The education ministry has postponed the National Youth Council’s general assembly following violent disruption injuring nine delegates, leading to the resignation of the electoral committee.
The assembly, which kicked off at the Swakopmund multipurpose centre on Friday, was disrupted on Saturday by what the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has described as “unruly conduct and violence”.
In a statement issued on Sunday, education minister Sanet Steenkamp says the injured delegates have received medical treatment and have since been discharged.
Steenkamp says she has visited those affected and condemned the violence.
“No grievance justifies harm,” the ministry says, adding that the incident is under investigation.
In response to the unrest, Steenkamp ordered the postponement of the assembly to safeguard participants and restore order.
The ministry commends delegates and affiliates who remained peaceful and continued to uphold the principles of democratic engagement despite the tensions.
It further acknowledges receiving a petition from affiliates and regional youth forums raising concerns over delegate verification, compliance issues, and adherence to the approved roadmap for the assembly.
Steenkamp says these matters remain unresolved and must be addressed before the assembly can continue.
“The legitimacy of the general assembly depends on a lawful, transparent and credible process,” she says.
The interim board has been tasked with resolving the outstanding issues and will communicate the way forward, including a new date for the continuation of the assembly.
