Social Justice Activist Shaun Gariseb has called on young people from Windhoek's Katutura residential area to utilise the government's non-collateral Youth Development Fund.

Gariseb, during his engagement with the youth, believed that the Ministry of Finance should conduct outreach programmes for young people, particularly those in informal settlements, to educate, raise awareness, and provide them with guidance on how to benefit from the Fund.

He explained that the application forms are not user-friendly, and many young people face bureaucratic barriers, finding it difficult to understand all the requirements and procedures necessary to access these funds.

Gariseb proposed that application deadlines for proposals should also be extended at least until the end of this year, as it was short notice, and many aspiring young entrepreneurs lack the knowledge of drawing up a well-structured business plan.

He stated that this would give enough time to prepare proper documents and avoid exclusion, and ensure that funds not only reach urban youth but also empower rural and marginalised groups as well.

The activist encouraged the young people in attendance to try to identify solutions to day-to-day challenges, identify target markets and set up a well-structured business plan that will financially uplift them and their respective communities, as well as create sustainable jobs.

Spokesperson in the Ministry of Finance Wilson Shikoto said the short deadlines presented by some governors were simply meant to fast-track the process and raise awareness among prospective beneficiaries. 

He said the national call for applications that will be issued by the Ministry of Finance in September will not have deadlines.

Shikoto added that the ministry will conduct boot camps in the regions to educate the youth about writing business proposals and inform them about other requirements.