Anna Andimba feels honoured and proud to be the new chairperson of the Junior National Council, following elections on 20 February 2023.

“I always wanted to become an important person; never thought it would be politics, but I got the opportunity and I ran with it. I come from a reputed family in a small town, called Okahandja. I live with my parents and sister, plus my nephew,” she told Youth Corner recently. 

Andimba is deputised by Joseph Hamutenya from the Khomas region, while Juliah Tsowases, representing the Erongo region, has been elected chief whip. 

The 16-year-old relayed how she was searching for a way for her voice to be heard and contribute her perspective and ideas on situations as a young person, and thus joined the Junior National Council.

 Inspired by USA civil rights activists Martin Luther King Jnr and Malcolm X, she said she is privileged to occupy her new position.

“I believe a lot of other children deserved this as much as I did –and most importantly, I feel honoured that the honourable in the chamber elected me to be their chairperson, which means they see the potential and capability of me being a good leader.” 

The Junior National Council was established in 2016 to teach young people in Namibia about the work and values of the parliamentary system of Namibia. It is also a platform where school-going youth can voice their opinions, views and concerns.

Andimba remarked she is unable to reveal much of her plans, but one of her goals as chairperson is to make sure she represents the youth in the best way she can, speak for them and make sure the government meets their needs.

Apart from school, she is also a regional debater, who won a regional competition in Otjiwarongo in 2022.

She opined that young Namibians are not exposed to many things happening worldwide unless they are fortunate to do research and have internet.

Andimba noted that as a child, she had always dreamed of becoming the first African astronaut – and if it was not for her curiosity and desire to be one, she would have given it up.

“We complain and blame the government, but the government is not holding us back from being innovative; it’s us – ourselves,” she stated.  

Her mom, Fenny Andimba, told Youth Corner they had never imagined that Anna will be representing the nation at large: “she is setting a target for herself, and that makes us proud as her parents; we are very happy”.

“As a parent, we encourage her in all her work and dreams that she wants to pursue. We also made sure she has enough time for her schoolwork, and this made our child an achiever in whatever she did,” said the beaming mother. 

Fenny added that Anna has always been self-motivated – and that’s one thing they, as parents, admire about her.

She thanked everyone, including God, for contributing to her success. 

- vamutenya9@gmail.com