Interview: NANSO at 41: Redefining Radicalism for a New Generation

KAVANGO EAST — Dorthea Nangolo, President of the National Students Organisation (NANSO), says this year’s 41st anniversary celebrations offered a critical moment for the student movement to reflect on its identity and mission four decades after its founding.

Speaking at the weekend event in Kavango East, Nangolo explained that the theme, ‘Redefining Radicalism and Consciousness in Student Leadership’, was chosen to question whether radicalism today should look the same as it did when NANSO was born during the liberation struggle.

“For us, radicalism back then meant shutting down schools and blocking roads because we were fighting an oppressive apartheid government,” Nangolo said. “Today we live under a democratically elected government. Our role is not to fight it, but to hold it accountable.”

She said modern student radicalism must adapt to the times, starting with boardroom discussions and proposals before moving to protest action when needed.

The anniversary was also held in Kavango East to decentralize the celebrations and bring them closer to NANSO’s grassroots members, students, parents and veterans. “We needed to go deeper into our regions where our constituents truly are,” Nangolo said.

Reflecting on four decades of student activism, Nangolo said NANSO’s focus now is on remaining relevant for the next 40 years — staying true to its roots as a militant voice for students, but also evolving to match each generation’s unique challenges.

She added that radicalism without understanding could slowly kill the organisation’s impact, emphasizing that today’s students must match activism with insight and practical solutions.

NANSO’s leadership pledged to keep redefining its approach to ensure it remains a powerful force in shaping Namibia’s education future.