Patience Masua — interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council of Namibia, appointed following Kennedy Kariseb's resignation in December 2025.
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May 2026
Windhoek Observer
Patience Masuasaid thatyoung people have been excluded from important decisions affecting their future
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“National Youth Council (NYC) executive chairperson Patience Masua said young people have often been excluded from important decisions affecting their future.”
Patience Masuawelcomedthe budget increase as recognition of youth development importance
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“Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Namibia (NYC), Patience Masua, welcomed the increase, saying it signals recognition of the importance of youth development in national planning.”
Patience Masuastressed thatallocation must be distributed into targeted programmes benefiting youth
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“However, Masua stressed that the increased allocation must be intentionally distributed into targeted programmes that directly benefit young people, such as employment pathways, innovative initiatives, entrepreneurship ecosystems, participation in governance and peace-building processes.”
NYC interim executive chairperson Patience Masuasaidit is high time for institutions to implement key components of bilateral agreements
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“During her talks with González, NYC interim executive chairperson Patience Masua said it is high time for institutions of the two countries to implement key components and core elements of their various bilateral agreements.”
Patience Masuaexchanged notes withthe ambassador of Venezuela to Namibia
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“National Youth Council (NYC) interim executive chairperson Patience Masua exchanging notes with the ambassador of Venezuela to Namibia Magaly Henriquez Gonzalez.”
Patience Masuawas appointed interim executive chairperson byeducation minister Sanet Steenkamp
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“The youth leader was appointed interim executive chairperson by education minister Sanet Steenkamp, following the resignation of Kennedy Kariseb in December 2025.”
Patience Masuahas been appointed asinterim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council
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“Former parliamentarian Patience Masua has been appointed as the interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC), the council announced on Friday.”
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has been accused of irregularly appointing Uhuru Dempers as her special advisor on youth matters and paying him without following proper recruitment procedures. Sources claim Dempers has been attending meetings on the minister's behalf since October 2025 and allegedly lobbied on behalf of an interim board at a National Youth Council meeting in ways not provided for by the NYC Act.
Why it matters
Minister Steenkamp faces accusations of irregular special advisor appointment without proper procedures, raising governance and accountability concerns.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp has been accused of irregularly appointing Uhuru Dempers as her special advisor on youth matters and paying him without following proper recruitment procedures. Sources claim Dempers has been attending meetings on the minister's behalf since October 2025 and allegedly lobbied on behalf of an interim board at a National Youth Council meeting in ways not provided for by the NYC Act.
Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp warned that Namibia risks future instability if young people are excluded from governance, economic opportunities and decision-making. She noted that 37% of Namibia's population is under age 15 and that youth should be treated as partners in governance and development rather than as a problem to manage.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture's youth development allocation has increased by N$70.6 million to N$750 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The National Youth Council of Namibia welcomes the boost but emphasises that funds must be targeted at employment pathways, entrepreneurship, and skills development to make a meaningful impact.
The National Youth Council of Namibia has rejected allegations published by the Windhoek Observer regarding the resignation of former acting director Mzingisi Gqwede, saying the report contains inaccurate information and misrepresents internal matters. The council denied claims that its executive chairperson made belittling statements, disputed allegations over sitting fees, and dismissed reports of excessive travel expenditure.
The National Youth Council met with Venezuela's ambassador to solidify bilateral relations, with focus on youth development programmes, education, skills training, and cultural exchange. Venezuela announced nine scholarships in petroleum and 50 additional scholarships in agriculture, science, engineering, and medicine for Namibian youth.
The National Youth Council's interim executive chairperson and Venezuela's ambassador to Namibia met to strengthen diplomatic ties and establish youth development programmes, with plans to expand cooperation in education, skills development, and cultural exchange.
Patience Masua, newly appointed interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council, said young people must take ownership of the institution and vowed to restore confidence through functional, meaningful programmes that respond to youth aspirations. She plans to hold a General Assembly soon and revive strategic partnerships while ensuring compliance with the NYC Act.
Acting National Youth Council executive chairperson Patience Masua says she does not set her own salary, responding to backlash over her reported N$100,000 monthly remuneration for three months. Youth leaders, including the National Council of Students president and Popular Democratic Movement Youth League spokesperson, have criticized the amount as disproportionate given the council's limited financial support to affiliate organizations.
Former parliamentarian Patience Masua has been appointed interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council by Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp, following Kennedy Kariseb's resignation in December. The appointment aims to ensure continuity and stability at the council during the interim period.