NYC no place for politics - LPM youth
Leadership squabbles ‘unfortunate’
NYC director Calista Schwartz-Gowases was suspended following allegations of serious misconduct.
The ongoing leadership squabbles at the National Youth Council (NYC), which led to the suspension of director Calista Schwartz-Gowases, are ‘unfortunate’ because NYC is no place for politics, the Landless People's Movement's (LPM) youth command leader Duminga Ndala said.
"It's unfortunate that an institution tasked with addressing the opportunities and obstacles facing young people is embroiled in petty fights. There's a leadership crisis that demands urgent attention.
“NYC should not serve as a platform for political factions to wage battles, or as a stepping stone for individuals to secure strategic government positions. Instead, its focus should be on changing the material conditions of young people and fostering inclusive empowerment," she told Namibian Sun.
Continuity and stability
On Monday, the NYC board suspended Schwartz-Gowases following allegations of serious misconduct.
The suspension, according to the council, will allow for formal disciplinary proceedings to be conducted without interference.
"This is in line with the relevant NYC policy framework and Namibian laws. As per Section 35 of the National Youth Council Act, the director of the council is the head of administration, reports to the council board and is responsible for the management of the day-to-day functions and affairs of NYC.
“As a consequence, during this period, Mrs Schwartz-Gowases will not be involved in the operations of the NYC," it said in a statement.
The board has since appointed Sircca Nghitila, the manager for programmes at the institution, to continue managing the day-to-day operations of NYC to "ensure continuity and stability".
"The board understands the public's interest in this matter and assures that we intend to resolve it swiftly, and by the highest standards of fairness and transparency," the statement read.
"It's unfortunate that an institution tasked with addressing the opportunities and obstacles facing young people is embroiled in petty fights. There's a leadership crisis that demands urgent attention.
“NYC should not serve as a platform for political factions to wage battles, or as a stepping stone for individuals to secure strategic government positions. Instead, its focus should be on changing the material conditions of young people and fostering inclusive empowerment," she told Namibian Sun.
Continuity and stability
On Monday, the NYC board suspended Schwartz-Gowases following allegations of serious misconduct.
The suspension, according to the council, will allow for formal disciplinary proceedings to be conducted without interference.
"This is in line with the relevant NYC policy framework and Namibian laws. As per Section 35 of the National Youth Council Act, the director of the council is the head of administration, reports to the council board and is responsible for the management of the day-to-day functions and affairs of NYC.
“As a consequence, during this period, Mrs Schwartz-Gowases will not be involved in the operations of the NYC," it said in a statement.
The board has since appointed Sircca Nghitila, the manager for programmes at the institution, to continue managing the day-to-day operations of NYC to "ensure continuity and stability".
"The board understands the public's interest in this matter and assures that we intend to resolve it swiftly, and by the highest standards of fairness and transparency," the statement read.
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