Patience Makwele
Members of parliament have urged Namibia’s youth to take charge of the next phase of development.
They warned that without jobs and opportunities, independence risks losing its meaning.
The remarks were made during Independence Day celebrations over the weekend in the Zambezi and Kavango West regions by members of parliament, including Charles Mubita, Martin Lukato and speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
Mubita, who also serves as deputy minister of defence and veteran affairs, said Namibia must confront the realities many citizens still face.
“We cannot claim to be independent on an empty stomach. We now need to fight the economic war, and the youth should be the ones to lead that war,” he said.
He said while Namibia has maintained political stability for more than three decades, economic gains have not reached all citizens, especially in rural areas.
In the Zambezi region, where many depend on livestock and small-scale activities, the gap between independence and daily life remains clear.
Mubita stated that progress has occurred in education, governance, and service delivery, but these advancements must now translate into jobs and economic participation.
In Kavango West, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the country must shift focus to economic issues.
“For 36 years, we have managed our politics well. Now we must manage our economy better,” she said.
She said Namibia has resources and opportunities but has not yet turned them into broad economic benefits.
She pointed to sectors such as agriculture, energy and small business as key to growth.
“We must prepare our youth so that when investors come, they hire Namibians, not foreigners,” she said.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s (NSA) 2023 census data, over 71% of Namibia’s three million inhabitants are under the age of 35.
In Bukalo in the Zambezi region, Martin Lukato of the National Democratic Party (NDP) said independence comes with responsibility.
“Let us rejoice in this day with dedication, and make a promise that we will do everything we can for our country,” he said.
Mubita also raised concerns about insecurity in border areas.
He said communities in places such as Singalamwe and Kongola have faced cattle theft and attacks in recent months.
“Not everybody lives in peace,” he said, adding that a recent incident left a community member seriously injured after being shot.
“These communities have not seen peace for the last few months,” he said.
He called on security forces to act.
“It is the duty of every security officer to ensure that every Namibian lives in peace and stability at all times.”
He said insecurity affects both safety and economic activity, especially in rural areas where people rely on agriculture and livestock.
