Martin Lukato gave everyone hugs after his first speech as the National Democratic Party leader in parliament. He walked around, giving warm embraces to Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, former ministers McHenry Venaani, Sanet Steenkamp, and Iipumbu Shiimi. Job Amupanda even ran across the room just to hug him back. His happy celebration came after waiting over twenty years to reach the National Assembly.
His preacher-style talk made other lawmakers clap, cheer, and make joyful sounds throughout the chamber. Behind all his happiness, Lukato shared serious concerns about broken promises. He felt disappointed that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah failed to keep her campaign promise of raising old-age pensions from N$1600 to N$3000 monthly. The president said youth programs needed money first, delaying help for older citizens.
Lukato respected her leadership but reminded everyone that pensioners raised the same young people who became today's youth. He believed senior citizens deserved better treatment instead of always waiting for help. His mix of celebration and criticism created a memorable first appearance in parliament.
His preacher-style talk made other lawmakers clap, cheer, and make joyful sounds throughout the chamber. Behind all his happiness, Lukato shared serious concerns about broken promises. He felt disappointed that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah failed to keep her campaign promise of raising old-age pensions from N$1600 to N$3000 monthly. The president said youth programs needed money first, delaying help for older citizens.
Lukato respected her leadership but reminded everyone that pensioners raised the same young people who became today's youth. He believed senior citizens deserved better treatment instead of always waiting for help. His mix of celebration and criticism created a memorable first appearance in parliament.
