The National Assembly has launched its "Parliament on Wheels" initiative at Rehoboth.
The lower house unveiled its state-of-the-art Parliament Bus, which will embark on journeys across the country and reach out to local communities.
The initiative aims to revolutionise accessibility and engagement with parliamentary proceedings by bringing governance closer to the people.
'Parliament on Wheels' represents a significant milestone in the National Assembly's commitment to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and civic participation.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, stated that the Parliament Bus is not just a vehicle but a symbol of commitment to accessibility in governance, equipped with the latest technological innovations, including laptops and interactive displays.
"This mobile parliamentary unit will traverse our country, visiting schools like Dr. Lemmer High School, participating in trade fairs, and engaging with communities, all in a concerted effort to foster greater understanding and participation in our legislative processes. Why take Parliament to the people, you may wonder? The answer lies in the very essence of democracy. Democracy thrives when citizens are actively engaged in the decision-making processes that shape their lives. By bringing Parliament to your doorstep, we break down barriers of distance and accessibility, ensuring that every voice, no matter how remote, is heard and represented."
The mobile parliamentary platform brings democracy directly to communities, allowing citizens to observe and participate in legislative processes firsthand.
Professor Katjavivi stressed that the sole focus of this initiative is to get the youth more active in legislative participation.
"But our mission doesn't stop there. We recognise that the future of our democracy lies in the hands of our youth—the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. That is why we are particularly focused on engaging young people in the legislative process. Your ideas, energy, and perspectives are invaluable assets that enrich our democracy and guide us towards a brighter future."