Steenkamp accused of irregular appointment of her ‘special advisor’ …as legal framework exclusively vests appointing authority in President

Renthia Kaimbi

Education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture minister, Sanet Steenkamp has been accused of irregularly appointing Uhuru Dempers as her “special advisor on youth matters”, with sources claiming he is being paid by the ministry without following proper recruitment procedures.

Sources say Dempers has been attending meetings with and on behalf of Steenkamp since October 2025, while referring to himself as her special advisor.

An internal source said while Dempers’ role at the National Youth Council (NYC) is unclear, his involvement is allegedly intrusive rather than constructive.

During last month’s representative council meeting in Gobabis, he allegedly lobbied on behalf of the interim board led by Patience Masua, for its members to be allowed to automatically stand for election to the substantive board at next week’s general assembly.

This move, the source said, is not provided for by the NYC Act, Act 3 of 2009 and was subsequently rejected at the meeting.