Forty-two student parliamentarians from all 14 regions convened at the National Council Chamber on Monday for the official opening of the first session of the 4th Junior National Council (JNC). Running until 4 September 2026, the session unites selected learners from Grades 8 to 11 to discuss national issues and enhance civic leadership skills. Speaking... The post Junior NC places national issues at centre appeared first on New Era .
Forty-two student parliamentarians from all 14 regions convened at the National Council Chamber on Monday for the official opening of the first session of the 4th Junior National Council (JNC).
Running until 4 September 2026, the session unites selected learners from Grades 8 to 11 to discuss national issues and enhance civic leadership skills.
Speaking at the session, National
Council Chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha emphasised the council’s development since its establishment in 2013 and its inaugural session in 2017.
“Since its inception, the JNC has served as the voice of Namibia’s school-going youth, providing them with a platform to express their views and debate issues of community, regional, national and international importance. The council is dedicated to nurturing leadership qualities and promoting civic engagement among the young people of our nation,” he remarked.
Muha emphasised the initiative’s role in enabling young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and foster unity for Namibia’s future. National Council Vice-Chairperson Emma Tangi Muteka urged delegates to translate digital influence into real action, challenging them to address school accessibility issues caused by inadequate sanitation and water.
“So, junior MPs, do not just clock it on social media. Clock it in real life. Clock it when a child does not have access to clean water. Clock it when a girl misses school because of inadequate sanitation.
Clock it when young people are excluded from decisions that affect their future,” she stated.
Muteka encouraged young MPs to view their age as an asset, highlighting their creativity, energy, and willingness to challenge norms. She noted that this opportunity entails the responsibility of critical thinking, integrity, and resilience to differentiate between trends and genuine significance.
The session subsequently elected its new executive leadership, appointing Fritz Hangue from the //Kharas region as chairperson, with Loini Nangolo from the Erongo region as deputy chairperson. Willem Abiatar from the Omusati region was selected as chief whip, with Etuhole Philemon from the Oshana region as deputy chief whip. Upon accepting his leadership role, Hangue pledged to uphold impartiality, integrity, and dedication. He reaffirmed his commitment to fostering open dialogue and ensuring that council debates result in actionable recommendations for national leadership.
“I will do my utmost to serve this council with integrity and to uphold the trust that has been placed in me,” he said.
*-Nampa *
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