The City of Windhoek has groomed and trained over 2,000 junior councillors since the programme began 27 years ago.
Many of these individuals now occupy various high-profile positions throughout the country.
This information was revealed during the inauguration of the newly elected Junior Town Council. Kovii Kambai officially took over the reins from outgoing Junior Mayor Milano Gogol.
The young leaders emphasised that leadership is not about titles but about serving and showing up for the people.
They further stressed the importance of taking ownership as leaders of today.
"Leadership is not about titles but about service. It involves consistently demonstrating our commitment to the people we represent. And I'm proud to say, ladies and gentlemen, that the junior council from 2025 to 2026 did exactly that. Today, I hand over this responsibility to Councillor Kovii Kambai, the incoming junior mayor. Covey, you inherit not only the office but also the trust of nearly 200,000 young people in our city."
Accepting the new responsibilities, Junior Mayor Kambai said, "Our vision is rooted in youth engagement, community outreach and advocacy. We will most definitely build on existing initiatives such as the mayoral clean-up campaigns, support for the elderly and care for children battling cancer. Because these initiatives remind us that leadership is service and service begins with compassion. At the heart of our work will be our core project, which is enhancing youth empowerment through accessible skills development and safe regional spaces in Windhoek."
The Junior Council plays a vital role in community development, engaging in activities such as youth empowerment, community outreach, advocacy, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
"The junior council is a permanent channel between youth experience and municipal action. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and take the steps needed to create a better, brighter future for all," said Windhoek Mayor Sackarias Uunona.
There are 76 learners in the Junior Council representing 38 schools, including private and special schools.
The 2026-2027 Junior Council is conducted under the theme 'Youth Rising, Namibia Thriving'.