SPYL condemns NYC assembly postponement

The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has sharply criticised the indefinite postponement of the National Youth Council (NYC) general assembly, describing the development as both regrettable and avoidable.

The assembly, held in Swakopmund from 18 to 22 June, was halted before completion, marking the second disruption following a similar postponement in December 2024. SPYL says longstanding governance and procedural failures continue to undermine the credibility of the process.

SPYL national secretary Ephraim Nekongo said the unresolved issues have made it “difficult, if not impossible, to convene a legitimate, credible, and unifying general assembly”. He added that the problems “could and should have been resolved long before the convention of the assembly”.

Among concerns raised by SPYL are the participation of affiliates not in good standing, the accreditation of what it described as “bogus delegates”, and alleged violations of the NYC Act and approved assembly guidelines. 

The league also cited irregularities in restructuring processes at constituency and regional levels, as well as actions by certain officials that it claims appeared designed to predetermine outcomes.

Despite repeated engagements with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Education, Youth, Innovation, Sports and Culture, SPYL said its concerns were not adequately addressed. Nekongo attributed the breakdown to a “lack of political and administrative will to deal with legitimate complaints”.

‘Aspirations of the youth’

Tensions at the assembly escalated into violence, which SPYL has condemned.

Nekongo stressed that the organisation “does not condone violence in any form” and said its delegates had remained disciplined throughout.

“Ours is a call for a credible process firmly rooted in the legal framework and principles governing the National Youth Council,” Nekongo said, warning against “the pursuit of individualistic ambitions and personal glory”.

The youth league appealed for the full implementation of the NYC Act and assembly guidelines, arguing that only a transparent and lawful process will allow the general assembly to reconvene successfully.

Nekongo concluded that SPYL stands ready to engage constructively with all parties “to restore the integrity of the National Youth Council and ensure that it truly becomes a platform that advances the aspirations of the youth of our nation”.