Youth demand stake in nuclear dawn

Young Namibians want a seat at the table
Young Namibians are calling for a voice in shaping the country's emerging nuclear sector as public consultations on a new Nuclear Bill conclude, with discussions focusing on regulation, innovation, safety and future opportunities.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 2 Weeks Ago

As Namibia stands on the brink of a technological transformation, young people are calling for a greater role in shaping the legal framework that will govern the country's nuclear sector.

The final leg of the nationwide public consultations on the draft Nuclear Bill concluded in the Khomas Region, prompting debate over how Namibia will regulate, develop and safely harness nuclear technology.

The draft Bill aims to streamline the sector by consolidating functions currently spread across several institutions, including the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, and the Namibia Energy Institute.

Atomic Energy Board secretary Axel Tibinyane said a more integrated approach is essential if Namibia is to realise the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. These include cancer treatment, medical diagnostics, desalination, road construction and, potentially, nuclear power generation.

To support this vision, the Bill proposes establishing three institutions: the Nuclear Commission of Namibia, the Nuclear Institute of Namibia, and the Radiation and Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Namibia.

Speaking during the consultation, Khomas Regional Council chairperson Stephanus Ndengu said the emerging nuclear sector presents a unique opportunity because the institutions proposed in the Bill are still being designed.

"The nuclear sector is a young and emerging industry. The institutions this Bill creates have no settled culture, no fixed way of doing things and no long history to lean upon. They are being designed now."

He said this gives the next generation an opportunity to help shape the country's future nuclear governance.

Youth participant Kaluvi Onesmus said young Namibians should be involved from the outset. “As young people, we see this Bill as our gateway to high-tech careers, innovation and clean energy. Because these institutions are being designed from scratch, we must be at the table now to ensure they are built to deliver sustainable, future-proof jobs for our generation.”

Another participant, Peneyambeko Kronelia Ndeshikeva, said the legislation extends beyond the nuclear sector itself. “This isn't just about physics; it's about public safety and saving lives. Consolidating our national resources means better cancer treatment and safer industrial development. We are the ones who will inherit this infrastructure, so our voices must carry weight in the final law.”

With the conclusion of the consultation process across all 13 regions, the draft Bill will now move to the next stage before being tabled in Parliament.