By Jeremiah Ndjoze

As the race towards Namibia’s Local and Regional Elections gain momentum, the campaigns of all respective individuals are seemingly heating up with all of them pronouncing themselves on their aspired developmental plans for the communities they live in. Inspiring, is seeing that independent candidates are not prepared to be left out. 
In an exclusive interview with Confidente youthful independent candidate Uakuna Rukero, who is running for office in the John Pandeni Constituency, Khomas region articulated herself on the importance of youth participation in politics and her quest for the development of her locality.  
Rukero revealed her constituency is dogged by, amongst other challenges, the high rate of youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. 
“My approach, upon taking office, will be to engage stakeholders, attract investment, and create partnerships that empower local initiatives. I plan to prioritize skills development programs, small business support, and infrastructure improvements such as roads, sanitation, and housing,” Rukero told Confidente this week. 
She further revealed she is a stanch proponent of inclusive leadership, regardless of gender, age, tribe, or background and during her tenure she will ensure that platforms for dialogue and decision, making are open to all community members, including marginalised groups. 
“Diversity and inclusion are not just principles, they are essential for building unity and ensuring that every citizen feels represented and valued,” Rukero said.
“Young people bring energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives. They are often the ones most affected by unemployment, lack of opportunities, and underrepresentation, yet they also hold the key to innovation and progress,” Rukero said.
“Their participation ensures that governance reflects the realities of all generations, not just the older ones,” she added. 
She viewed that young people will be influential in propelling policies that speaks to their needs because they understand the urgency of issues like education, digital access, youth unemployment, climate change, and housing. 
She said when young leaders bring these issues forward, they do so with lived experience, which makes legislation more relevant, practical, and people-centered.
Rukero described herself as a young, driven, and community-oriented individual who is passionate about service delivery and development. 
“I believe in a people-centered leadership, where every voice matters, and I strive to be a bridge between the community and the opportunities that can uplift it.”
Rukero said she became actively involved in politics upon realising that many of the issues facing her community required not just volunteerism, but representation at decision-making levels. 
“I was inspired by the struggles of ordinary citizens, young people without jobs, families without proper housing, and communities lacking infrastructure. I wanted to play an active role in being part of the solutions, not just pointing out the problems,’ she said.