Alleged intoxication exposes deeper breakdown

NYC General Assembly
Discipline concerns and political factionalism deepen crisis at youth council assembly.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 6 Hours Ago

What was meant to be a decisive gathering to elect a new executive chairperson descended into violence after disputes over the voters’ roll escalated into physical confrontations. Police were forced to intervene using tear gas as tensions between competing factions spiralled out of control.

While the immediate trigger has been attributed to disagreements over delegate eligibility, reports and allegations that some participants were under the influence of alcohol have intensified scrutiny of what went wrong inside the hall.

Former National Youth Council executive chairperson Sharonice Busch said the events reflected a troubling loss of focus within the organisation.

“What we have witnessed over the weekend is where we take away the importance of platforms such as the General Assembly and only focus on elections,” Busch said.

She added that while political competition is expected, it should not undermine the integrity of the process.

The allegations of intoxication, though unconfirmed by authorities, have added to broader criticism that the assembly lacked order and discipline at a critical moment for youth representation in Namibia.

Former NYC head of finance and administration Nyerere Namoloh said the council’s original purpose has been eroded over time.

“These are the people we expect to take leadership going forward,” Namoloh said, adding that the institution has increasingly become focused on positions rather than ideas.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said the crisis reflects deeper structural challenges within the organisation, arguing that politicisation has weakened its credibility.

“If we are serious about national development, we must depoliticise our institutions and restore their original purpose,” he said.

Youth minister Sanet Steenkamp condemned the violence, describing the conduct as “unacceptable and unruly”, and confirmed the indefinite postponement of the assembly. The Electoral Committee has since resigned, citing safety concerns.

Although investigations are ongoing, the Swakopmund incident has become a stark example of how factional politics, weak discipline and unverified allegations can converge to derail a national youth platform intended to shape leadership and policy direction.