Windhoek: McHenry Venaani, president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has expressed concern over the alarming increase in youth unemployment and the lack of activity in Parliament, urging immediate action to address these pressing issues.

According to Namibia Press Agency - English, Venaani emphasized that the continued rise in youth unemployment poses one of the most significant threats to Namibia's social cohesion, economic growth, and future development. He highlighted that young people, who constitute the majority of the population, are increasingly excluded from meaningful economic participation. The combined youth unemployment and potential labour force rate is projected to reach 61.4 per cent.

Venaani stated that his party has consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing this issue. He pointed out that Inna Hengari, a PDM parliamentarian, introduced a motion in 2021 calling for youth unemployment to be declared an emergency, underscoring that meaningful action in this area has long been a priority.

The PDM leader called on the Government to follow South Africa's example, which has formally recognized youth unemployment as a national crisis. He argued that such a declaration in Namibia is necessary to demonstrate political will and urgency. He suggested that this should be accompanied by the immediate establishment of a dedicated special committee focused exclusively on tackling youth unemployment.

Venaani elaborated that the committee must coordinate with all relevant ministries, engage the private sector, align education and skills development with labour market needs, and implement tangible programs that create real jobs for young Namibians. He stressed that youth unemployment is not merely an abstract statistic but a daily crisis affecting thousands of capable, educated, and willing young people who are being denied the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

He also urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to use her powers to recall Parliament earlier than the scheduled opening in February 2026. Venaani proposed that Parliament should meet at least one to two weeks earlier to allow members to discuss and pass critical legislation that affects employment, service delivery, and social protection.

Venaani concluded by stating that delaying the start of parliamentary business undermines the urgency of these national challenges. He added that citizens are tired of empty explanations while real problems remain unresolved, emphasizing that leadership requires decisive action and accountability, not excuses.