By Feni Hiveluah
Two strong forces have emerged at the National Youth Council (NYC) within the leadership team elected at its 2024 general assembly, as internal contestation intensifies ahead of the 2026 elective assembly.
One faction is reportedly being spearheaded by Simon Tabopi of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) and the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL). Opposing them, is a camp led by Veparura Kandirikirira of the Nudo Youth League, said to be backed by faith-based organisations and youth formations aligned to alleged opposition interests.
On his part, Kandirikirira stated that while allegations of division in NYC could be false, the politics “being played by the SPYL and NANSO cannot be disputed”.
Speaking to the Confidente ahead of an NYC affiliates engagement on Tuesday, Kandirikirira noted that the two organisations have been putting the institution under division.
“Those two organizations, they fall under most of the people that are leading NANSO or those that led NANSO back in the days. Now they are positioning themselves using NANSO and SPYL to ensure that they take over the institution (NYC). So, basically there is a fight between SPY and NANSO. Now, as some people do not belong to either of the two, they become a victim of the process,” Kandirikirira said.
Taapopi distanced himself from the reported divisions and said: “I would like to clarify that I am no longer actively involved in NYC politics, neither am I participating at the upcoming general assembly. As such, I have no knowledge on the allegations or internal dynamics you have mentioned.
”Meanwhile, SPYL secretary and member of parliament Ephraim Nekongo rubbished any rift between SPYL, NANSO or any other youth affiliate with the NYC.
“Secondly, the NYC was created as a result of the resolution of the congress of the SPYL. We recognized the need to have a youth organization that represents all young people of Namibia regardless of their political affiliation. Part of our duty as the SPYL is therefore to unite all Namibians, beyond political affiliation. We will never ascend to an arena that seeks to erode the very ethos and principles we stand for,” Nekongo explained.
“We have a moral duty to ensure that the National Youth Council continues to be an effective platform for all young people of Namibia as mandated by the NYC Act. We will never allow the council to collapse, as it will shatter the hopes and aspirations of many young people in our country,” he added.
According to Nekongo, the SPYL is committed to playing its part in that regard and to further ensure that young people can co-exist beyond their political differences, for the advancement of all young people.
However, Masua has downplayed the tensions, insisting that unity remains intact within the youth body.“We have very productive engagements. NYC is doing well,” Masua said.
In a statement released on 18 March, the council said the handover of office to the newly appointed leadership paves the way for the General Assembly scheduled for June this year.The council added that it is committed to ensuring the process is transparent, fair, inclusive and reflective of the diverse voices of Namibian youth.
