Indeed, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has proven to be youthful at heart by handpicking the young activist of the University of Namibia, Fenny Tutjavi (22).
Namibia stands on the cusp of a new era as it prepares to witness an unprecedented event in its political landscape – the election of youth representatives to the National Assembly. This significant move by Swapo, to have a 40% representation of the youth on their candidate list to the National Assembly come 2025 to 2029, opens a world of possibilities for the young people of Namibia, signalling that their voices, concerns, and aspirations are finally being given the platform they deserve.
What does this really mean for Namibia’s youth, and how can they benefit from having their peers advocate for them at the highest levels of government?
The youth of Namibia, who
make up a large part of the population, have for years expressed concerns about unemployment, education, health, and a lack of meaningful involvement in the country’s decision-making processes. These challenges have stifled the potential of many young Namibians, leaving them feeling disillusioned and disconnected from a system that often seems distant and unresponsive to their needs.
The inclusion of youth in Swapo’s National Assembly party list offers a direct remedy to this disconnect. Young representatives will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and much-needed energy to the political arena.
They are uniquely positioned to understand the struggles their generation is facing because they are living through the same experiences. Whether it’s navigating a competitive job market, dealing with the realities of mental health issues, or accessing quality education, these youth representatives know first-hand the urgency of these matters.
One of the immediate benefits of youth representation in the National Assembly will be a more direct channel of communication between policymakers and young people. Instead of relying on intermediaries to voice their concerns, young Namibians will have a seat at the table, ensuring their issues are heard without distortion.
This means policies targeting youth employment, educational reform, and entrepreneurship can be better tailored to address real needs, increasing their chances of success.
Furthermore, these young leaders from Swapo are likely to push for reforms that align with the interests of the younger generation. For example, they may champion policies that focus on improving access to technology and innovation, which are critical tools for Namibia’s development in the digital age.
They may also be more likely to advocate environmental sustainability, with the new discoveries of oil and gas, a cause that resonates strongly with the youth as they look to secure a brighter, more sustainable future.
Beyond policy advocacy, the symbolic power of youth representation cannot be overstated. Seeing young people like Emma Theofelus, Sharonice Busch, Sam S Nujoma, Christine Haindaka, Willem Amutenya, and so many more of the youth on the list of the Swapo candidates to the National Assembly take on leadership roles in the next government will inspire a generation to become more politically active and engaged.
It sends a powerful message that leadership is not solely reserved for the older generation but is a space where young people can thrive and make impactful decisions. This shift could spark a movement of civic engagement among the youth, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities and the country at large. Critics may argue that youth representatives lack the experience to navigate the complex world of politics and governance. However, such concerns overlook the fact that innovation and progress often come from those who challenge the status quo.
Namibia’s youth representatives will bring a fresh, dynamic approach to leadership, one that is unencumbered by outdated ideologies and practices. While they may lack traditional experience, they bring a wealth of lived experience, creativity, and passion that can inject new life into Namibia’s political system.
For Namibia’s youth, this is a pivotal moment.
The success of their peers in the National Assembly will depend not only on the representatives themselves but also on the collective support and involvement of the wider youth population. It is crucial that young people stay informed, hold their representatives accountable, and continue to engage in the political process. Only then can the potential benefits of youth representation be fully realised.
*Henry Gwai is a youth empowerment and sustainable development advocate. He can be reached at henrygwai982@gmail.com