Youth living in the DRC Informal Settlement at Swakopmund are striving to make ends meet in the face of unemployment and a lack of business opportunities.
The sprawling informal settlement of the DRC at Swakopmund is home to hundreds of young people. Poverty levels make it difficult to thrive in any business venture or income-generating project.
Immanuel Festus says the collateral requirement demanded by banks for business loans compounds the issue.
“Opportunities must be given to us if I want to start a business. I want to go to the bank to get a loan without being required to provide collateral. This should not be only by mouth; it should be practical when you buy a machine that will become collateral, but practical wise, that is not what is happening, so if you go to DBN now, in the ad, that is what they are saying, but go there, they are asking for collateral, and again, too many opportunities are given to foreigners and they are competing with our locals; the field is no level.”
Another youth, Jonas Sheyavali, appeals to local authorities to provide sports and recreational facilities to communities where young people live.
Sheyavali believes sporting talent can be turned into employment for many youth while also keeping their minds away from social evils like alcohol and drug abuse.
Concerned youth Maria Maetako says young people are tired of promises of jobs.
“We want the government; if they say we will be providing jobs for you, they must do it; they must honour their words; we are going to bring what?”
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