SWAKOPMUND - The United Democratic Front (UDF) youth league is set to host its elective congress on 27 April 2024, marking yet another crucial step for one of the oldest political parties in the country. 

The congress aims to fortify all party structures and revitalise those that have been dormant, which will see the youth league playing a leading role in the party’s aim to increase membership as well as political representation in the country’s political landscape.

The national spokesperson of the UDF, Mabasen Narib, told New Era that the youth league currently operates under an interim committee, of which he was also a part until his recent appointment as the national spokesperson. 

“The party itself recently concluded its elective congress, and one of the aims is to revive various structures, as well as elect a new leadership. As for the youth league, an interim committee was established to organise all structures, paving the way for the youth league’s elective congress,” he added.

Narib said acting secretary general of the youth wing Michael Skini is not eligible to contest for any position as the age limit ranges from 18 to 35. 

“The youth want to operate as the autonomous, mass mobilisation, militant wing of the UDF movement. Its primary task is to rally all the youth of Namibia behind the banner of UDF, and champion the interests of our youth. The political action programme of the youth wing is to ensure that they speak up against inequality, unemployment and the lack of entrepreneurial opportunities for youth,” he noted. One of the main aims of the youth league will also be to hold the mother body of the leadership accountable, and ensure that they do not remain silent and turn a blind eye to the struggles of young people. Skini, on his part, told New Era that the primary mission is to mobilise Namibia’s youth under the UDF banner, and advocate for their interests. 

He also shared his expectations for the incoming leadership, highlighting the importance of continuity and innovation. 

“The new leadership must prioritise the needs of our youth, and uphold the values of our party. I urge our youth to transcend tribal and regional boundaries, and advocate for inclusivity within the UDF,” Skini stressed, citing the legacy of inclusivity left by late president Hage Geingob. The outcome of the recent UDF congress was a clear indication that the UDF Youth League is geared towards taking over the leadership and the idea of transformation within the party, he added.

“My appeal is that the youth who will take over from us will aim to avoid tribalism, regionalism and look beyond ethnicity boundaries as the UDF does not belong to Damaras only, neither does it belong to the Erongo and Kunene regions. As young people of the party, we must aggressively and robustly advocate against that so that we represent all Namibians, regardless,” Skini appealed. 

Reinhold #Goseb, also a member of the interim committee, emphasised the significance of the upcoming congress in shaping the youth league’s future. 

“The congress will set the direction for constitutional amendments and policies crucial for our youth’s advocacy,” he remarked. #Goseb also highlighted plans for recruitment and mobilisation campaigns post-congress, underscoring the youth wing’s role as the party’s driving force. 

“With preparations underway and expectations high, the UDF youth league gears up for a transformative congress which will shape its trajectory in the Namibian political landscape,” he said.

– edeklerk@nepc.com.