Africa's youngest MP
Namibia's leadership is home to both the youngest minister and youngest MP, at just 22, Fenny Tutjavi, Namibia’s youngest member of parliament, whose leadership journey began early from school leadership to university governance and youth organizations. Tutjavi remains committed to standing up for her peers. Her political foundation was built in the SWAPO party, which she joined after learning about its values and history. “It has never been about titles or positions, it's about challenging the status quo and creating a fair, just, and prosperous society,”
Among the challenges she faced was the perception that youth lack experience. She acknowledged that “age is often equated with inexperience,” and said that young politicians must prove themselves more than their older counterparts. Despite that, she chose to remain focused and prepared.
In her April 2025 speech to the National Assembly, she addressed several national priorities. She welcomed Namibia’s high investment in education but stressed that the key challenge now lies in how those resources are used. She called for results that include schools with chairs, well trained teachers, and students who are not just enrolled but are truly learning.
She also urged equal recognition of vocational education. “We must not settle for structural systems that reward privilege and punish potential,” Tutjavis stated, emphasizing that no learner should be left behind due to how their path is categorized.
Her focus on youth unemployment was clear and practical. She supported new policies that aim to provide internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurial support, and she welcomed the government’s move to budget for these opportunities. But she added that “policy alone is not progress,” and that it must be implemented with urgency and resolve.
Referring to national tragedies involving young people, she stressed the need for investment in mental health services, youth rehabilitation, and justice. She stated that “safety is not optional it is a right,” and urged that public safety be treated as a national priority.
On matters of foreign partnerships, she took a firm position, saying Namibia must remain focused on its own goals. Quoting Thomas Sankara, she reminded the house, “He who feeds you, controls you.” She emphasized that Namibia must feed and govern itself without compromising its independence.
Her call to fellow youth was both serious and motivational. “Each generation has its call owners, and it is on us to either rise to the occasion or to betray it,” she said. With this, she invited her generation to take part in shaping the future not tomorrow, but today.
Among the challenges she faced was the perception that youth lack experience. She acknowledged that “age is often equated with inexperience,” and said that young politicians must prove themselves more than their older counterparts. Despite that, she chose to remain focused and prepared.
In her April 2025 speech to the National Assembly, she addressed several national priorities. She welcomed Namibia’s high investment in education but stressed that the key challenge now lies in how those resources are used. She called for results that include schools with chairs, well trained teachers, and students who are not just enrolled but are truly learning.
She also urged equal recognition of vocational education. “We must not settle for structural systems that reward privilege and punish potential,” Tutjavis stated, emphasizing that no learner should be left behind due to how their path is categorized.
Her focus on youth unemployment was clear and practical. She supported new policies that aim to provide internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurial support, and she welcomed the government’s move to budget for these opportunities. But she added that “policy alone is not progress,” and that it must be implemented with urgency and resolve.
Referring to national tragedies involving young people, she stressed the need for investment in mental health services, youth rehabilitation, and justice. She stated that “safety is not optional it is a right,” and urged that public safety be treated as a national priority.
On matters of foreign partnerships, she took a firm position, saying Namibia must remain focused on its own goals. Quoting Thomas Sankara, she reminded the house, “He who feeds you, controls you.” She emphasized that Namibia must feed and govern itself without compromising its independence.
Her call to fellow youth was both serious and motivational. “Each generation has its call owners, and it is on us to either rise to the occasion or to betray it,” she said. With this, she invited her generation to take part in shaping the future not tomorrow, but today.
