A high-level delegation from the National Council, led by Chairperson Lucas Muha, has arrived in the Zambezi Region for an intensive five-day outreach mission.

Junior Councillors have called for the establishment of representation in all 14 regions of the country.

They said decentralising youth participation will give young people more opportunities to engage in democratic processes in their communities.

The newly-elected Chairperson of the Junior National Council, Fritz Hangue, has expressed gratitue to the government for providing the platform and giving the youth the opportunity to voice their opinions on how everyday challenges should be addressed.

Vice Chairperson of the National Council, Emma Muteka, has warned young MPs against mistaking popularity on social media for real leadership or impact.

She said their influence must be used responsibly.

MPs in the National Council stated that improving road infrastructure will not solve the road crisis issue if road users do not change their behaviour.

The National Council has passed the Mental Health Bill, replacing the Mental Health Act of 1973, which has been criticised as outdated.

The Bill aims to protect the dignity of mental health patients and strengthen community-based mental health services, as well as establish a mental health review board.

Members of parliament in the National Council have called on the government to make mental health a national health priority, supported by adequate budgetary resources.

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Council have bemoaned the severe water shortages in the northern regions, arguing that such supply crises should no longer exist after 35 years of independence.

The National Council Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development emphasised predictable and adequate financing is essential to maintaining quality education, supporting research institutions and creating an enabling environment for innovation.

The National Council has handed over a donation of N$27,609 to the Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Campaign in support of humanitarian assistance for the Cuban people.

The contribution was raised through individual donations from members of the National Council.