Windhoek: Youthful councillor for the Landless People’s Movement in the Hardap Region, William Minnie, asserts that his entry into local government is a direct response to what he describes as the normalization of inequality, unemployment, and exclusion.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 23-year-old was elected as a councillor for the Mariental Municipal Council representing LPM during the recently held regional council and local authority elections. Minnie identifies himself as a public servant accountable to the people, emphasizing that leadership is not about authority over people but responsibility towards them.

In an interview with Nampa, Minnie shared that his decision to enter politics at a young age was intentional, aiming to address the exclusion of young people from meaningful decision-making processes. He believes that real change requires participation, courage, and a willingness to challenge unjust systems.

Minnie highlighted that LPM provided a political home aligned with his views on land and economic justice, addressing unresolved issues of land reform, economic inequality, and social exclusion. During engagements with residents, he noted that unemployment, particularly among the youth, emerged as a pressing concern, alongside issues of land access, housing, and service delivery.

Responding to concerns about his age and experience, Minnie emphasized that governance should not be limited to older leaders, advocating for lived experience and community engagement as essential forms of leadership knowledge. His focus as councillor will be on community engagement and oversight, with priorities on youth unemployment, access to land and housing, and service delivery.

Minnie framed his election as a political challenge to exclusion, encouraging young people to challenge power through organization, participation, and persistence. He believes that the future of Namibia depends on young leaders who are bold enough to imagine change and committed enough to work for it.