Leadership is the ability of an individual to lead, inspire and guide to transform other individuals, groups, organisations or society for a good cause. Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things (Peter Druker, 2019).

Moreover, a political leader should be a servant who works for the betterment of society. He or she is elected by the members of the society by casting votes. 

By extension a political leader requires statesmanship as opposed to just being a politician, this means having the integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right, even if it means resigning a position in government or losing an election.

It is further believed, we shall never change our political leaders until we change the people who elect them. Hence it is important as citizens to elect the right leader who can create transformation (Mark Skousen, 2001). Citizens should elect leaders considering their ability and capability to make a difference and add value to society. 

It is then his/her responsibility as a leader to make a difference that citizens are looking for. Surprisingly, today’s politicians say, they are going to do one thing while they intend to do another. Then they do neither don’t do what they said nor what they intended.

The expectations of ordinary citizens are to be managed by a good leader. A good political leader is capable to take decisions, determined to work for the betterment, has the willingness to manage and rectify issues and importantly stand up for what is right. A political leader should not be worried about his/her position, power and authority. 

He/she should always work for the society and should value his citizens. Every political leader should inherit the skills and research capabilities to think and act towards future growth. 

As it is believed in the most developed world that successful political leadership should include five major virtues like discipline, trustworthiness, courage, humaneness and intelligence.

Therefore, of all the leadership roles, political leaders are always or rather should be always on top of everyone’s mind because they are in the news always for one reason or the other. 

Around the world, there are many aspiring political leaders but unfortunately, there are few leaders who live up to the ethics and principles. The future lies with those wise political leaders who realise that the great public is interested more in government than in politics.

Most political leaders lack the basic and important leadership qualities such as accountability, transparency, availability and integrity. Some of the leaders even indulge in corruption and other illegal activities. In the present generation, the word political leaders have a negative opinion of the citizens, which is not a surprise. 

However, the present developments show us that the upcoming young leaders are following the leadership ideals. Citizens have seen some positive changes in Namibian politics, which is welcoming. Especially the power transitions from one president to the other in a very smooth manner.

Having responsible politicians in the governing body is important as they are the decision-makers of the country, state and other public affairs. They have the power to manage, distribute economic resources, and build relationships with stakeholders and make decisions that can have a great impact on the well-being of a nation. 

As responsible citizens we expect our politicians to focus more on long term plans for the wellness of the nation than the short term plans. Responsibility is one of the most important leadership qualities. 

Most political leaders point fingers at other leaders rather than take responsibility for them. Leaders should acknowledge other leaders contributions towards society. They should accept their own faults/failures/mistakes and should always work towards the betterment of the constituencies and the country at large.  A leader who is honest, accountable and takes responsibility for his/her own decisions and actions has the quality to become a great leader. Not all civil servants admire strong political leadership. But if you want to change things for the better, you need strong political leadership (Harriet Harman, 2018).

Namibia, to realise its goals and objectives, most of the political parties will convene their elective congresses for 2024-2025, general and presidential elections and regional and local authority elections, and the following features should be part of the delegate’s formula in deciding about suitable candidates. A person who is capable of making tough and brave decisions for a better future in public. A person should have the courage to stand up and say what needs to be said rather than just tell what people like. A person who should work for the people’s well-being rather than fighting for their better political position. 

A person that can listen to the people and represent them faithfully. A person who is loyal to the people he/she is representing and loyal to other leaders so that they work and face the problem together. A person of calibre regardless of political parties and opinions should work with a range of other people to achieve great good for the general public.  A person that can resist various temptations of the political arena. A person who is humble and down to earth. He or she should consider that he/she is just a leader and not the owner of the people he represents.

Why do we need leaders? Namibian youths should consider participating in political leadership for the following reasons: leadership is instrumental for social change. Overcoming social problems or modernising and abolishing social norms has been impossible without the right kind of leadership. 

Leaders work for the goodness of society, respect their people’s voices, create a positive and happy society, and keep people motivated and inspired. 

Leadership should emphasise the importance of education, picking the right career, working hard and focusing on performance. Moreover, some communities and societies are often known or remembered by their leaders and it is an exceptional social phenomenon that one leader can’t shape the future of the general public. 

They make them feel closer to each other and strengthen their bonds. A leader who is capable and visualising the people needs from different angles and planning things accordingly. 

This would enable proper distribution of development and ensure productive political leadership with productive results. 2024- 2025 is around the corner, Namibian youth start raising the political bar and participation for their dreams to be realised.