motivate young people to engage meaningfully with politics. Equally inspiring are figures such as Sharonice Busch and Eigub Dawid.
As university peers, I witnessed their active role in championing student struggles first-hand. Seeing them now as members of the National Assembly is a powerful testament to how dedication and purpose can transform grassroots activism into national leadership.
Koviao Hengari, Winnie Moongo, and Utaara Mootu continue to serve as inspiring figures for many Namibian youths. Their dedication and active engagement on issues affecting the youth demonstrate why they were deserving of a second term. Their relevance and bold advocacy may well have influenced others currently serving their first terms. Through their efforts, they have made political participation more accessible and appealing to the youth.
Equally commendable are returning MPs such as Longinus Iipumbu and Mbundu Mathias, who have brought renewed energy and thoughtful leadership into their second terms. Their ongoing commitment is vital in maintaining youth representation and ensuring it is not a passing phase, but a permanent feature of Namibia’s political landscape.
Names like Job Amupanda continue to dominate political conversations across the country. His vocal advocacy on key national issues resonates strongly with many Namibian youths, reaffirming the belief that politics is a space for bold and progressive ideas. Equally, Fenny Tutjavi, Esperance Luvindao, as well as George Kambala demonstrate the power of conviction and consistency in advocating for others, showing that those who stay true to their causes will be seen and rewarded.
Rodney Cloete and John Louw Mouton’s representation is a sign of greater inclusivity in the National Assembly representing the Namibian youth regardless of race, religion, or other social indicators. As the late President Hage Geingob often said: “No one should feel left out.” Their presence in the National Assembly encourages all Namibians, regardless of background, to take part in shaping the nation’s future.
The 8th Parliament also welcomed former educators like Tuhafeni Kalola, Ester Haikola, Bertha Nghifikwa, and Willem Amutenya, who have taken up their seats and will now use the platform to address long-standing challenges in education, particularly those affecting rural teachers. Their insights will help shape policy and bring real hope to those people in the profession.
Meanwhile, Isra Kanyemba, a former member of the Namibian Defence Force, brings a unique voice to Parliament, representing the aspirations and struggles of youth in the armed forces. His presence sends a strong message to those who feel forgotten: that their concerns matter, and their voices belong in the national dialogue.
Martha Itope, Michael Mwashindange, Ottilie Haitota, Nelson Kalangula, and Michael Mulunga show that Parliament is no longer a distant dream for the Namibian youth. They have paved a pathway that proves political office is attainable through dedication and service.
Fredrick Shitana, with his background in music, continues to resonate with youth artists struggling for fair recognition and compensation. His seat in Parliament symbolizes representation for arts and creatives across Namibia.
These Members of Parliament are your neighbours, your friends, Namibian citizens like you and me, who now sit in one of the legislative chambers, shaping the laws that govern our nation. That alone is remarkable! They have made politics fashionable and opened the doors for Namibian youth to not only participate in politics but also to become active contributors to the broader national discourse. In a country facing high unemployment, this is an important call to action: youth must be encouraged to see politics not just as a duty but as a viable and meaningful career.
Let us use our youthful Members of Parliament to push forward youth ideas and aspirations. When you see them in local shops, greet them, share challenges that the youth face, offer solutions, and encourage them to raise these issues in Parliament. The youth must rise from their comfort zones, join debate clubs, youth organizations, and civic groups. The path has been cleared for you. It is a historic achievement, especially for a generation that has long demanded their place at the decision-making table. Now that demand has been realized. You are now at the table. You’ve made politics engaging and relatable. Do not waver. Namibia stands apart in many countries; youth representation of this magnitude remains a distant dream.
The youth of Namibia are proud of you and will continue to support you in advancing their agenda. While you represent the nation as a whole, you are also the voice of the Namibian youth. You’ve made politics so fashionable that even a young kapana vendor is motivated to stream parliamentary sessions eager to see whether youthful MPs are championing the issues that affect their lives and witnessing how their peers are holding government accountable on the national stage.
I take my hat off to each of you. Your names are engraved in the Namibian history books for having had the courage to challenge the status quo. You stood before the people with your ideas, earned their trust, and they elected you to serve them. The youth of this country are proud of you for making politics not just fashionable, but meaningful and accessible.
*Priskila Nangula Shihenguti Kulula is a social activist and pan-Africanist