By:Annakleta Haikera
Youths in the two Kavango regions say the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Services are not doing enough to empower them but are merely on the microphones to make promises that are never fulfilled.
This comes after the deputy Minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas called on the youth in the two regions to explore their talents and create employment for themselves.
Kantema-Gaomas made the remark during a launch of a make-a-thon challenge funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Namibiaon Friday.
Elia Nyangana Mukundu, an entrepreneurial youth from the region, said the Ministry only talks, but the youth do not benefit from the loans that are meant for them to create more employment in the country.
Mukundu, who is one of the youth who was to be a beneficiary of the Development Bank of Namibia’s N$8 million seed-fund to finance 28 rural youth enterprises, said he is still waiting for the funds.
“A number of youth have been left in the dark not knowing if they should believe what they read or hear, it is just an entertainment strategy that the youth ministry says to the youth and never acts upon it,” he said.
Immanuel Hausiku, a youth activist, agreed with Mukundu’s sentiments, stating that the youth needs more support from the Ministry to enable them to create their own employment.
“More youth are in the streets because the Ministry doesnot care about their well-being,” he said.
In her address, Kantema-Gaomas also noted that the creativity industry would erase the challenge of mental health.
“The creative industry is an avenue to create employment because we know we are faced with this challenge and we need to diversify. The creative industry is also one way to erase the challenge of mental health. It is relaxing, and it is not only for commercial purposes but also for transforming lives,” the deputy Minister said.
Speaking at the same event,Elzane Ludeke, the co-founder of Fabrics said her company aims to bridge barriers and create opportunities to improve and extend business opportunities for the economic growth of the country while also experiencing true Namibian culture and rich diversity.
Ludeke has previously worked to establish a leather goods factory before starting work on creating high-quality handbags and leather accessories with her brand AMÂNA, meaning ‘truthful’ in Khoekhoegowab, in 2019.
The Resident Representative for UNDP in Namibia, Alka Bhatia said the creative industry does not get the attention it deserves, even though it has the potential to contribute to the youth employment.
“It is never thought of as a very thriving sector of the economy, and I think what it can contribute is very important to the economy, which is why it is not getting the attention it should.”
One of the participants, Euginia Bernard, commended the stakeholders for the initiative.
“I will be making a dress inspired by the Welwitschia Mirabilis, which is a natural plant of Namibia, and the fish eagle. The dress will be incorporated with some beadwork that comes from the Kavango region,”Bernard said.
Twenty-five participants exhibited their talents, such as designing, film-making, visual art, textiles, home-ware crafts and leather goods.
The challenge aims to showcase young Namibians’ talents by creating pieces that capture the essence of Namibia’s awe-inspiring beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The winner will be announced on Friday, 26 May.