Wet behind the ears but ready

The sudden inclusion of many young people on political parties’ parliamentary lists has been described by some as a ploy to tap into the budding pool of youths, who constitute 900 000 of the 1.4 million registered voters.

Party lists are flooded with the names of young people - the youngest being 21 - who want to become the country’s next batch of lawmakers.

Critics perceive parties’ newfound love for political rookies as nothing but a smokescreen in lieu of youth empowerment, while others feel it is a strategic move to attract votes from young people rather than a genuine effort to represent their interests.

Of the 22 political parties registered for the upcoming national elections, many openly acknowledged the growing importance of youth involvement within their ranks.

Landless People's Movement’s (LPM) William Minnie (21), Swapo’s Fenny Tutjavi (22), Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement’s Gillian Kalf (23), National Unity Democratic Oraginisation’s (Nudo) Ripuree Mbakurupa (24) and Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Julia Nekwaya (26) are among the youngest parliamentary candidates on the various political parties’ lists.

Generational mix

Public policy analyst Dr Marius Kudumo underscored the need for an intergenerational mix in Namibia's political landscape, including public office. He noted that youth representation is essential as they are disproportionately affected by social and economic challenges such as unemployment, inequality and poor service delivery, especially in rural areas.

“Given their first-hand experience, the youth are better positioned to propose effective solutions,” he explained.

When asked whether there are noticeable differences in policy priorities between youth representatives and older politicians, he said: “There have not been significant differences in the policy agenda or articulation between the two groups. The reasons are simple: Political parties operate within established frameworks that shape individual priorities, regardless of age. Young politicians tend to align with the broader party agenda, which limits room for distinct generational policy shifts".

The youth and others have been co-opted into middle-class interests of self-serving, self-interest, individualism and greed, he added.

Political ambition

Minnie’s ultimate political ambition is to become the country’s minister of international relations and cooperation.

“My passion for geopolitics and commitment to elevating Namibia’s global standing drive this goal. I aim to strengthen bilateral relations, cut ties where necessary and strategically position Namibia as a key player on the world stage,” said the youthful politician who occupies the 21st spot on the LPM list.

Tutjavi, who claimed the 29th spot on the ruling party’s list as a presidential nominee of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has a particular interest in matters related to governance.

Currently the University of Namibia (Unam) student representative council’s secretary-general as well as secretary-general of the African Youth Adolescents Network in Namibia, she said: “I believe I can thrive within Swapo with ease. I didn’t set out to become a youth activist - my interest has always been in governance and politics”.

Kalf, who is placed at position 16 on AR’s list, encouraged young people to join political organisations that reflect their values. She aspires to channel her passion for grassroots, community-centred development by serving on a parliamentary committee focused on human resources and community development.

Struggles of the past

Meanwhile, Nudo’s Mbakurupa, who occupies the ninth position on the party list, carries a sentiment deeply rooted in the struggles of past generations, particularly the Herero and Nama genocide.

The 24-year-old said if she makes it to parliament, her focus will be premised on youth empowerment, education reform, environmental sustainability, social justice and land resettlement programmes for those dispossessed of their land.

“The 1904-1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide goes beyond imagination. Both communities suffered immensely at the hands of merciless imperialists. Our people were forced to flee to Botswana and South Africa, seeking refuge from the atrocities inflicted upon them in their homeland. Germany has a duty to restore what it destroyed and repair the lives of these communities,” she said.

Nekwaya, 22nd on the PDM parliamentary list, is an experienced journalist, who now aims to go beyond reporting inconsistencies of governance by actively addressing them through activism.

"My focus includes sports and arts inclusion, rural youth development and ensuring the protection of generational farmworkers. Additionally, I want to advocate for policies that safeguard journalists and teachers."