IPC stands in solidarity with unemployed youth
By Michael Mwashindange /
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Youth Affairs expresses deep concern over the record high unemployment crisis in Namibia and stands in solidarity with all unemployed graduates and youth who recently came together to air their grievances.
We are disheartened by the recent revelation of more than 3000 unemployed teachers in the two Kavango Regions following a press conference which was called by these unemployed teachers on the 15th of September 2023 in Rundu.
Youth unemployment is estimated at more than 45% worse in places such as the two Kavango Regions and the North in Kunene as centres of poverty in our country.
It is clear that after 33 years of political independence, unemployment and poverty in Namibia is man-made.
Namibia is currently facing an unemployment crisis that disproportionately affects the youth, with some of the highest unemployment rates in the world. Many young people with their qualifications, some with 3 qualifications, are roaming the streets of Rundu and Windhoek looking for jobs and thousands flocked to NAMPOL and NDF in vain.
Too many of us are struggling for just a half slice of bread.
The IPC Youth Affairs believes that addressing this unemployment crisis requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society.
It is our responsibility to ensure that young Namibians have access to quality education, skills development, and job opportunities that will enable them to contribute positively to the nation’s economic growth and social development.
We urge the government to prioritize youth unemployment by implementing both immediate and short-term solutions, while working on long-term strategies. Immediate measures may include temporary job creation programs, skills development initiatives, and targeted financial support.
Long-term solutions should focus on revising economic, fiscal, and monetary policies, fostering job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship. In addition, we call for increased investment in sectors that have the potential to create more employment opportunities for young people, such as agriculture, tourism, and the digital economy.
As the IPC Youth Affairs, we encourage young Namibians to actively participate in the democratic process and voice their concerns about unemployment and other pressing issues without fear.
Fellow young people, in the face of adversity, let’s remember that our country is bleeding and now more than ever Namibia needs us to take ownership and take a stand against corruption and bad governance.
It is up to us to wage the war against corruption, abject poverty, unemployment, etc., by voting out the looting party.
Furthermore, we appeal to all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration to address the unemployment crisis, ultimately improving the livelihoods of our youth.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all Namibians.
– Michael Mwashindange is the National Youth Leader for the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) political party.
