Renthia Kaimbi
Youth structures in Oshana and Zambezi have rejected the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC) interim board’s claim of a peaceful leadership handover.
They cited a High Court ruling that nullified the restructuring process.
The rejection follows a media statement issued by the NYC board on 18 March, which said regional offices had been handed over and that preparations for a General Assembly in June were on track.
The interim board is led by Patience Masua, deputised by Iyaloo Shiimi, with members Unombuiro Kauteza, Malwa Francisco, Jamie Theron, Ester Shitana, Donna Gamatham and Almandro Jansen. The board’s term ends tomorrow.
The Oshana Regional Youth Forum, led by Absalom Itamalo, rejected the statement and described it as “misleading, factually incorrect, and a deliberate attempt to misinform and manipulate the Namibian youth”.
“The so-called ‘restructuring process’ referred to in the NYC statement was nullified by the High Court on grounds of non-compliance. As such, it has no legal effect, no legitimacy, and cannot be recognised under any circumstances,” the Oshana statement read.
The forum said it will not recognise or take part in any outcomes from the process.
The Zambezi Regional Youth Forum issued a similar statement on 27 March 2026. Chairperson Michael Kachitomwa said the process cannot be validated through consultations.
“The restructuring process being referenced has already been set aside by the High Court due to non-compliance with established legal and governance requirements. This position cannot be altered or sanitised through consultative meetings or informal engagements, regardless of their scale or designation,” the Zambezi statement read.
The forum said it does not recognise the handover and will not be bound by decisions taken outside lawful processes.
Both regions rejected claims that a meeting held in Otjiwarongo on 14 March led to an agreed transition.
The Oshana forum said it was not part of that process and condemned what it called “a pattern of misrepresentation, misinformation, and attempted manipulation of youth structures”.
The Zambezi forum said it did not endorse or mandate anyone to act on its behalf.
“Legality cannot be substituted with convenience,” the Zambezi statement read.
The NYC had said the restructuring dialogue had been completed and that the organisation was ready to hold a General Assembly in June to elect leadership.
The Oshana forum called on the board to stop issuing what it described as misleading statements and to respect the High Court ruling. It said the region will not take part in processes that lack legal standing.
“The era of misleading and attempting to outsmart youth leadership is over,” the Oshana statement read.
The dispute follows the appointment of the interim board in October 2025 by Sanet Steenkamp. The board is set to serve for six months or until a new board is appointed.
At the time, Kennedy Kariseb was named chairperson, with Shiimi as deputy.
Other members included Kauteza, Masua, Francisco, Theron, Shitana, Gamatham and Jansen.
Kariseb later resigned earlier this year.
The interim board was tasked with guiding the council through governance challenges following resignations, dismissals and management issues.
Both regional forums said they support a lawful and transparent process toward a future General Assembly that reflects the interests of young people.
