NYC assembly call-off justified, ministry says

The education ministry has defended its decision to halt the National Youth Council (NYC) general assembly, arguing that violence and the collapse of the electoral framework left it with no lawful or practical alternative.

In a formal response to Namibian Sun yesterday, the ministry's executive director Gerard Vries said the intervention by minister Sanet Steenkamp was not an attempt to override the authority of the assembly but a necessary step under exceptional circumstances.

Vries declined to comment on the violence itself, as investigations are already under way by relevant authorities.

He said the decision was not intended to undermine the authority of the general assembly on substantive matters. Instead, he pointed to two key factors that made it impossible for proceedings to continue.

Firstly, he said the minister had a duty to ensure the safety of all participants at an event held under her portfolio, which became paramount following the outbreak of violence and resulting injuries. Secondly, he noted that the election committee, mandated by law to oversee the assembly’s electoral processes, had resigned.

In the absence of a properly constituted committee, he explained, the assembly could not legally or practically proceed with its electoral business, regardless of any other considerations.

The ministry emphasised that while Section 5 of the NYC Act designates the general assembly as the council’s highest decision-making body, the assembly's authority remains intact despite the postponement.

“What has changed is not the assembly’s authority but the practical and legal capacity to proceed to elections,” Vries explained, noting that the election committee, the only structure empowered to run the vote, stepped down, citing trauma and concerns about acting “objectively and without fear".

Without that committee, he said, “no electoral process can lawfully or practically proceed”.

Governance vacuum

The ministry confirmed that the interim board remains the operational authority within the NYC and has been tasked with resolving outstanding compliance issues and facilitating the appointment of a new election committee. “Until a new committee is properly constituted, no electoral process can lawfully proceed,” Vries said, adding that further details and timelines would be communicated in due course.

He also indicated that concerns raised in a formal petition, including delegate accreditation, affiliate compliance and adherence to the approved roadmap, are being treated as urgent. “The concerns are being addressed as a matter of urgency by the interim board," he said.

Mounting costs

The ministry also disclosed the financial implications of the aborted assembly, revealing that it spent N$163 196.94 on logistical support, while the council itself has incurred N$1.84 million in organising the event as of 23 June.

A final expenditure report will only be available once all outstanding payments have been processed. “The ministry remains committed to ensuring the prudent and responsible use of public resources,” Vries said.

Despite growing pressure, the ministry acknowledged that no firm date has been set for reconvening the assembly. “A firm date has not yet been set, as it would be premature to do so before that work is concluded,” Vries said.

The decision to halt the assembly in Swakopmund followed violent clashes that left nine delegates injured and triggered a wave of resignations, including that of interim executive chairperson Patience Masua and three board members.