Hertta-Maria Amutenja
With youth unemployment issues aggravated by reasons such as a lack of rainfall, weak economic growth, and slow industrialisation, among others, the situation in Oshana and Omusati regions need immediate attention and new solutions.
The governors of the two regions told Windhoek Observer yesterday that they had done everything they could to combat youth unemployment in their regions.
The severity of the region’s youth unemployment, according to Elia Irimari, Oshana regional governor, has a negative impact on unemployed young people, causing some of them to engage in unproductive activities that may also affect their prospects.
He called attention to the effects of low or no rainfall on agricultural productivity in the region, which has harmed many young people who rely on the harvest for a living.
“There are a lot of youth on the streets, but there are also some who are trying to make ends meet. When a young person does not have a job, the situation can become extremely distressing. We must also recall the high unemployment rate in the Oshana region as a result of the lack of rain. It has the potential to exacerbate the problem. The majority of young people in the Oshana region rely on crops they harvest,” he explained.
Meanwhile Omusati governor, Erginus Endjala, told Windhoek Observer that the region’s 32 percent unemployment rate, affects both skilled and unskilled workers, and is concerning.
“I believe that youth unemployment is a national issue, not just a regional one. Previously, it was unskilled workers who were unemployed, but now it’s also the skilled and grads who are out of work,” Endjala explained.
He went on to say that one of the potential growth sectors in Omusati is the agriculture industry, which can be used to create more job possibilities.
The governor advocated for the exploration of agro-processing sectors in order to unlock the region’s potential and improve employment opportunities.
Endjala also advocated providing financial assistance and equipment to youth in order to encourage them to become entrepreneurs and job creators.
“As much as we encourage them to create jobs, perhaps we should also provide financial assistance and equipment to the youth so that they can create opportunities for themselves. We need to encourage our young people while also trying to make their lives easier,” he stated.
He also emphasised the efforts being made to recruit investors and generate job opportunities for the youth.
In recent months, the problem of unemployment has taken centre stage, including a planned protest in March that was thwarted by the Namibian Police Force and a court order.
This also resulted in political activist, Michael Amushelelo’s detention after he violated the Court order by organising a rally against excessive unemployment on Independence day.
Earlier this year, over 2 000 unemployed Windhoek youths applied for 16 employment at a restaurant.
Namibia’s unemployment rate is projected to be around 35 percent, with youth unemployment expected to be around 50 percent.
