Dedicated to addressing youth challenges
Youth investment right call
Maseka strives to create a better future for the nation and contribute to the broader development of the African continent.
Robert Maseka is the founder and managing director of the Rob Youth Foundation, founded in 2019 and structured in all 14 regions. Passionate about youth development, travel and making a difference, the Mbwata village native in the Kavango East Region has dedicated his life to addressing social and economic challenges faced by the youth. “I believe investing in youth development in all economic sectors is the right call to winning the economic emancipation war,” Maseka said.
Youth development inspiration
On his upbringing, he said he takes pride in sharing a village with Namibia’s sprinting sensation Christine Mboma. Having attended Shinyungwe Combined School, he pursued an accounting and finance degree at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. He later earned a diploma in management, specialising in accounting from Stadio University.
“I am so proud to have gone back to Shinyungwe last year to donate some food items and toiletries to the learners. I have a passion for youth development and community upliftment. Giving back to this beautiful country I love is incomparable.”
He accredits the inspiration behind the founding of his foundation to his mother’s generous spirit and desire to create a lasting legacy. Additionally, he is driven by former American president John F Kennedy's famous quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.
For this reason, he aims to inspire Namibians to contribute to the public good. “Through the Rob Youth Foundation, we leverage partnerships with government ministries and utilise a dynamic, youth-led structure to implement projects in education, health, agriculture and sports,” he said.
Tribalism and social harmony are some of the significant themes in the foundation's initiatives. To counter this, Maseka said, they at the onset exercised a non-tribalist, non-racial, inclusive policy. “Through this, we can lay a clear path of ensuring that we promote 'one Namibia, one nation' in the organisation. I want to be remembered as someone who cared for others beyond family.”
Leadership and vision
In leading the foundation, Maseka’s approach is simple: He develops initiatives and empowers young members to take charge of implementation. He also creates platforms for showcasing talents and leadership skills. “I believe I am blessed with these opportunities to empower others, as two hands are much better than one. I advise the youth to have patience, resilience, commitment, dedication and hard work as these are essential qualities to overcoming challenges.”
Speaking about his vision for the foundation in the following five years, he would like Rob Youth Foundation to lead initiatives in food production, vocational training and contributing to the African continent's development. The foundation's expansion to Botswana reflects its commitment to uniting African youth to tackle shared challenges.