Africa-Press – Namibia.
Youthful councillor for the Landless People’s Movement in the Hardap region, William Minnie says his entry into local government is a direct response to what he describes as the normalisation of inequality, unemployment and exclusion.
The 23-year-old was elected as a councillor for the Mariental Municipal Council representing LPM during last year’s Regional Councils and Local Authorities elections.
“I am a young Namibian shaped by the lived realities of ordinary citizens in Hardap. Unemployment, landlessness, inequality and uneven development,” he listed.
In an interview with Nampa recently, Minnie said these are not abstract policy issues to him, they are daily experiences that define how communities live and survive.
He describes himself as a public servant accountable to the people, noting, “I don’t see leadership as authority over people, but responsibility towards them.”
His decision to enter politics at a young age was deliberate.
“Young people, despite being the majority of the population, are often excluded from meaningful decision-making,” he said, adding that policies continue to be made about young people without their participation.
“Leadership should not be reserved for a select few or postponed until one is old enough. Real change requires participation, courage and a willingness to challenge unjust systems,” he said.
He said LPM offered a political home that aligned with his views on land and economic justice
“LPM confronts the unresolved questions of land reform, economic inequality and social exclusion with honesty and courage,” he said, noting that these structural issues continue to shape poverty and underdevelopment in rural regions such as Hardap.
During engagements with residents, he says unemployment emerged as the most urgent concern, particularly among young people.
“Many expressed frustration with the lack of opportunities, limited access to skills development and the absence of sustainable economic activities.”
Access to land and housing, water provision and service delivery failures were raised repeatedly, alongside concerns about political accountability.
“People called for leadership that is present, honest and accountable,” Minnie said.
Age
Responding to questions about his age and experience, the councillor rejected the idea that governance should be limited to older leaders.
“Experience is important, but it is not measured only by age or years in office,” he said, pointing to lived experience, political organising and community engagement as essential forms of leadership knowledge.
As he prepares to take up his seat, Minnie said his focus would be on community engagement and oversight.
“Effective leadership begins with listening. Youth unemployment, access to land and housing and service delivery will be key priorities.”
He said that accountability will define his approach in council.
“People have a right to know how decisions are made and how public resources are used.
Regular community meetings and report-back sessions will be central to my work,” he said.
Addressing young people directly, he framed his election as a political challenge to exclusion.
“Power rarely opens space willingly; it must be challenged through organisation, participation and persistence,” he said.
“My election is proof that young people can lead and govern. The future of Namibia depends on young people who are bold enough to imagine change and committed enough to work for it,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
