Stefanus Nashama
A young lawmaker of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), Maximalliant Katjimune said there is a misconception that all politicians should go to parliament.
Katjimune shared during an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Sunday when asked about his new role when 2025 comes around.
“There is this huge misconception that all politicians must serve in parliament,” he said.
Katjimune and another of the PDM’s youth lawmakers, Hidipo Hamata failed to secure a seat in the National Assembly after the party only got five seats from the 2024 presidential and national assembly elections.
Katjimune and Hamata came number 10 and 27 respectively, on the party list, far from the boundaries of the obtained seats.
However, Katjimune said him not being in parliament for the next five years is not the case.
“There is really little that changes. I am still a politician that serves in the central committee and national executive committee (NEC) of the PDM as the secretary for legal affairs,” he said.
He stressed that politicians go in and out of Parliament all the time.
“I can even go back to parliament in 2030, 2035 or 2040. Parliament is a periodical fixture as a politician. In the meantime, I will remain a member of the PDM CC and NEC in good standing, while pursuing a career in the legal profession,” said Katjimune.
He mentioned that being out of parliament has nothing to do with being active in politics.
“Being out of parliament has nothing to do with being active in politics. Parliament is just one component of the political establishment,” he said.
Katjimune added that the parliament is a pivotal platform to improve the lives of our people.
However, he emphasised that the legislature needs major improvement in terms of how it can tangibly improve the lives of Namibians.
“For example, most, if not all of the motions passed by parliament are just for show. They do not get implemented and become white elephants,” he stated.
Katjimune suggested that the legislature has to derive methods as to how these motions can be implemented.
He encouraged those who made it to the 8th parliament to prioritize the needs of the people.
“I wish all members of the 8th parliament the best in their tenure. It is of great importance to remain cognisant that at the end of the day, we are all Namibians who want to see the interest of the State advanced,” he said.
Hamata said he will continue to serve the Namibian nation.
“While I may not return to Parliament in 2025, my commitment to the service of Namibians and the advancement of youth empowerment remains unwavering,” he said.
Hamata plans to dedicate his efforts to grassroots development, and policy advocacy, and to ensure the voices of the people continue to be heard through other platforms.
“This is not the end of my journey in public service; it is simply a new chapter to continue championing the aspirations of Namibians from different avenues,” he said.
Hamata also said he will continue to participate in national politics and party politics, which he describes as integral to shaping the future of the Namibian nation.
“My role may evolve, but my dedication to the PDM and to fostering meaningful political dialogue and action remains firm.
“I will continue to mentor and support young leaders while contributing to policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that the youth agenda stays a priority,” stressed Hamata.
He added that over the next five years, he will dedicate his efforts to strengthening PDM in the Ohangwena region, a fight he will put up with unwavering determination to reclaim what we have lost.
He said serving in parliament has been both an honour and a profound learning experience for him.
This, he said, has shown him the immense responsibility to carry as a lawmaker to bridge the gap between the people and the government.
“I have seen firsthand how the right policies can transform lives and how the voices of the marginalized can inspire change. However, it has also revealed the urgency for bold, innovative, and inclusive leadership to address systemic issues like unemployment, education, and inequality,” he emphasised.
According to Hamata, his journey into parliament has strengthened his resolve to advocate for policies that reflect the realities of everyday Namibians.
He urged young leaders entering the National Assembly in 2025 to seize such moments with passion, integrity, and courage.
“Represent the dreams of millions who look to you for change. Engage in robust debates, prioritize the people’s needs above party loyalty, and never shy away from speaking truth to power. Remember, you carry the aspirations of a generation longing for a brighter future,” he said.
Hamata urged the new young parliamentarians to serve with vision, humility, and resilience, and make their mark in the country’s history.
He advised them to respect elders and fellow parliamentarians, stating that this is the key to fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration.
“Making laws is not about making noise or hurling insults—it’s about serving the people with integrity and working to find solutions that unite and uplift our nation. Let your voice be firm but respectful, and let your actions reflect the trust placed in you by the Namibian people,” he said.
Not only has PDM lost youth lawmakers but Swapo has also lost its young female parliamentarian, Patiance Masua after failing to make it to the party list neither appointed to the list by the President-Elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Masua’s role is believed to be replaced by a young woman politician, Fenny Tutjavi, who was appointed to the party list by Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Masua could not be reached for comment.
Political analyst, Sakaria Johannes said PDM lost its youth lawmakers due to its performance in the concluded elections.
“I personally feel that the youth could have done better when they were in parliament, especially to push for the youth agenda,” he said.
Johannes also said the party could have done a lot to attract youth voters and ensure more seats in Parliament.
“It is a lesson to Namibian youth that going to parliament means to go and keep the fire burning or else it will be shortened said.
Concerning Masua, Johannes said she was appointed by the late President Hage Geongob as one of the youngest Swapo members to illustrate youth representation in the legislature.
He said Masua is outspoken, and this could be the reason for her fall from parliament.
“As you know the system is more likely to work with the yes men and women,” he said.
At the same time, Johannes added that Masua does not have much background in the party and this could be another reason for her fall.
