The Young Face of LPM

Unapologetic, bold and fierce. That’s how 22-year-old Utaara Mootu, spokesperson of the new political party on the block Landless People’s Movement (LPM), describes herself.

Windhoek-born Mootu was introduced to LPM through public meetings and the media, as well as debates her classmates had on the relevance of the movement.

“I have been an LPM member since late 2017. The following year, I got nominated as the interim national spokesperson for the movement until it launched its first people’s assembly this year. At this event, the position for national spokesperson was open for contest through elections. I was then elected and declared as the legitimate national spokesperson backed by our party’s constitution,” the outspoken Mootu told YouthPaper.

She was raised in a conservative and religious environment, but was fortunate to be exposed to a diverse group of individuals hailing from all corners of Africa.

“Growing up in Katutura, I was surrounded by the spirit of ubuntu. People helped build each other; this was my first encounter with socialism – the ideology that I proudly identify with today,” Mootu narrated.

During her childhood, she was shy and reserved; this made her observant. Later, she developed a great interest in the creative arts, using dance as a tool for self-expression.

Mootu is not studying at the moment but desires to pursue a master’s degree in international relations next year. Her educational background includes Van Rhyn Primary School and Concordia High School, where she completed Grade 12 in 2013.

Besides being the spokesperson of LPM, Mootu is also part of the organising committee in the Southern African Development Community’s division for the International Youth Diplomacy Conference, a division of the United Nations’ general assembly and committee.

She also acts as a member of the Kondrad Adenauer Stiftung Talent Empowerment Programme Group and a socialist feminist network group which is a branch of the Feminist Festival, hosted by Die Linke, a political party in Germany.

Let’s Talk Education and Politics

This year, Mootu was the top student in her public management course, majoring in political science and international relations at the University of Namibia.

“In high school, I was an average student and never labelled as a top performer. In university, I put more passion and hard work into my studies, which landed me the best fourth-year award in my faculty,” said Mootu.

On joining politics, Mootu said she was fixated on personal development and academia at that time, however, when she grew an interest in politics, she was astonished that the existing political parties did not speak to her values and principles.

For her first public engagement as the LPM’s spokesperson, Mootu appeared on the talk show ‘One on One’, which airs on NBC, where she discussed the founding processes, the party and its ideologies.

Being third on LPM’s parliamentary list, Mootu stands a high chance of becoming Namibia’s youngest parliamentarian, which she says is humbling as well as a victory for the Namibian youth who are continuously being excluded from decision-making structures.

She aims to advocate for youth empowerment, gender-based violence, youth unemployment and mental health.

“I would talk about the urban and rural land crises, the weakened small and medium enterprise (SME) sector and encourage innovation as we are approaching the fourth industrial revolution.”

Mootu also wants to be a fierce critic of corruption, state looting of funds and lack of accountability that has become a norm in Namibia, which she said greatly hinders the growth of democracy.

She sees LPM as a young, vibrant and radical party that is people-centric and speaks truth to power. “LPM has opened up a space for the youth to fully participate in politics and has carved a powerful tool driven by vision and restorative justice in Namibia. In just eight months, we were able to spearhead national issues and to provide a platform of accountability from top officials,” said the bold young woman.

In her spare time, she loves meditating, debating, exercising, reading, writing short stories, tutoring and dancing. “I always make time for my family, no matter how busy my schedule is; I am a staunch believer in strengthening family relationships,” Mootu said.

On youth involvement in politics, Mootu said thatthere is a growing consciousness. “It is translated into social media advocacy then practicality on the ground. The solution is that political parties need to create an environment in which the youth can identify themselves, create dialogues and institutions that bring politics closer to the youth.”

Mootu warns that current political leaders should stop dictating over a future “that is not theirs; the future belongs to the youth”. Thus, they must be given the opportunity seize and influence their future.

On allegations that she may only have been elected due to her beauty, Mootu is quick to hit back: “That is a centuries-old diminishing myth that women from all walks of life face; it is untrue and unrealistic. I was elected based on my abilities, commitment and hard work to the objectives of the party.”

One thing she strongly emphasises is that the youth should vote. “It is a way of ensuring that your interests are upheld. If you do not vote, you lose your right to complain. It is a true reflection that real power resides with the people.”

No To Discrimination

Mootu said that LPM does not discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation and will tackle topics such as abortion and the legalisation of marijuana.