Namibia has its youngest deputy minister ever and it happens to be 23-year old Emma Theofilus.
Theofilus is not just her country’s deputy minister of state but the youngest in Southern Africa.
She has been appointed by President Hage Geingob as deputy information and technology minister.
Theofilus is not only serving as the youngest deputy minister but also representing her constituents in parliament again as the youngest ever.
The law graduate who was sworn into office last week said “I do not think I am special, but I do not think I am inexperienced, and I do not think being young or female has anything to do with my appointment.”
“Anything I set myself to and any environment I want to work into, I can do it; so the issue of inexperience does not hold any water,” she is quoted as saying by the Namibian news portal.
Theofilus also revealed that “the minister, being the head and political appointee, and the deputy minister allow the whole ministerial position to function.
It is a supporting role, just like any law has supporting regulations to allow it to function.
“I do not think being a deputy minister is a role that cannot be brought to life, the person should know what they have planned for that position and anybody can do it. It is not an insignificant role,” she added.
On her position as a member of parliament she said “As a former debater and law graduate, you can expect robust debates in parliament. As long as I have the support and guidance, I do not think I would go wrong. I will bank on the experience I have, but I am also willing to take advice and guidance from those that have been there before me.”
Theofilus appointment is expected to inspire other young female politicians across Africa.
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Source: Africafeeds.com
