The Katutura Central Constituency Councillor Vezemba Katjaimo said leaders have a duty and responsibility to guide the youth in matters of career guidance.
Katjaimo made the remarks during a career guidance day for students and prospective learners.
The initiative aims to empower young people with accurate information about education and career pathways, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.
Katjaimo said leaders must not just talk about unemployment but act to prevent it.
He encouraged students not to choose fields of study randomly but to carefully consider those that have good career and employability prospects.
"We are here to tell you about the programmes to study and, crucially, which sectors are hungry for labour. In 2026 Namibia is changing, and also we see that we are emerging in green hydrogen, gas and oil. But also we are booming more on ICT and the digital economy. Thus, by choosing the right path, we ensure that unemployed youth are not just looking or seeking for jobs but are highly employed as an asset to our nation."
Regional School Counsellor for |Khomas Region Oscar Mbautaene clarified questions coming from parents and the public regarding the Namibia Senior Secondary Ordinary and Namibia Senior Secondary AS Level and issues concerning grades eleven to twelve.
"We start at Grade 9, where people are in Grade 10, where they are selecting the subjects. So Grade 9 learners, they need to be well informed before they take their subjects because somehow the subject you're selecting is influencing your career."
He emphasised it is important for parents and students to consider correcting subjects before going to university.
"Don't have a child who is getting a U from Grade 1, and you are only recently transferred; transfer until it is Grade 7, and then you are wondering what to do. Already involve the school; they know what to do. Although to the directorate of education, they will intervene in that child, early detection is better than keeping a child who does not even belong mainstream."
The regional manager for the Southern Region at the Namibian College of Open Learning, Clemence Hinanifa, said career guidance day maps possibilities that lie ahead.
"It gives you a direction; it guides you where you need to go. Because many times I think that as well, students get to university without knowing what they are willing to enrol in as well, just because they heard from friends."