Recognise 'children of 1904' - DTA Youth League

The youth league's Secretary for Education, Benson Katjirijova, told a media briefing here on Wednesday that proponents of the notion that the group of youth are 'special' should also consider the 'children of 1904' - in reference to descendants of erstwhile Ovaherero and Nama Namibians who died during the infamous battle of Ohamakari.

Katjirijova said the notion expressed by some leading figures that 'children of the struggle' are special and ought to be treated as such is “nothing short of shooting oneself in the foot”.

“Soon we will have various groups of youths calling themselves all sorts of names in order to be recognised by Government. What then? Will Government respond positively to all calls for recognition?” he asked.

The DTA-YL spokesperson said instead of concentrating on a selected few individuals, Government should focus its attention on crafting over-arching policies that will cater for all youths in Namibia.

“All youths require the same type of services and have the same longing for employment opportunities and career advancement. Let us stop isolating them and instead look at their collective needs,” he noted.

The youth leader used the platform to condemn the demolition of illegal shacks in Goreangab, saying it was uncalled for that the Windhoek Municipality used such brute force on helpless individuals whose only crime was to seek a roof over their heads.

He also spoke out against the ongoing clampdown on unlicensed shebeens.

“The only sin that all these people have committed is to attempt to make a living for themselves and those who depend on them,” he noted.