Open letter to Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Firstly, it would be remiss of me if I do not take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the confidence Comrade Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has shown in me. I am honoured and humbled to have been appointed as a candidate for election to the 8th National Assembly.

A generation on the front lines

The outcomes of the electoral college of the Swapo Party have highlighted that the party’s youthful cadres are ready to serve this country.

Young people, including 'upper youth', have come out from the margins in numbers and are ready to participate in critical decisions that affect the future of this country.

Of course, our generational mission will remain the attainment of economic prosperity for all Namibians. In every corner of our country, young people are struggling with issues that directly impact their ability to grow, thrive and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development. I see this appointment and the outcomes of the 'pot' as not just a personal achievement, but a chance to amplify the voices of my peers and ensure that the issues we face are amplified and put at the forefront in our national discourse.

Youth unemployment

The pressing issue confronting young Namibians today is unemployment. Despite being educated and ambitious, far too many of us find ourselves without work or in jobs that do not utilise our skills. The official unemployment rate among youth is alarmingly high, and those numbers reflect real stories of frustration and hopelessness. Every year, thousands of young Namibians graduate from universities and colleges, full of ambition and dreams of contributing to the country’s economy, only to find themselves stuck in a cycle of joblessness. Our focus must be to address this crisis with urgency and innovation as mandated by the Swapo Party manifesto.

Comrade incoming president, we are fully behind your vision and that of Swapo for Namibia’s youth. Where opportunities are abundant and accessible. Where government, the private sector and civil society work together to create employment pathways that are aligned with the realities of our modern challenges. In the National Assembly, I look forward to advocating for policies mandated in the party manifesto. To ensure the fostering of an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, innovation and a reduction in bureaucratic red tape that stifles young entrepreneurs.

Creative industry

A priority commitment must, of course, be centred around the creative and arts industry. Namibian youth must be afforded the opportunity to make careers out of their passions. This is an industry that is untapped. The prioritisation of funding for the development of the creative and arts industry must be realised. This will unlock those untapped opportunities for creatives.

Bridging the gap

Education is the key to unlocking the potential of Namibia’s youth. While our country has made progress in increasing access to education, there is still a significant gap when it comes to the quality and relevance of that education. Many young people leave school or university with qualifications but lack the practical skills necessary to compete in a modern economy.

I believe that we must reimagine our education system to make it more inclusive, adaptable and future-oriented. The world is rapidly changing and we must ensure that young Namibians are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. I will advocate for increased investment in science, technology, engineering, math, arts and Culture education, as well as digital literacy, to ensure that Namibian youth are not left behind in the digital revolution. More must be done to prepare young Namibians for the emerging markets of green hydrogen and oil and gas.

Moreover, I will be committed to your vision of expanding access to vocational education and training. It is apparent that not every young person will pursue a traditional academic path, but every young person deserves the opportunity to acquire skills that are relevant and marketable. I too envision a Namibia where vocational training is not seen as a second-class option but as a legitimate and respected pathway to success.

Education must speak to the market and institutions must make an effort to ensure that whatever they are producing should speak to the market.

I stand on the shoulders of giants

While anticipating the execution of my role in the coming administration, I am reminded that I have access to individuals who were entrusted with this same task and have served this country from their early years. I draw inspiration from the Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's, Sophia Shaningwa's, Lucia Iipumbu's and many others who have and continue to serve the people of Namibia with integrity and dedication. Their teachings and guidance will be crucial in executing this role bestowed upon me.

I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that the voices of Namibia’s youth are heard and that the issues we face are addressed with urgency.

*Fenny Tutjavi has been appointed as part of Vice-President Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah’s ten nominees to the 96-member Swapo National Assembly list. She is a student of politics at the University of Namibia.

-This article has been shortened due to space constraints.