Disinterest in current affairs among youth is worrying – Nakuta

Media ombudsman and law scholar Dr John Nakuta has expressed concern that the youth in Namibia show little interest in contemporary issues, saying many are only interested in cellphones and "bling bling."

Speaking at a panel discussion on elections and the youth last Thursday at the International University of Management (IUM), Nakuta highlighted this issue with an example from his own experience.

He recounted that when a guest lecturer from Germany asked students if they were aware of the controversial joint declaration between the German government and the Namibian government, "only six out of about 120 third-year law students raised their hands – that was a most brutal shock," Nakuta said.

“I am just asking myself, are we not facing a serious crisis? If we are having young people that are so disinterested in the current issues, what does that say about the future? It’s quite scary for me,” he said.



Civic education

At the same panel discussion, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian Inna Hengari emphasised the importance of introducing civic education into the Namibian education system at the earliest possible stage.

Hengari also argued that the plans political parties make for the youth often appear temporary rather than permanent.

"Political parties need to build trust with young people so that they have a sense of belonging," she said.

"They need to feel at home not because of the short-term projects but for the long-term projects."

Young people’s interest

In a telephonic interview with The Zone, youth leader Willem Amutenya said young people's interests are always centred around issues that dominate society. He emphasised that the formation and focus of society highly influence the youth.

"Therefore, our education system that moulds young people and the future must also address the general society if we truly intend to have young people in a society that understands their civic obligations," he said.

Amutenya added that systems should demonstrate the direct and practical rewards that young people can gain from democratic processes to motivate them.