Former first lady Monica Geingos says leadership should not be defined by titles or positions, but by a person’s willingness to serve, volunteer and make a difference.
Geingos was speaking during a panel discussion at the #BeFree Big Talk 2026 held at the #BeFree One Economy campus in Windhoek on Friday.
Geingos said young people often become leaders through their actions and willingness to take responsibility rather than through a deliberate decision to pursue leadership.
“When there’s a problem, you are the first to volunteer. The spirit of volunteerism, that’s leadership,” she said.
She encouraged young people to build their qualifications and financial independence before entering politics and leadership, saying they should not rush into positions without first establishing a strong foundation.
Geingos said financial dependence could prevent leaders from making decisions based on their principles, as they may become afraid to leave positions they rely on financially.
“If you go in and you’re not able to say, ‘I can’t do this, I’m out’, now you’re forced to stay because financially you need this position,” she said.
She warned young people against skipping important steps in their development, saying they could end up making poor decisions when they enter leadership positions without qualifications or financial stability.
Commonwealth Youth Council Africa regional representative Rosy Shaneck says young people should focus on what they do with the responsibilities entrusted to them.
Shaneck says the way young people approach their responsibilities while growing up helps shape the leaders they become.
She urges young people not to become overly focused on titles, but to continue contributing and empowering others regardless of whether they hold formal leadership positions.
She says the choices young people make now influence their future, adding that her own leadership journey developed through the different responsibilities she took on over time.
Member of parliament Willem Amutenya says young people should ask themselves whether they are ready to lead and whether they are prepared to support those already in leadership.
“Are we ready to lead? And are we ready to support those that are leaders?” Amutenya asks.
He says young people should take responsibility for supporting leaders rather than working against them.
