The Governor of |Khomas Region, Sam Nujoma, has emphasised the importance of youth involvement in shaping their future through active engagement in decision-making processes.
He made this remark during a youth dialogue on the budget for the 2025/26 financial year that was organised by the Swapo Party.
The discussion was centred around the urgent need for young people to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs prioritised through their active and vocal participation in national issues.
The discussion was also to enhance youth understanding of public finances, how they work and how to monitor government spending to promote a culture of transparency and accountability.
Governor Sam Nujoma stated that young people need to take ownership of their role in democracy and policy-making.
"The time has come for young people to move beyond spectatorship and take the reins of responsible citizenship and participation in democracy. Let us be bold in our contributions, clear in our demands and united in our vision. Together we shape the budget. Together we shape the future."
He said the needs of young people can only be prioritised through their active participation in national budget discussions, highlighting youth-related programmes to policymakers.
Enhancing youth understanding of public finances, how it works and how to effectively monitor government spending are also very important.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, who was also part of the panel, reminded the youth that their voice is as strong as it was during the election period and that they should articulate their needs.
"When we say we want young people to be provided opportunities. When we say we want young people to be provided opportunities, it means just that. The Bible says if your child asks you for bread, you cannot give them a rock. Is that not in the Bible? Chocolate! So, in all 121 constituencies and 14 regions, we still need genuine economic empowerment."
The discussion also further addressed issues such as youth unemployment and lack of proper healthcare facilities in various communities.
Musician and activist Monica Pinlas voiced her concerns over the disconnect between the creative sector and politicians.
"A lot of times we felt like the stepchild, you know, and we saw that even during the campaign that there was a disconnect there between the artists and generally with our party, and we don't want that, right? We don't want that. We want everyone to feel like they matter, like they are included."
Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao said the implementation plan for the Swapo Party manifesto by the government is not just to talk but a serious undertaking by the current government.
"We should not let people make us believe that the Swapo Manifesto is just dreams that will never be attained. Now, the reason I say that is because what we are meant to do is we are meant to start from the vision and work forward. But a lot of people are making us believe, No, no, no, no, but you should start with a budget and work forward. But what kind of prosperous country are we then working towards? The goal is for us to have a dream that is so big and that doesn't make sense. And then we say, Okay, fine, now we can find ways to achieve this. And so I very much support the budget."