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Sunday, 26 July 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Patience Masua

Also known as: Ms Masua

Interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council who left office after her term ended in June 2026.

2025-02-022026-07-26

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. January 2026
  2. New Era

    Patience Masua has been appointed as interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council

    Source

    Former parliamentarian Patience Masua has been appointed as the interim executive chairperson of the National Youth Council (NYC), the council announced on Friday.

    Masua appointed as NYC interim chairperson
  3. February 2025
  4. The Namibian

    Patience Masua became Namibia's youngest member of parliament at age 24

    Source

    Also, Patience Masua (24) became Namibia's youngest member of parliament.

    It’s Time to Harness the Power of Youth

Thursday 25 June

  1. Four NYC board members leave as terms end June

    Four members of the National Youth Council board, including interim executive chairperson Patience Masua, have left office after their initial terms concluded on 30 June. Four other board members remain, while the council's leadership transition remains uncertain following the postponement of a general assembly in Swakopmund.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 22 June

  1. NYC assembly descends into chaos, wastes N$2 million

    The National Youth Council's general assembly in Swakopmund descended into violence on Saturday, injuring nine delegates and forcing the electoral committee to resign over safety concerns. The suspended election process, marred by allegations of political interference and back-door deals, has wasted an estimated N$2 million in public funds.

    22 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Saturday 20 June

  1. National Youth Council General Assembly marks recovery from governance crisis

    The National Youth Council held a General Assembly in Swakopmund to elect new leadership following nine months of governance reforms under an Interim Board. Minister Dr Sanet Steenkamp said the assembly marks the final step in restoring the council's democratic foundations after a period of instability and compliance shortcomings.

    20 June 2026 · Informanté

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Minister Steenkamp accused of irregular special advisor appointment

    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.

    10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 27 May

  1. Youth exclusion threatens Namibia's stability, minister warns

    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.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 11 March

  1. Youth budget increased to N$750 million for 2025/26

    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.

    11 March 2026 · New Era

Friday 6 March

  1. NYC denies misconduct claims about former acting director

    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.

    6 March 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 5 February

  1. NYC and Venezuela expand youth education and scholarship ties

    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.

    5 February 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Namibia and Venezuela discuss youth development cooperation

    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.

    4 February 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 28 January

  1. New NYC interim chair pledges ownership, revived programmes

    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.

    28 January 2026 · New Era

Friday 23 January

  1. NYC interim chief's N$100,000 salary draws youth leader criticism

    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.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 21 January

  1. Masua appointed NYC interim chairperson following Kariseb resignation

    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.

    21 January 2026 · New Era

Patience Masua — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute