Namibian lawmaker Willem Amutenya has formally called on the Ministry of Youth to review the admission requirements for the National Youth Service (NYS), arguing that the current criteria risk excluding the very disadvantaged young Namibians the programme was designed to assist.
In a letter dated July 30, 2026, Amutenya highlighted that the NYS, which aims to provide skills training and civic engagement opportunities, may be inadvertently shutting out applicants from poorer backgrounds due to strict educational and age requirements.
The MP's concerns come amid broader debates about youth unemployment and access to state programs. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, youth unemployment stands at around 46% as of 2024, making such programs critical for many.
As of August 4, 2026, the Ministry of Youth has not yet issued a public response to Amutenya's letter. However, the ministry has previously stated that it reviews NYS criteria periodically to ensure inclusivity.
