The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture has confirmed the indefinite postponement of the National Youth Council general assembly in Swakopmund following an outbreak of violence on Saturday.

The ministry confirmed that nine delegates sustained injuries during the disruption and received medical attention, and all have since been discharged.

Youth minister Sanet Steenkamp and her deputy, Dino Ballotti visited four of the affected individuals in hospital.

The ministry has condemned the violence, stating that no grievance justifies harm and that the matter is now under review by the relevant authorities.

In the interest of safety and order, the ministry says, Steenkamp took the decision to postpone the continuation of the general assembly.

It further announced that the Electoral Committee has since resigned with immediate effect, citing safety concerns, while the ministry has also received a petition from several affiliates and regional youth forums raising concerns regarding compliance, delegate verification, and adherence to the approved roadmap.

Steenkamp maintained that the legitimacy of the general assembly depends on a lawful, transparent, and credible process.

She said the interim board will urgently attend to the outstanding issues and communicate the way forward, including timelines, in due course.

The ministry has thanked all delegates, affiliates, and stakeholders for their patience and commitment to a fair process.