Leaders and members of the Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) has been urged to reignite, amongst the youth, the same fire that propelled leaders like Namibia’s late founding president Dr. Sam Nujoma during the liberation struggle, resulting in young people becoming key players towards the attainment of Namibia’s independence. 
Speaking at the organisation’s just concluded General Students’ Council – which is NANSO’s highest decision making body – former Swapo Party Youth League leader, Dr. Elijah Ngurare told the gathering that the event’s theme which emphasizes on ‘Reigniting Radical Purpose and Student Solidaritry’ serves as a guiding light for unlocking the power of young Namibians. 
“The first statement, ‘reigniting radical purpose’ clearly recalls the liberation mission of Dr. Nujoma’s generation. Their radical goal was equality, equity, justice, and inclusivity,” Ngurare said further stressing that under the leadership of Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Namibians must consolidate radical resource beneficiation that benefits all Namibians.    
“Your role as student leaders and members of NANSO is pivotal. It is your collective responsibility to support her in achieving this goal while upholding the values of equality, equity, and justice.
He stated that for NANSO “Reigniting Student Solidarity” is particularly significant. This, because the organisation’s origin during the apartheid struggle serve as a testament to the power of solidarity. 
“As we pursue this generation’s mission, student solidarity will be indispensable. NANSO, the only student movement, alongside SWAPO Youth League, that shared trenches with the liberation movement SWAPO, must once again rally students to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s development agenda”, Ngurare added. 
Ngurare encouraged NANSO members to hold hands as a generation and to define their common denominator. 
“You do not need to be apolitical on the demands for quality education and on the demands for joining the second liberation struggle of economic independence which is a clarion call for H.E. Dr Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah” he added in conclusion.  

WE ARE PRESENT

On her part, NANSO president, Dorthea Nangolo emphasised at the General Student Council is not just a gathering but a reaffirmation of their commitment to student governance, activism, and advocacy. 
“This council serves as the heartbeat of our organisation, the mechanism through which we consolidate our positions, articulate our demands, and strategise for the road ahead” she added. 
She urged that they reignite their radical purpose and renew their commitment to the struggle for quality, sustainable, and accessible education. Nangolo further explained that NANSO is a movement of 280,000 members, structured into 14 regional structures, 160 branches, and a National Executive Committee, yet they remain steadfast in one mission: access to quality education. 
She maintained that one of the most pressing aspirations is the realisation of an Education Levy - a funding mechanism that will ensure that no student is financially excluded from accessing education. 
“We have witnessed too many students forced out of institutions [of high learning] due to financial hardships, too many learners unable to continue their schooling due to systemic inequalities. The time has come for us to demand concrete solutions” she added. 
She maintained, nevertheless, that the impact of the organisation is felt across the country. From parliament halls to the classrooms in rural areas, from the boardrooms of institutions to the streets where students demand justice. 
“We are present, we are vocal, and we are unrelenting. However, our strength lies in our ability to remain connected to our constituents” Nangolo concluded.  
The Namibia National Students Organisation (NANSO) recently hosted an official opening ceremony at Tabitha Conference Center in Windhoek. The event was held under the theme: “Reigniting Radical Purpose and Student Solidarity: A Call to Action for Student Leadership,” embodies the spirit of the moment.
NANSO has been representing Namibian students nationally since its inception in 1984 and it is also a member of the All-Africa Students Union.
Additionally, the first NANSO female president, Ester Simon said that NANSO must be intentional in mainstreaming gender equality in all its programs. This means creating platforms specifically dedicated to young women’s leadership development, conducting workshops that address gender barriers in leadership, and actively promoting the voices of female student leaders. “It is also important for NANSO through its Gender secretaries to challenge outdated stereotypes by celebrating the achievements of young women in leadership and advocating for policies that ensure equal opportunities in student governance structures. A deliberate effort must be made to highlight that empowering women does not mean sidelining men it means ensuring that leadership is diverse and representative of the entire student body” she added.