With so much high unemployment in the country, especially high youth unemployment, it is time for young people to go out and vote for change.
In the general elections of 2024 young people must vote for a party that will bring an end to their economic suffering.
This was said by the Independent Patriots for Change’s national youth leader Mr Michael Mwashindange.
Mwashindange was addressing the media today in Ongwediva on the topic ‘The Youth and Namibian Economy: Do We as Namibian Youth have a Future?’
Mwashindange was in Ongwediva to express “deep concern over the shocking and traumatizing living conditions of the young people of this country.”
According to Mwashindange, only in Namibia and South Africa where ministers of youth and sports are old people. He said Namibian Minister of Sports, Youth and National Service Mrs Agnes Tjongarero is 77 years old.
“This shows how they are not serious about us as young people, our desires and our sufferings.
“Under the IPC government, the minister of youth shall be a real young person under the age of 35 who shares the passion and aspirations of our youth,” Mwashindange said.
He further stated that the manifesto of IPC dictates a 40 percent representation of youth in cabinet.
“This means that young people will be at the centre of the decision making, allowing us to decide what is best for us in 20 or 30 years to come,” said Mwashindange, adding that these young people will be appointed on merit and “not because of who they are or how they sing and shout slogans at rallies but because of what they can offer to their country.”
He also pointed out that youth unemployment is estimated at 45 percent, but much worse in places such as the two Kavango regions and Kunene, which are the centres of poverty in Namibia.
“It is clear that after 33 years of political independence, the poverty in Namibia is man-made and we are definitely kept poor so we don’t think independently.”
The youth leader of IPC indicated that a country that is serious about ending the suffering of its people would invest in its vast fertile land to produce food and promote job security.
“Yet the government of the day invested taxpayers money in many Green Schemes just for them to be abandoned with their rotting tractors and all other equipment.
“We must remove these tired and careless mafias.”
According to Mwashindange the much-talked-about Green Hydrogen energy project is a myth and “a way of going to borrow so that the money disappear on arrival as it has been the norm in this country. Government is seeking to borrow money to invest in something we don’t even understand its value.”
“You should know that we are going to struggle with our children in repaying these huge debts accumulated to enrich greedy and selfish individuals.”
Despite the diminishing faith of young people in political parties and their leaders, Mwashindange appealed to young people to take ownership of Namibia and take a stand against corruption and bad governance.
“It is therefore up to us to wage the war against corruption, abject poverty, unemployment by voting out the looting party,” he said.
“While unemployment, poverty and everything can be disheartening in this country, believe in your potential, recognize that you possess unique talents, skills, and ideas that can move this country forward.
“Remember, change takes time, and progress may not be immediate. But by staying hopeful, proactive, and determined, we can contribute to building a brighter future for all Namibians.
“Your energy, resilience, and passion have the power to shape a new Namibia.”
In the photo: From left is Sheehama Kleopas Muzanima – IPC Oshana Youth Affair Leader, Michael Mwashindange – IPC National Youth Leader, Aludhilu Pinehas – IPC Councillor in Oshakati Town Council, and Ottilie Haitota – IPC Councillor in Ongwediva Town Council.
