Youth unemployment discussions head to the regions

Discussions recently took place to consider youth unemployment.

Public hearings kicked off in the Zambezi Region and continued to Ohangwena, while with the youth in the Kavango East took place on 29 May.

According to an online update by the Parliament of Namibia, Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofi said the problem of youth unemployment should not be limited to regional discussions only.

“Human resources is a backbone of a country’s development. Let us combine forces to solve this problem,” he said during a standing committee courtesy call to the governor and regional councillors.

The standing committee chosen to compile a report on unemployment includes: Annakletha Sikirete (Swapo), Johanna Kandjimi (Swapo), Maximalliant Katjimune (Popular Democratic Movement), Yvette Araes (PDM), Gotthard Kandume (Christian Democratic Voice Party) and chairperson Nono Katjingisua (Swapo), who were accompanied by the director of committee services, Kathleen Nakutta.

According to Katjimune, the youngest of the cohort, the hearings have been going well with strong input from the youth. “The committee has received extensive and passionate input from the youth as well as other stakeholders that will aid us greatly in our report,” he said.

He added that in Rundu and Katima Mulilo, the youth have been very encouraging.

After discussions are finalised in Zambezi and Ohangwena, discussions will go on a break due to the resumption of parliament on 6 June. Discussions will then continue in the remaining regions on 17 July.

According to some of the youth who attended the public talks, employers should revisit job requirements.

“Opportunities should be given to those who graduate first in order to reduce the number of shortlisting,” Grace Siambango, a youth from Zambezi, said.

Dante de Almeida added that the “no experience, no employment” criteria should be done away with in order to give a fair opportunity to all.

Kavango West governor Sirkka Ausiku highlighted some of the projects the region is running in order to curb the unemployment rate in the country. These projects are in the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

“Nkurenkuru has well established green schemes. It is the hope that the region becomes a food basket for the country,” she said.

The standing committee's report will be presented to the National Assembly. The committee has the mandate to monitor, review and advise the National Assembly on matters related to human resources, development and employment creation in the country.