Youth leaders demand space in Namibia’s democracy
A new wave of youth leadership is emerging in Namibia’s political arena, driven by a refusal to accept the belief that young people are uninterested in or unprepared for leadership. Young candidates like Kueekuje Kazapua and Johnathan Harris are actively reshaping political engagement and contributing fresh ideas to governance.Kazapua, who contested in the Otjombinde Constituency, joined the race to challenge the growing stereotype that youth are disengaged or incapable. He believes meaningful change must begin at the grassroots level, starting within one’s home constituency. Harris entered the Swakopmund Local Authority elections with the intention of serving the community where he was raised. He views political participation as a responsibility: if one wants to contribute to a better Namibia, involvement in decision-making becomes essential.
Despite their enthusiasm and commitment, both encountered barriers rooted in age prejudice, where young people are frequently underestimated or dismissed based on the assumption that leadership should belong only to older generations. They also faced practical challenges, including limited resources and the influence of traditional political loyalties, which often dominate decision-making within communities.
Serious concerns
Through direct engagement with young people, Kazapua discovered serious socio-economic concerns in rural settings, such as unemployment, hunger, lack of employability skills, and the absence of markets for young artisans to sustain their livelihoods. Meanwhile, Harris identified development concerns common among urban youth, including limited public transport, digital inequality, and a lack of empowerment opportunities. Despite their different environments, both noted that many young people feel detached from governance because the link between leadership decisions and their daily lives is unclear.
Youth leadership brings unique strengths to regional and local governance, including creativity, digital fluency, and lived experience with pressing modern challenges. Their contributions can strengthen decision-making and help build a Namibia that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Kazapua and Harris believe firmly that youth are not simply the future — they are vital leaders of today.
To increase youth participation in future elections, there is a strong need for improved civic education, wider access to digital technology, structured mentorship between seasoned leaders and youth, and genuine inclusion of young voices in decision-making throughout the governance cycle, not only during campaign seasons. When young people feel empowered, informed, and valued, they step up with confidence — and Namibia progresses with them.
Pivotal moment
“Youth are not waiting for permission to lead; they are leading because the country needs them to,” says the Namibian National Students Organisation (NANSO). The organisation believes that youth leadership brings creativity, digital fluency, and lived experience with modern challenges, strengthening governance structures and shaping a Namibia that prioritises innovation and inclusivity. Kazapua and Harris argue that youth are not simply the future; they are vital contributors in the present.
NANSO views this rise in youth participation as a pivotal moment in democratic progress. “Every young person who stepped forward has already changed the narrative; they have opened the door wider for those who will come after them,” the organisation emphasised.
NANSO stresses that empowering young people must be a continuous commitment. By strengthening civic education, widening digital access, and building mentorship between seasoned leaders and youth, Namibia can unlock a generation fully capable of accelerating development and driving sustainable change. Their message remains clear: when youth lead, Namibia grows stronger — not only for today, but for generations to come.