Student leaders at the University of Namibia (UNAM) are being challenged to deliver tangible change as the Student Representative Council (SRC) Congress convenes its first sitting of 2026 in Swakopmund.

The Congress brings together representatives from all 12 campuses to address student welfare, accountability, and access to education. This year’s first session focused on representation and practical solutions to challenges such as accommodation and academic resources.

UNAM SRC Secretary General Aletta Nepembe said, “If students are sleeping in lecture halls, that is not the failure of individual SGs but our collective failure. We are one problem-solving team, not 12 competing campuses.”

Guest speakers encouraged student leaders to move beyond titles and deliver meaningful change.

Former Junior Mayor of Walvis Bay, Kristine Shetunyenga, noted, “Leadership is about representation, decision-making, accountability, and sometimes making unpopular decisions to challenge ineffective systems.”

Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses urged the Congress to examine why some resolutions from last year have not yielded results and called for inclusivity.

“Where are the Himba children? Where are students with disabilities? Ensure every eligible Namibian child is enrolled in tertiary institutions. Of the 62% of Erongo region students in AS level, only about 32% were admitted to tertiary education,” she said.

The Congress is expected to produce binding resolutions aimed at improving student welfare.