Declare Youth Unemployment a National Emergency

Dear President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, please allow me to begin by congratulating you on your historic and well-deserved ascension to the highest office in the land.

I acknowledge your bold vision, particularly your commitment to the youth through initiatives such as free education at public tertiary institutions by 2025, and the introduction of remuneration for interns.

These steps reflect your dedication to uplifting Namibia’s younger generation. However, I write to you today as a deeply concerned citizen.

Unemployment – especially among the youth – has reached crisis levels in our country. It is no longer simply a socio-economic issue; it has become a national emergency.

Each day, thousands of qualified young Namibians roam the streets without opportunities, dignity, or hope.

I, therefore, appeal to you, Madam president, to officially declare youth unemployment a national crisis.

This would not only highlight the seriousness of the situation, but also allow for urgent, targeted interventions to address it.

I would also like to propose three immediate steps to help alleviate the problem:

Voluntary retirement window: Introduce a temporary grace period during which civil servants can choose to retire early and still receive full benefits.

This would create space in the public service for young professionals, helping reduce youth unemployment while honouring long-serving workers.

End post-retirement contract extensions: I urge the government to reconsider extending contracts for civil servants past retirement age.

While experience is valuable, we must now prioritise giving young, qualified Namibians a fair chance to enter the workforce and reduce the financial burden on the state.

Standardise education sector interviews: The recruitment process for teaching posts must be fairer and more efficient. Currently, young applicants travel long distances only to face unclear criteria and overwhelming competition – sometimes over 400 candidates for one position.

A centralised, standardised process would save time, money and dignity.

These actions will not only help reduce unemployment but also address the related challenges of poverty and rising crime.

Gainful employment is the most effective form of social security, and giving young people access to opportunities means investing in a more stable and prosperous Namibia.

Madam president, you have the vision, the leadership, and the mandate to drive real change.

Let your presidency be remembered as the one that empowered a generation, restored hope, and turned the tide on youth unemployment.

With deep respect and hope.
– Mandume Vaendwanawa

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