The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has called on the new National Youth Service board members to strengthen governance and deliver measurable results to young Namibians.

Dr Steenkamp says the National Youth Service remains an important national instrument for providing young people with opportunities in education and employment while promoting civic participation and national development.

The new board takes office at a time when young Namibians face developmental challenges and social pressures.

The Minister also reminded the board that its mandate is guided by the National Youth Service Act of 2005, which places overall management and control of the service in its hands.

The board is also responsible for providing policy direction to the Commissioner and advising the President on the service's activities, programmes and policies.

The National Youth Service Commissioner, Felix Musukubili, said the board is diversified in terms of expertise and looks forward to making a positive contribution to transforming the National Youth Service.

The Chairperson of the board, Nicolas Tembwe, said their appointment to serve on the board is a responsibility to contribute to an institution whose mandate has direct bearing on the development, character and future prospects of the youth.

The previous board consisted of only four board members, which made it difficult for them to execute their responsibilities.