SWAPO Youth Calls for Inclusivity UNAM Youth Engagement

(By: Frieda Jona )

“Effective governance should not be in theory but in practice, assuring students to vigorously take up their rightful places in our societies,” said SWAPO Secretary General Hon. Sophia Shaningwa at the SWAPO Public Youth Engagement held at the University of Namibia (UNAM) on 2nd September.

The youth engagement held under the theme, “Effective governance and public service delivery,” aimed to inform the youth about the efforts of the government ensuring that all resources are well managed and distributed equally among Namibian citizens.

In her keynote address, Hon.Shaningwa, appealed to young Namibians to put pressure on the government regarding service delivery , stressing that it defines the standard of the nation’s dignity.

“Good governance is not just spoken about, it must be lived and delivered to the people,” she stated.

The engagement was attended by various prominent figures including,Member of Parliament and former UNAM Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) Branch Leader Hon. Fenny Tutjavi. Hon.Tutjavi, who was a guest speaker, challenged students to go beyond their limits and take an active role to contribute meaningfully to the country.

“Youth should step up and be revolutionary leaders. Humility must always take centre stage as we continue to serve our nation,” Tutjavi advised.

Contributing to the discourse, Comrade Ephraim Nekongo, Secretary of the SPYL, highlighted inclusivity, transparency and accountability, efficiency and effectiveness, creativity and innovation as pillars to effective governance.

Nekongo mentioned that every leader in position should be aware that for every decision and action not fulfilled, they should be answerable for that. Responding to concerns raised, Hon Shaningwa further encouraged students to take up their roles as future leaders and follow in the footsteps of their elders.

“Ask yourself if this generation of mine drops now and we are no more, are you ready to protect the system? And you cannot be an iceberg when you see danger. You have to be tough. You don’t melt like ice, you are a stone that must protect the system,” she concluded.