Harnessing Radical Reasonableness: Youth and the Call to Political Action

As the drums of national and presidential elections beat ever louder, the role of young Namibians in shaping our future cannot be overstated.

Our nation’s youth need to engage and to make their voices heard.

However, any call to action must be tempered with a sense of radical reasonableness.

The term ‘radical’ often conjures up images of extreme or uncompromising behaviour.

Yet, when harnessed in a reasonable manner, radicalism becomes a powerful tool for change – one the youth of Namibia can leverage effectively.

The enthusiasm, passion, and energy of our young population are assets that can drive progress and inject new perspectives into our political discourse.

Participating in politics is not merely a choice, but a responsibility of citizenship.

Through engagement, we can influence policies, demand accountability, and help shape the direction of our country.

Namibia’s youth have a unique opportunity to stand up and be counted, to push for the issues that matter most to them – from education and employment opportunities to environmental sustainability and social justice.

However, radicalism must be tempered by reasonableness. Being radical in a reasonable way means channeling passion into constructive action.

It means advocating change without inciting violence or spreading misinformation.

It means engaging in robust debates while respecting differing viewpoints.

It means pushing boundaries while upholding the principles of democracy and unity.

‘WE MUST SEIZE THE MOMENT’

The stakes are high in this election year. Our youth must embrace their role as catalysts for progress but also as stewards of responsible activism.

We must reject apathy and complacency, and instead opt for informed and strategic participation in the political process.

As a broadcast media practitioner, I urge fellow young Namibians to use their platforms – whether on television, social media, or at community gatherings – to amplify their voices responsibly.

Let us hold our leaders accountable.

Let us challenge the status quo. And, let us advocate inclusive policies that benefit all Namibians.

Real-life examples from across the globe demonstrate the impact of youth-driven political engagement.

The youth-led climate movement, involving activists like Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, among others – has propelled environmental issues to the forefront of political agendas in many countries.

Their peaceful protests and advocacy have influenced policymakers and corporations to take meaningful action towards sustainability.

The #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa showcased the power of youth activism in demanding affordable and accessible education.

In Namibia, we have seen youth activism shaping public discourse through, among others, the #Shut­ItAllDownNamibia protests against sexual and gender-based violence.

EMPOWERMENT

Demands for transparency and accountability, especially on social media platforms, have forced politicians to respond to public concerns more urgently. This digital activism underscores the potential of our youth to effect change through innovative means.

To be radical in a reasonable way also entails understanding the complexities of governance and policymaking.

It requires young Namibians to equip themselves with knowledge and expertise, whether through formal education or self-directed learning.

By empowering ourselves with insights on law, economics and governance, our youth can engage with policymakers on an equal footing and propose informed solutions to pressing challenges.

Namibia’s youth have the power to be both radical and reasonable in their approach to politics.

Let us seize this moment to redefine the narrative, to break barriers and to build a future that reflects our aspirations and values.

Together, with radical reasonableness, we can chart a course towards a stronger, more equitable Namibia.

• * John Ikondja is a TV broadcast and media practitioner, speaker and multimedia consultant.