Stefanus Nashama
A group of unemployed Namibian youths marched through Windhoek streets yesterday demanding jobs or financial support from the government.
“We want jobs or money, not useless speeches. We want jobs, stop fake promises,” the protestors demanded, chanting and singing some liberation struggle songs.
The group led by social activist, Michael Amushelelo shouted that the government should stop making false promises and provide them with employment opportunities.
The protestors planned to hand over a petition to the government at Zoo Park in the centre of the capital city, however, no government official showed up to receive their petition.
Speaking at the protest, Amushelelo expressed disappointment that ministers did not take the youth’s demands seriously and instead chose to celebrate Independence Day while their people were on the streets.
He said he had sent a notification to different ministers to come listen to the demand of the masses.
“I have sent the notification to the Ministry of Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, and the President,” he informed.
The protesters threatened to block Independence Avenue every day until the government addressed their concerns.
According to Amushelelo, the protesters would gather at Katutura Youth Complex again next week, on Wednesday to hand in their petition.
“On Wednesday, we do not what deputy ministers or executive directors, we want ministers themselves to receive the petition,” he said.
Amushelelo encouraged the protesters to invite more people to join the protest next week.
He also requested them to go out and teach other people about their rights and the Namibian Constitution.
“We are here fighting for our rights,” he stated.
The activist reiterated that the Namibian Constitution gives provision for the government to give social grants to unemployed people in the country, but that the government has failed to do so.
Amushelelo stated that the country has enough resources to take care of its people.
