Youth unemployment a ticking time bomb: Nekongo

WINDHOEK, 26 APR  – Swapo-Party Youth League (SPYL) Secretary, Ephraim Nekongo said the 43 per cent youth unemployment rate is a growing concern and could lead to a revolution if left unaddressed.
Speaking at media briefing in the capital on Thursday, Nekongo said he was dismayed by the budget cuts instituted on critical ministries that can arrest youth unemployment.
“This is a ticking time bomb. If it is not addressed, people will revolt,” he told Nampa outside the Swapo headquarters shortly after the briefing.
“We often say the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. This statement is however contrary to our situation where youth unemployment stands at 43 per cent,” he said.
Supremely, SPYL is unimpressed by the perennial budget cuts in funds allocated to the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service.
For the 2018/19 financial year, the ministry received N.dollars 288 million, a N.dollars 97 million reduction from the previous year.
“This is of serious concern to the SPYL and not a welcomed allocation,” said Nekongo, adding that the finance ministry must reconsider the allocation during the mid-year budget review.
On the education front, the SPYL was particularly unnerved by the continued mismanagement and leadership squabbles at the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) at the expense of beneficiaries.
To this effect, SPYL called for the speedy awarding of loans and disbursement of funds; establishment of a talent fund to support young people; and an end to NSFAF’s inner “squabbles”.
In addition, he said the slashing of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) budget from N.dollars 386 million to N.dollars 93 million was an eyesore, considering the crucial role TVET play in skills development.
He said it will require collective and collaborative efforts from the government and the private sector to create employment.
On Namibia’s longstanding land debacle, the SPYL indicated that it will also prepare a position paper to be presented at the second national conference on land scheduled for October.

NAMPA