Swakopmund: The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has condemned the collapse of the National Youth Council (NYC) General Assembly, criticising the administrative failures and behaviour that caused the event's early discontinuation. The ruling party's youth league has faced accusations related to the events in Swakopmund over the weekend, where it was reported that the two leading candidates for the executive chairperson position were from the ruling party.
According to Namibia Press Agency, former president of the Namibia National Students Organisation, Esther Simon, and Simon Taapopi were both competing for the top position, alongside approximately 14 other candidates, including Landless People's Movement youth leader Duminga Ndala and prominent Nudo youth leader Veparura Kandirikiria. The youth council is currently led by interim executive chairperson Patience Masua, a former parliamentarian.
SPYL secretary Ephraim Nekongo told Nampa in an interview on Tuesday that their participation relies on strict compliance with the NYC Act of 2009 and the guidelines for general assemblies. He expressed frustration over previous formal objections regarding procedural deviations in candidate nominations, which received inadequate responses from council administrators.
Nekongo condemned the atmosphere at the assembly. 'The SPYL vehemently condemns and rejects any alleged attempts to influence the general assembly through tribalism, intimidation and bribery. Our duty as SPYL is to first and foremost, unite all Namibians regardless of their tribe, sex or religious orientation. If such allegations are indeed true, we reject them in the strongest possible terms,' he remarked.
He stated that the current administrators will address the outstanding issues. 'We believe and trust that those who have the responsibility to administer the council will be able to address such issues. If it is warranted for us to engage disciplinary measures against any member, SPYL can equally administer processes within its jurisdiction,' stated Nekongo.
He asserted that SPYL aims to distance itself from the controversy and present itself as a disciplined and orderly force that rejects violence and promotes decorum.