Sem David
What a Namibian youth should do to effect changes in the country?
As an advocate of youth empowerment and community development, I often ask myself where we are headed in this current state. It is concerning to observe the lack of understanding and limited participation among youth in the revolutionary process of change. We sit down and complain and attack each other on social media, ignoring the fact of what we are supposed to do to bring about the changes we claim to have. We are in a state of chaos and disarray, and it is only when the younger generation recognises the potential of the current time and era that they can choose a different path.
Namibian youth need to realise that letting themselves be governed by the corrupt and falling apart system in the name of flag independence, yet enslaved economically, is to continue getting rotten to the core and become worse like other African countries that are fading out of the scene because of corruption and failing systems. Many youths speak ill of revolutionary youth because they are protecting their benefits from the corrupt system and want to continue living a luxurious life of wealth corruptly gained at the exploiting stance of robbing poor minds and illiterates. What foundation are we creating for our future generation? Should our children breastfeed on corrupt milking systems? What are we doing, youth? Where is our minds? Should we continue weddings with impunity and celebrate corruption? And continue giving them corrupted, nice names like fraud and money laundering; these are thefts on an industrial stage, and we must shame them by putting marks on their foreheads. We must STOP that crime against humanity.
The youth of Namibia need to understand that, as the country’s largest population (2.2 million), we can change policies and unsupportive legislation, as well as speak out against apartheid laws and systems that harm our people. To register and cast an affirmative vote, we must rise to the occasion. A measure needs to be taken to observe changes. Should we continue to maintain our causal classification? Let’s assume control and prevent a contentious situation. We cannot be young without a clear understanding of our present and future, leaving us vulnerable to the intrusions of outsiders.
In 1960, John F. Kennedy stated that young people must choose who will lead them, break free from a cycle of self-enrichment, and revitalise the system for the better because a society whose young men and women are in a constant state of slumber will never realise the potential of its time to change. We must wake up, stand up, and send a clear message to those in positions of leadership, they cannot continue to misgovern us.
To effect change in a corrupt and failing government system, Namibian youth can consider several proactive steps:
Education and Awareness: Educate themselves and others about governance, transparency, and accountability principles. Awareness empowers youth to understand the issues and articulate informed solutions.
Community Engagement: Engage with local communities to understand their needs and concerns. Building grassroots support is crucial for any meaningful change.
Political Participation: Get involved in politics at various levels, from local councils to national assemblies. Running for office or supporting candidates with integrity can make a significant difference.
Advocacy and Activism: Advocate for policy reforms and transparency measures. Use platforms such as social media, protests, or civil society organizations to amplify voices and demand accountability.
Networking and Collaboration: Build networks with like-minded individuals, organizations, and international bodies to exchange ideas, resources, and strategies for reform.
Legal and Institutional Reform: Push for legal reforms to strengthen anti-corruption laws, whistleblower protections, and independent oversight bodies.
Promote Ethical Leadership: Support and promote leaders who prioritize integrity, transparency, and public service over personal gain.
Media and Information: Support independent journalism and media outlets that expose corruption and hold leaders accountable.
Civic Education: Promote civic education among peers and younger generations to cultivate a culture of citizenship and active participation in governance.
Long-term Vision: Develop a long-term vision for sustainable development and good governance in Namibia. Focus on inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
By taking these steps, Namibian youth can contribute to transforming their country’s governance system and ensuring a brighter future for all citizens.
As a representative of the Affirmative Repositioning – AR, we have taken this up in the past 9years, as stated in our five sites of struggles and political awakening. These surface enough to tell who have the potential to lead this country and take it further.
Sem David is the Affirmative Action youth chairperson in the Khomas Region
