EDITORIAL: Leadership squabbles causing youth fragmentation
The division within the top echelons of the youth ministry is seen by many as the cause of the current division at the National Youth Council (NYC).
Minister Agnes Tjongarero and her executive director, Erastus Haitengela, are clearly oblivious to the harm caused by their feud. The factional battles playing out in NYC boil down to politicians and administrators placing their needs before those of young people.
Instead of fighting each other, the public expects these officials to advance issues aimed at bettering the lives of young people.
For years, NYC has been used as a tool to advance political interests, instead of serving as a home for young people, regardless of their political backgrounds.
Despite the mess currently playing out at NYC, youth leaders cannot be exonerated from the situation at the institution. Instead of pursuing the youth agenda, we have seen how youth leaders have used NYC as a stepping stone to further their political careers and interests.
Those at the helm of NYC have clearly forgotten that it was formed to serve as an umbrella body for youth organisations in Namibia and that it should remain neutral and accessible to all.
Youth leaders, especially those in the political circles, are very fragmented when it comes to advancing the youth agenda. Many are too focused on pleasing their political masters.
Perhaps young people must be reminded that no one will fight for them, and if they do not wake up to this reality, our youth will continue languishing in poverty with very little empowerment opportunities.
Minister Agnes Tjongarero and her executive director, Erastus Haitengela, are clearly oblivious to the harm caused by their feud. The factional battles playing out in NYC boil down to politicians and administrators placing their needs before those of young people.
Instead of fighting each other, the public expects these officials to advance issues aimed at bettering the lives of young people.
For years, NYC has been used as a tool to advance political interests, instead of serving as a home for young people, regardless of their political backgrounds.
Despite the mess currently playing out at NYC, youth leaders cannot be exonerated from the situation at the institution. Instead of pursuing the youth agenda, we have seen how youth leaders have used NYC as a stepping stone to further their political careers and interests.
Those at the helm of NYC have clearly forgotten that it was formed to serve as an umbrella body for youth organisations in Namibia and that it should remain neutral and accessible to all.
Youth leaders, especially those in the political circles, are very fragmented when it comes to advancing the youth agenda. Many are too focused on pleasing their political masters.
Perhaps young people must be reminded that no one will fight for them, and if they do not wake up to this reality, our youth will continue languishing in poverty with very little empowerment opportunities.
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Namibian Sun
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