[2] SPYL came into existence in 1969 after the SWAPO Tanga Consultative Congress in Tanzania adopted a new constitution.

In 1971, the International Court of Justice declared South African occupation of Namibia as illegal.

At that time there existed pervasive disgruntlement in the country due to the Odendaal Plan that was going to initiate a homelands policy.

These activities resulted in the arrest and imprisonment at Robben Island of many youth leaders, including Nashilongo Taapopi, Jerry Ekandjo and Martin Kapewasha among others.

He was elected as the founding president of the SWAPO Youth League at the Oniipa Congress in 1974 before going into exile.