Windhoek: The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) on Thursday vocalized its opposition to the government’s initiative to recruit more youth into the security cluster, arguing that such actions hinder progress across various sectors.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the union’s spokesperson, Johannes Malapi, addressed a press briefing expressing that although unemployment is a pressing issue in the country, there is no immediate need for additional military recruits, given Namibia’s peaceful status. Malapi critiqued the government’s recent announcement to enhance security by increasing recruitment, suggesting it reflects an unsafe and limited approach to tackling unemployment, which detracts from potential advancements in other areas.
SUN emphasized that while addressing youth unemployment is crucial, militarizing this issue is not a sustainable solution. Malapi highlighted that the reliance on the security sector for employment undermines development, creativity, innovation, and economic transformation. He described the recruitment drive as a politically influenced misdirection, questioning the government’s investment priorities, which seem skewed towards security rather than critical sectors like education, health, industrial development, and agriculture.
The union advocated for jobs, education, and industry over military and security roles. It proposed a transformative youth employment strategy to tackle regional and social inequality, suggesting reforms in education and support for youth-led startups and innovation hubs. SUN also called for a diversified economy with investments in education, emphasizing the need for an equitable and transparent funding model for students across all institutions.
In conclusion, SUN urged the government to adopt progressive employment and education strategies that genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the youth, moving beyond traditional security-focused approaches.