In THE SPOTLIGHT this time is the The Press Conference, addressed by Cde. Martin Morocky, Namibian artist, on 20th February 2010 at the Official Opening of the SPYL Central Committee meeting, OKAHANDJA, OTJOZONDJUPA REGION.

Director of Ceremonies
Comrades and Friends
MSHASHO Fans

I am happy to be invited to attend the official opening of the Central Committee meeting of the SWAPO Party Youth League (SPYL) here in the garden town of Okahandja. I am not a politician, I am a musician. As a musician, I am in touch with the public and especially the young people. Through my music, I convey their aspirations, dreams and goals. And Politicians are responsible for translating these aspirations, dreams and goals into a reality through the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto. I agree therefore with the SWAPO Party Youth League’s concept of “Poli-tainment”, in other words, combining “Politics and Entertainment”. That is to say there is no contradiction between music and politics. The SWAPO Party Youth League advocated for Politainment during the 2004 and 2009 Presidential and National Assembly elections respectively. The result has been a resounding victory of more than 2/3 majority for the SWAPO Party Presidential Candidate and Parliamentary candidates. Indeed we have won resoundingly, now HARD WORK!

I want to congratulate the SWAPO Party leadership for choosing a young person Cde Steve Biko Booys to be a candidate on the 24th February 2010 By-Elections here in Okahandja. As the Founding Father said last week, Cde. Biko Booys is a winning candidate. But leadership, just like music, is also about responsibilities. After you win Cde Biko, remember that you have a responsibility to unite the people of Okahandja Constituency, black and white, young and old. You will also have a responsibility to respond to the aspirations and expectations of all the residents of Okahandja constituency. This would include the provision of jobs, water, clinics, sanitation and all other social programmes. In other words the challenges facing young people of Okahandja constituency are your responsibility Cde. Biko Booys.

In my opinion, Councilors such as Cde Biko Booys and all those tasked to implement the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto throughout our country, you are duty bound to deliver on the promises contained in the Manifesto, without fail. I also think that the youth must come to you in search of solutions to unemployment, poverty and the scourge of HIV/Aids pandemic. You need to be against racism, tribalism, corruption, regionalism and all negative vices. As a leader, you are a servant of the people and not a master. I can assure you, that is what all of us expect from you. All of us, the young people, want you to succeed. Your success is our collective victory, this goes for all other leaders throughout the country.

Therefore, I must respectively appeal to our leaders, never betray us on the needs for practical Youth Empowerment especially for the upcoming artists. I appeal to our Government to ensure that artists are assisted in harnessing their talents. We need a directorate in the Ministry of Youth dealing with us as performing and audio-visual arts. What is for the youth must be for the youth. I also appeal to the NBC and all other television and radio stations to be legally compelled to play 90% of local music. Equally, I appeal to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to ensure that it is made legally mandatory for all radio and television stations to play local music. The time has come for our Government to empower us young artists in every way possible.

With these few words, I wish to assure Cde Steve Biko Booys of our support and believe in your upcoming victory on 24 February 2010. Viva SWAPO Party!

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Monday, 22th February 2010, 15:50:21