LPM seeks 70% job quota for youth

The Landless People&#039;s Movement (LPM) has unveiled a youth empowerment plan, proposing the establishment of a Youth Quota Act in parliament.According to the party, this will ensure the representation of young people in both public and private institutions. Under this legislation, 70% of jobs and opportunities in these sectors would be reserved for youth, promoting inclusivity and empowerment.This announcement was made by LPM’s youth leader, Duminga Ndala, during the party&#039;s manifesto launch in Rundu over the weekend.Ndala explained that the proposed Act would mandate public and private institutions to allocate 50% of tenders to youth-owned small and medium enterprises."Today, young people face the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality, a direct result of the failure to transform their material conditions. Over 500 000 Namibians are hungry, and the majority of these are youth. Many degree-holding university graduates are roaming the streets without job prospects or business funding," Ndala said.LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi added that nearly 40% of Namibians live in shacks, ghettos, and slums, with over one million people affected."More than 43.3% of Namibians live in multidimensional poverty, which encompasses homelessness, landlessness and joblessness. After 34 years of independence, Namibians are growing poorer. If these statistics don’t move you, then you likely have no heart," Swartbooi said.Empowerment planLPM&#039;s economic plan for youth, themed the Youth Empowerment Plan (YEP), is built around eight key pillars: governance, education, healthcare, mining, tourism, sports, the creative arts industry and agriculture.EducationNdala stressed the need for a competence-based curriculum in basic and secondary education, focusing on learners’ mastery of specific skills. She also called for vocational training centres (VTCs) to receive the same recognition and funding as universities to fully equip them for the labour market.In healthcare, Ndala proposed substantial investments in the country’s health infrastructure to ensure access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities for all citizens, highlighting the need for mental health programmes in schools to address the growing mental health crisis among youth.Mining, tourism, sportLPM proposes increasing Namibian ownership in all mining operations, with citizens holding a minimum of 30% to 50% shareholding."Additionally, 10% should be allocated to youth and communities in mining regions," Ndala said.The party also called for the establishment of a National Youth Tourism Fund to provide financial support and mentorship for young people entering the tourism industry. Furthermore, LPM proposed that 40% of tourism concessions be allocated to youth to boost their participation in this sector.In sports, LPM is pushing for the creation of professional leagues across all codes, backed by a N$500 million investment to improve competitiveness and professionalise sports in Namibia. The party also advocates for a talent identification program at the grassroots level to nurture young athletes.BlueprintTo support emerging artists, LPM proposes comprehensive funding mechanisms and the immediate accreditation of the College of the Arts, giving graduates better educational and employment opportunities locally and globally.In the agricultural sector, the party suggested developing a specialised curriculum focused on cattle farming. The party also proposed that 50% of green schemes be allocated to young people in Zambezi, Kavango East, and Kavango West to boost food production and enhance national food security."As we enter a new political era, we demand that young people be given the space to shape their political and economic future. This is our plan. Let us popularise it and make it the blueprint for achieving economic emancipation in our lifetime. Namibian youth, let’s go out in numbers and vote for LPM," Ndala added.nikanor@erongo.com.na

LPM seeks 70% job quota for youth

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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LPM seeks 70% job quota for youth

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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