Former National Youth Council Executive Chairperson Sharonice Busch has stated that the focus on electing leaders came at the expense of discussions on policy, governance, and the direction of the National Youth Council.
The NYC's General Assembly collapsed in Swakopmund over the weekend.
A weekend that would, among other agenda points, see the election of the institution's new leadership came to a dramatic halt after the line minister called its general assembly off and postponed it to a later date.
Accusations of drunk delegates and forceful removal of electoral officials were some of the dramatic images that emerged from Swakopmund.
Busch said the events that unfolded at the National Youth Council General Assembly should serve as a reminder of the purpose of the gathering.
“What we have witnessed over the weekend is where we take away the importance of platforms such as the General Assembly and only focus on elections. Not once have we heard how young people have used this platform to interrogate the National Youth Council and the reforms that are needed within the organisation."
Busch pointed out that political competition is expected in democratic institutions, and candidates are entitled to seek endorsements and support from affiliates, as well as from other stakeholders.
However, disagreements should not undermine the mandate of the council or prevent delegates from carrying out the work of the General Assembly.
“When you look at everything that has unfolded, it reflects the confidence everyone in the hall had that this process was legitimate, credible, and fair.”
She also touched on concerns around endorsements in the race for executive chairperson, saying endorsements by political affiliates have been part of previous National Youth Council elections.
Following the postponement of the General Assembly by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, Busch called for a new general assembly to be convened after the concerns raised by delegates have been addressed.
Dr. Steenkamp is yet to announce the dates on which the general assembly will take place.