PDM youth chase pensioners out of central committee

None of the 40 people elected to the Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) second-highest decision-making body, the central committee, is above the age of 60 - a move political analyst Rui Tyitende described as commendable and worth emulating.More than 70% of the 40 members, elected at the just-concluded elective congress in Katima Mulilo, are below the age of 40. Kazeongere Tjeundo (55) is the oldest among the group. However, the central committee will comprise a few pensioners who automatically become part of the body by being elected as part of the top eight, wings as well as other leaders from the region.A Namibian Sun probe into PDM’s new youthful central committee found that these winds of change were fuelled by young people’s exclusion from the party’s top eight positions.A well-placed PDM member who spoke on condition of anonymity said after the results of the top eight were announced, the youth of the party were aggrieved that only the young Sydney Ndumbah formed part of the structure, after he was elected as deputy treasurer-general.The majority of the top eight positions were retained by those who held those spots for the past five years.“With only Ndumbah making it, we, the youth, decided to vote for each other and that’s how we outvoted the pensioners,” the source revealed.“The elders were comfortable ahead of the congress as they did not campaign like us, and the outcome spoke for itself.”Among young people who made it to the central committee are current lawmakers Hidipo Hamata, Inna Hengari, Max Katjimune, Winnie Moongo and Yvette Araes, as well as youth leaders Gabriella Stadhauer, Roberto Dirkse, Julia Nekwaya and Bensen Katjirijova.Unwavering commitmentNewly elected PDM youth league spokesperson Inajovandu Katjepunda congratulated the young people who made it to the party’s central committee. “Your election is a testament to your dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to the values and vision of our movement. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to the vibrant contributions you will bring to the leadership and direction of our party," she said.Meanwhile, Tyitende said PDM must be applauded for ensuring that young people form part of the party’s second-highest decision-making body.He said the youth should be the ones to decide on their future instead of elders who might not have their best interests at heart. “That is a good move, [that] the representation in the [central committee] reflects the demographic of the country,” he said.“The Namibia Statistics Agency has already told us that 71% of the population comprises young people, so how can we have a situation where the old govern the young? That cannot happen any more, it’s not practical. It is very unhealthy, especially for a young democracy like ours. Young people should determine their own future. Young people should decide what’s best for them,” he said.kenya@namibiansun.com

PDM youth chase pensioners out of central committee

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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PDM youth chase pensioners out of central committee

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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