NTLA - Youth Forum

15/06/2026

How the NTLA Youth Forum Was Born 🚀

Big ideas. Honest conversations. A shared vision for the future.

At the NTLA Youth Summit 2025 in Lüderitz, Nama youth from across the country came together to discuss the issues that matter most to our generation: identity, culture, land, education, leadership, and opportunity.

One thing became clear throughout the Summit: young people wanted more than just a seat in the audience. They wanted a seat at the table.

As a result, delegates adopted a resolution to create a formal youth structure within the Nama Traditional Leaders Association. That resolution gave birth to the NTLA Youth Forum.

The Forum was created to ensure that Nama youth are organised, represented, and actively involved in discussions affecting their communities and future. It is a space where young people can learn, lead, advocate, preserve our heritage, and contribute to the development of the Nama Nation.

What started as a conversation in Lüderitz has grown into a movement driven by young people who believe that our history matters, our voices matter, and our future matters.

The NTLA Youth Forum is more than a structure.

It is a generation stepping forward.

Our heritage. Our voice. Our future.

14/06/2026

📢 Calling on Nama Youth

Do you believe that communities must be meaningfully consulted before any development takes place on ancestral lands?

Are you passionate about protecting Nama heritage, culture, history, and Indigenous rights?

The NTLA Youth Forum is looking for young people who want to contribute to community advocacy, heritage preservation, and the promotion of Indigenous voices in decision-making processes.

Join a growing network of Nama youth committed to ensuring that our history is remembered, our rights are respected, and our communities are heard.

To get involved, contact the NTLA Youth Forum Interim Secretary Evesty Afrikaaner +26481817472988

14/06/2026

The NTLA Youth Forum, in partnership with !Narisarimas, hosted Indigenous leaders and experts from Chile, Colombia, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, and the Netherlands in Daweb!gaos for a South-South Dialogue on Indigenous rights, ancestral lands, and the green hydrogen transition.

Bringing together elders, youth, and community voices, the cultural dialogue strengthened international solidarity and reinforced the importance of placing Indigenous peoples at the center of decisions affecting their lands and futures.

13/06/2026

Centuries ago, ideas that would reshape Europe were debated within the walls of Schmalkalden Castle.

Today, youth leaders of the Nama Traditional Leaders Association stood in those same rooms, reflecting on a timeless truth:

History changes when ordinary people find the courage to speak, organise, and demand a place at the table.

From Namibia to Germany, the pursuit of dignity, justice, and meaningful participation remains as relevant as ever.

13/06/2026

NTLA Youth at the United Nations 🇺🇳

Together with the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), we support the call to strengthen the human rights pillar of the United Nations.

A stronger human rights system is essential to protecting Indigenous land rights, advancing meaningful youth participation, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

23/04/2026

Being organised as young people is powerful.

When we stand together, our voices carry further, stronger, and with greater impact. In just one year, the NTLA Youth Forum has laid a solid foundation to help transform the future of the Nama child through unity, leadership, and advocacy.

This is proof that when young people organise with purpose, they become a force for real change.

📢 We’re excited to welcome the cohort! Over the coming months, participants will strengthen their skills, expand their networks and deepen their advocacy work to drive meaningful change in their communities

🌍 We look forward to following their journey and impact! 💪 NTLA - Youth Forum

19/04/2026

The energy at our 2-day Indigenous Knowledge Pitch Deck Training in Lüderitz was 🔥

Our participants came ready! Super focused, asking questions, pushing their ideas and really putting in the work. You could actually see how ideas started changing and getting better day by day. Some people completely switched things up, others got inspired and took their ideas to a whole new level.

Big shoutout to our Resource Person, JP Van Der Westhuizen, for keeping it real and helping everyone level up 🙌🏽

This is what youth innovation looks like 👏🏽

17/03/2026

Info on the IKP-Deck 2026.
Applications are open now.
Get your application form and lets see whether your idea gets you to Lüderitz.

16/03/2026

It is here🔥.

The Indigenous Knowledge Pitch Deck, an initiative of the NTLA Youth forum, applications are open and forms can be attained from all TA offices or requested via the email provided.

Due Date: 31st March 2026

31/12/2025

Indigenous knowledge has for years been a sustained economical tool for the Nama. From the barter systems to now business models, these ideas have thrived and remain the constant of bringing bread to the table.

An opportunity presents itself to help you create monetary value for your indigenous knowledge.

Keep an eye on this platform and an ear to Kaisames Morning Show for the opening of applications.