SWAPO Party Rundu-Rural Youth Forum Rejects Criticism Over Unfulfilled Youth Policies
By Anton Wokie
The Constituency Chairperson for the Rundu-Rural Youth Forum, Makayi Augustinus Tsamba, says the ruling party youth wing has intensified efforts aimed at addressing rising youth unemployment, limited economic opportunities and substance abuse affecting young people in the region.
Speaking in an interview with The Updated World News, Tsamba outlined several initiatives which he said are already underway and being advocated for through the party’s structures and regional government leadership.
Responding to concerns over increasing unemployment among graduates and school leavers in Rundu, Tsamba said the SPYL leadership has been mobilising young people to benefit from the recently launched N$500 million National Youth Development Fund.
“SPYL leadership acted on the national launch of the N$500 million National Youth Development Fund, where representatives in Rundu actively mobilised local youth to apply,” he said.
“The fund guarantees collateral-free and low-interest microloans for youth ventures directly within the constituency in order to bypass commercial banking hurdles. This process is still ongoing,” Tsamba added.
He further revealed that the youth wing has formally petitioned government to establish entrepreneurship centres across all six constituencies in Kavango East.
“SPYL has formally petitioned central government to allocate a fiscal budget for fully-fledged entrepreneurship centres in all six constituencies. The goal is to provide permanent training, mentorship and equipment access to both urban and rural school leavers,” he explained.
Tsamba also highlighted plans aimed at supporting graduates from vocational training institutions through startup toolkits.
“In line with the party’s 2025–2030 manifesto implementation plan, the youth wing is advocating for fully subsidised startup toolkits for graduates from institutions such as Ngato VTC, Tukureni COSDEC and RVTC. This is intended to help them establish SMEs and become self-reliant,” he said.
Addressing concerns that many young people feel excluded from economic opportunities and empowerment programmes, Tsamba said SPYL has partnered with the Namibian Youth Credit Scheme to improve access to financial literacy and youth funding opportunities.
“Through the Namibian Youth Credit Scheme, I have personally encouraged and assisted fellow youths, with at least 18 currently awaiting funding approval to commence their businesses,” he said.
He added that the initiative aims to host financial literacy workshops at centres such as the Rundu Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Centre to help unemployed youth better manage capital and qualify for regional enterprise opportunities.
On the issue of growing substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drug abuse among young people, Tsamba said the youth wing has been working closely with regional authorities and the Namibian Police Force to strengthen interventions in identified crime and drug hotspots.
“SPYL is working alongside the Swapo-led regional government in petitioning the Namibian Police to increase night patrols and monitor suspected drug hotspots, particularly in Ndama, Kehemu, Tuhingireni, Vazungu side and Sauyemwa,” he said.
He added that the youth wing is also advocating for stricter enforcement of liquor licensing regulations near residential areas, particularly in communities such as Sarusungu.
Tsamba rejected criticism that youth policies are only discussed during political campaigns without implementation, saying the youth wing remains committed to ensuring that empowerment programmes translate into practical opportunities for young people in the region.
His remarks come amid increasing concerns over unemployment and social challenges affecting young people in Kavango East, where many youths continue to struggle with poverty, limited job opportunities and substance abuse.
