Swakopmund: The youth leagues of Swanu of Namibia and the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) have entered the fray over the controversy engulfing the National Youth Council (NYC).
According to Namibia Press Agency, the dispute follows the recent suspension of the NYC's elective general assembly in Swakopmund. The assembly, funded with approximately N.dollars 2 million in taxpayer money, was disrupted by violent clashes that left nine individuals injured. The chaos stemmed from disputes over delegate verification, violence, and issues with the voter list, all leading to the assembly's abrupt halt. The purpose of the assembly was to elect a new executive chairperson and 14 board members to serve until 2030, with youth leaders Esther Simon and Simon Taapopi as prominent candidates for the top position.
In a statement on Wednesday, Rodger Karamata, the secretary-general of Swanu's youth league, condemned what he termed as the 'unlawful postponement of the general assembly'. He expressed significant concern over the events that unfolded and criticized the Ministry of Education's decision to postpone the assembly. Karamata argued that the assembly could have been concluded without wasting State resources, given that all delegates were present. He insisted that the administrative issues raised by 14 affiliates should have been addressed at the general assembly, which holds the authority to resolve such matters. Karamata accused certain parties of deliberately introducing administrative issues to frustrate and delay the process, emphasizing the importance of transparency, legal clarity, and respect for majority decisions by the NYC General Assembly.
Veparura Kandirikira, secretary-general of the Nudo Youth League, shared similar sentiments in a separate statement. He noted that the assembly had approved an amended agenda, which proposed holding elections on Saturday instead of Sunday. The amendments were favored by 153 delegates, while 66 voted against, and 12 abstained. Kandirikira described how chaos ensued once the elections committee took charge, with some individuals resorting to violence, including throwing chairs, switching off lights, and spraying gas in the hall. He urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to address the youth, emphasizing that the NYC 'represents all young people.'