Youth Council approach court to overturn dismissal after costing taxpayers N$2 million

The National Youth Council (NYC) board has approached the High Court to overturn a decision to dismiss them.

The decision came from minister of youth, sport, and national service Agnes Tjongarero.

The urgent application launched before the High Court on Saturday was set to be heard last night, following the leadership vacuum at the NYC since last Friday, when Tjongarero dismissed the board for defying her directive to halt leadership elections.

The standoff unfolded over the weekend at the NYC Rietfontein Training Centre, where delegates had gathered for the elections, costing taxpayers over N$2 million in travel, food, and accommodation. The delegates received the money via e-wallet.

The elections, initially scheduled for 15 December, were set to appoint a new executive chairperson and board members, with outgoing chairperson Sharonice Busch’s term coming to an end this month.

However, Tjongarero ordered the elections to be postponed, citing gross violations of the NYC Act and mismanagement by the board. Acting executive chairperson Eva Awases has also been fired, leaving the NYC leaderless.

Delegates arrived at Rietfontein on Thursday, 12 December, nominations concluded on Friday, elections were set, and then the minister ordered a halt at 19h51 via an email from her personal assistant.

The NYC board defied the directive, armed with a legal opinion from Sisa Namandje and Co that said the elections must proceed and that the NYC Act required the general assembly to be held every four years.

On Friday, the minister, at around 18h00, fired the board, leaving no one at the helm.

In her dismissal letter, Tjongarero accused the board of multiple breaches, including: mismanagement of funds, failure to commemorate National Youth Week, disregarding ministerial directives, improper procurement practices, dishonesty and conflicts of interest.

“Given these serious breaches, the board has been removed with immediate effect to restore the integrity of the organisation,” Tjongarero said in the letter dated 13 December.

Before the dismissal of the board, Swapo member and former Namibia National Students Organisation president Simon Taapopi was set to become the next executive chairperson of the NYC.

He had garnered enough nominations from seven regions.

Taapopi has the support of the outgoing executive chairperson Busch.

However, The Namibian has learned that Taapopi is facing political resistance, with allegations that the minister’s camp is backing another candidate to lead the NYC.

Tjongarero is accused of halting the election process and firing the board in a bid to enable her to appoint an interim leadership.

This interim body is reportedly intended to reinstate NYC director Calista Schwartz-Gowases who was suspended in March.

Tjongarero did not respond to requests for comment.

“Unfortunately, the minister is not available to answer queries on that matter. She is currently busy,” her personal assistant said yesterday.

Busch and Schwartz-Gowases reportedly don’t see eye to eye.

Because of their protracted relationship, the government last year launched an investigation into the NYC to probe allegations of corruption, mismanagement and non-compliance.

The focus of the probe revolved around internal conflicts between executive chairperson Busch and director Schwartz-Gowases causing significant disruptions within the organisation, according to documents obtained by The Namibian.

In a letter dated October 2023, Tjongarero instructed both Busch and Schwartz-Gowases not to take any action against each other until the ministry addresses their grievances.