Windhoek:The government plans to establish an interim board for the National Youth Council (NYC) by the end of October 2026. This move aims to prepare for the council's General Assembly, which faced disruptions earlier this year.

According to NAMPA, Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Sanet Steenkamp announced that the interim board will address pending electoral issues and ensure the General Assembly is conducted smoothly and credibly. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) and the Office of the Attorney-General are expected to provide guidance and support in resolving outstanding electoral grievances, including those related to accreditation and participation.

The NYC has completed its Integrated Strategic Business Plan with assistance from the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM). In addition, the ministry is working on amending the NYC Act to address legal gaps identified during the 2024 and 2026 assemblies. Public consultations are set to begin in November, and a draft Bill is anticipated to be ready for Cabinet by March 2027.

Minister Steenkamp emphasized her commitment to strengthening governance systems, enhancing accountability, and improving institutional capacity within the NYC. She urged youth organizations and NYC affiliates to support stability and engage in dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law regarding the General Assembly processes.

The NYC General Assembly, originally scheduled for January in Swakopmund, was suspended by Steenkamp due to tensions over delegate accreditation and election timing. The assembly's purpose was to elect a new executive chairperson and board for a four-year term. However, disagreements among delegates regarding the timing of the elections led to disruptions.

Tensions reportedly escalated after the NYC interim board announced that the elections would proceed following discussions with delegates and ministry officials, with a majority of delegates in support of the vote.