Ester Mbathera
Young lawmaker, Fenny Tutjavi, has called for the creative industry to be recognised as a vital sector of the economy capable of creating jobs and generating revenue.
According to her, the creative industry is not a side hustle but has the potential to create jobs and make money for the country.
“It is high time we stop treating the creative industry as a hobby sector. Arts, music, and media are not side hustles. They are industries,” she said.
She said this during her maiden speech in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
She said these industries can employ thousands, attract international capital, and shape national identity.
“If properly harnessed, they can stand beside mining, tourism, and agriculture as pillars of GDP (gross domestic product) growth,” she said.
Tutjavivi stressed the need to build a strong nation for future generations and highlighted the ambitious development priorities outlined by the government.
“While the allocation is fundamentally well intended, the challenge now lies not with the size of the allocation but in its strategic utilisation,” she said.
She, however, stressed that the challenge lies in the “strategic utilisation” of the allocated N$24 billion to the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture.
“Every cent must be traced to a meaningful outcome, be it classrooms that actually have chairs, schools, teachers that are well-trained and motivated, or students who are not just in school but are truly learning,” the lawmaker emphasised.
She called for accountability in ensuring that funds translate into tangible improvements in education quality and access.
Fellow young lawmaker Michael Mwashindange criticised the current fiscal policies, saying they fail to address the high unemployment rate, which he says exceeds 50% when discouraged job seekers are included.
“We expected an increase in social grants not just because it was a campaign promise but to reduce poverty and inequality in our land, increase access to basic needs like housing and education and improve economic growth by having excess money to spend on goods and services,” he said.
He argued that the ministry’s policies lack a “robust and practical framework for job creation”, particularly for young people, and expressed concern for unemployed graduates.
“The economic hardships endured by many, including young graduates with qualifications but unable to secure employment years after their graduation, 35 years after independence, demand urgent and decisive interventions, yet the budget fails to cater for this need,” he said.
Mwashindange further criticised the budget’s allocation of N$13.7 billion to debt servicing, arguing that it hinders economic growth and reduces funding for essential public services.
He also pointed out the budget deficit and warned of the risk of increased national debt and economic instability.
He stated that while the ministry’s internship program might be well-intentioned, the proposed N$2 500 monthly allowance is insufficient and called for comprehensive youth employment programs with job creation incentives and adequate financial support.
Both lawmakers, while speaking from different perspectives, highlighted the urgency of addressing youth unemployment and ensuring responsible and effective budget allocation to foster sustainable economic development and social progress in the country.
