The Student Union of Namibia has endorsed Esther Simon for the position of Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC).
 
Speaking at a press conference, Chairperson of the union Benhard Kavau called on all members of the student body to support Simon's candidacy regardless of their political affiliations.
 
Kavau stressed that youth issues transcend political differences, saying unemployment, access to education, accommodation, and tuition funding affect all young Namibians equally.
 
"When we talk about unemployed young people, we do not ask which political party they belong to. When we advocate for non-tuition and tuition fees to be paid, we are referring to all young people of this country.”
 
 
Also supporting Simon's candidacy is Highlands Youth Organisation representative Ndemuweda Nghixulifwa.
 
Nghixulifwa said young people continue to face numerous socio-economic challenges that require capable and transformative leadership.
 
He cautioned delegates against being influenced by inducements during the election process.
 
 
"The youth must be sober-minded in their decision-making; we must not be swayed by various mechanisms that these are realities on the ground, including brown envelopes and other mechanisms intended to sway young people, so we must stand firm and we must not be swayed."
 
 
Swapo Party Youth League Representative to NYC Taddeus Shithigona pointed out that they have nominated and endorsed Simon.

 
He stressed that Simon should not be viewed as a candidate representing only the Swapo Party Youth League.
 
 
“Well, we would not want to reduce this campaign to a Swapo issue, as we have said. We have managed to rally other youth formations, student formations, and other political parties; it's not a Swapo issue.”
 
 
The NYC General Assembly is expected to bring together youth representatives from across Namibia to elect new leadership and deliberate on issues affecting young people nationwide.