EDITORIAL: SPYL must elect credible leaders

Namibians have for months waited with bated breath to see what kind of leaders the ruling party will produce at its congress later this year, as the nation gasps for a formidable leader to emerge.

The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), as a transmitting belt of the Swapo Party ideology, policies and programmes, is under the same obligation as it elects its leaders this weekend.

The fact that senior party figures, including President Hage Geingob and his deputy Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, descended on Ongwediva yesterday like eagles on a hare means elders recognise the influence the youth possess.

But that influence cannot just be limited to political corridors where the elders seek a safe pair of hands to wheelbarrow them into positions for their own sake.

The influence, wisdom and capabilities of youth leaders must be utilised in the grater national agenda to positively shape the state of affairs and future of the country.

No elder is going to drag young people by the ear and lead them to the table where impactful decisions about the country or its people are made. They have to demand and push for inclusion instead of just humming political songs in far corners.

This requires strong and upright leaders who understand servitude and that occupying those positions is a privilege rather than a right. Over to you, SPYL delegates!