Tjongarero orders National Youth Council to halt leadership elections, citing irregularities

Sport, youth and national service minister Agnes Tjongarero has issued a directive to halt the National Youth Council (NYC) leadership elections. This is due to gross violations of the law by the board, says Tjongarero.

The decision came as delegates gathered at the NYC Rietfontein Training Centre to elect new leadership over the weekend. At least N$2 million is expected to be spent over the weekend for the general assembly meeting, with the election slated for 15 December.

In a directive issued late on Thursday evening, Tjongarero’s personal assistant, Jessica Gaomuses, said the minister had ordered the immediate halt of the general assembly.

The decision was attributed to the NYC board’s repeated failure to comply with ministerial directives. “The minister unequivocally instructs the annual general meeting (AGM), scheduled for the upcoming weekend, to be halted without exception. This decision is final and must be implemented,” said Gaomuses.

“The political leadership will convene to deliberate further, and additional instructions will follow. Until then, any preparations for the AGM are halted,” she added.

The NYC, a government entity established in 1994 to nurture young leaders, has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement in recent years.

The current leadership, headed by executive chairperson Sharonice Busch – an incoming parliamentarian, has faced accusations of misconduct and violations of the NYC Act.

Despite the minister’s directive, NYC board member Simon Taapopi maintains that the elections will proceed as planned. “As the board, we are generally exploring our options but what we have seen is that there is no power to direct the minister to do that,” he says.

Taapopi asserts that the general assembly should take place every four years, according to the NYC Act. “Part of its functions is to deliberate on various reports provided by the board, as well as on the programme and activities of the council for the next four years.

“The most important thing is to elect the executive chairperson, as well five board members.” Tjongarero did not answer calls made to her phone.