Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Selma Hamhola
Published on 2024-03-19 17:00:00
Some members of the representative council (RC) of the National Youth Council (NYC) have demanded transparency from the NYC board following the suspension of the NYC’s executive director, Calista Schwartz-Gowases. The suspension occurred after an RC meeting in Ondangwa was called off mid-way due to Schwartz-Gowases’ failure to provide the minutes of the previous representative council meeting.
The chairperson of the human resources, remuneration, and ethics committee, Simon Taapopi, confirmed the suspension, stating that it was to allow disciplinary proceedings to be conducted without interference. Schwartz-Gowases has been accused of working without a contract since December 2021, leading to power struggles between the executive chairperson and the director.
During the meeting in Ondangwa, Schwartz-Gowases allegedly attempted to assault a representative of the Popular Democratic Movement. The meeting was cancelled by RC chairperson Willem Willem, who refused to enter the meeting hall after lunch. Attendees of the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of audited financial reports, as well as Schwartz-Gowases’ failure to produce the minutes of the previous meeting.
Representatives of NYC-affiliated organizations demanded transparency from the board and called for a vote of no confidence. The RC, as the second-highest decision-making body of the council, was set to discuss issues of maladministration, insubordination, corruption, and power struggles within the NYC.
An investigation into the NYC was launched by the government to probe allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and non-compliance. The probe, conducted by a special committee appointed by the youth ministry and the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, focused on internal conflicts between Schwartz-Gowases and executive chairperson Sharonice Busch.
Delegates from the Church of Africa and former board member Kapanda Marenga raised concerns about the lack of response from Youth Minister Agnes Tjongarero, accusing her of using Covid-19 as an excuse to delay processes. The NYC board confirmed that the investigation has been completed, but the findings have not been released. An independent investigation will be conducted to ensure transparency.
As the NYC faces these challenges, stakeholders are demanding accountability and transparency from the board. The youth representatives are calling for a commission of inquiry and a forensic audit report to address the issues plaguing the NYC. Despite the current turmoil, there is a collective effort to ensure that the interests of the Namibian youth are prioritized.
Read the original article on The Namibian
