Former NYC board wins legal reversal – but will not be reinstated

The decision by former sports minister Agnes Tjongarero and NYC acting executive chairperson Beverly Silas-!Garas to disband the National Youth Council (NYC) board in December 2024 has now been officially retracted through a court-sanctioned settlement agreement.This follows an application brought by six former board members who had challenged the minister’s actions as unlawful and procedurally unfair.The six – Josef Petrus van der Westhuizen, Eva Awases, Simon Taapopi, Melinda Mogotsi, Rozaline Joseph and Viviane de Koe – approached the High Court in early 2025, demanding the reversal of their removal and the minister’s directive halting the council’s general assembly.Although the court settlement issued earlier this month confirms the withdrawal of their removal, it also clarifies that the six will not be reinstated to the board.The once-disputed general assembly, which was halted by ministerial order in December, has also been scrapped. A new general assembly must now be convened within six months.Confidential Until then, the interim board appointed by the minister will continue overseeing the council’s affairs, including the process of electing a new board.The terms of the settlement further indicate that the minister agreed to withdraw the board’s dismissal on an ex gratia basis, meaning out of goodwill and without conceding wrongdoing. In addition, both parties agreed to keep the terms of the settlement confidential.The NYC, established to coordinate youth development in Namibia, has been mired in internal leadership disputes for years – this case being just one of many power struggles that have plagued the institution.rita@nmh-hub.com.na

Former NYC board wins legal reversal – but will not be reinstated

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Former NYC board wins legal reversal – but will not be reinstated

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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