Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) MP Maximalliant Katjimune has proposed a motion to merge the National Youth Council (NYC) with the National Youth Service (NYS).
This proposal seeks to eliminate the duplication of responsibilities, programmes, and resources to foster a more streamlined approach to youth development in Namibia.
In his motivation, Katjimune highlighted the overlapping functions and similar objectives of the two bodies.
He emphasised that both entities aim to foster and promote national identity, patriotism, and youth empowerment through various programmes and initiatives.
Katjimune pointed out that, despite these similar goals, having two separate entities has led to inefficiencies and mismanagement.
He cited NYC's recent scandals involving allegations of corruption and mismanagement, including unauthorised payments and failure to submit audited financial reports for three consecutive years.
"The National Youth Council was established through a Cabinet resolution in 1994 and later became a statutory body under the National Youth Council Act. Similarly, the National Youth Service, created under the National Youth Service Act of 2005, serves parallel purposes. This is a body that is simply incapable of running its internal affairs, and the state continues to put large quantities of money into its operation without any tangible returns. The effect of these reforms will result in one unitary, solid body administering youth affairs with synergy and efficiency, similar to the National Youth Development Agency in South Africa."
He said merging NYC's functions with those of NYS could lead to a more cohesive and effective approach to youth development.
Katjimune proposed consolidating NYC's various programmes, such as the Youth Development Grant Programme and regional cultural productions, with NYS's civic training and national voluntary service initiatives.
He believes that this merger would not only reduce administrative overheads but also ensure better oversight and utilisation of resources.