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Foreign learners barred from visiting State House
July 3, 2008 |
From the Namibian Economist:
Viewing of the newly-inaugurated State House has been narrowed down to Namibian citizens only.
The State house was the centre of dispute between a local private school principal and a police officer posted at the northern gate entrance on June 13, 2008. The private school, largely dominated by white learners, went on a pre-arranged visit to State House; only to be refused entrance upon arrival on grounds that the school did not follow protocol.
The principal, who refused to be identified, said the school was requested to provide a list containing its learners’ names prior to the visit, but was told to produce the learners’ identification documents on the actual day of the visit.
The principal, who then tried to sort out the mix-up with the commanding officer, was surprised when asked by the police officer: “How will I know they are Namibians and not South African?”
As opposed to the Heroes’ Acre, the principal deemed the State House an ideal place to teach the children about the country’s history, with emphasis on the liberation struggle. But despite that, the police officer said, “I wouldn’t mind taking these student to State House once the system becomes more inclusive.”
Another principal, whose school is scheduled to visit the school this Friday, said the school was alerted not to take foreign learners along for the trip. “What can we do? We are only following orders,” said the principal, who also asked for anonymity for fear of reprisals against the school. Although there have been no clear answers on why foreign learners are forbidden from visiting the State House, a senior official in the Office of the President said: “The police officer who refused foreign children entrance was only acting upon a directive received from the Office of the President, and the incident should be left alone, as it is being blown out of proportion.” (Read on..)
Now, the new State House has been mired in controversy from its inception. Not only the price tag of 400 million Namibia Dollars/Rand but also its construction by North Korea. Many Namibians have questioned how Namibia can really afford such an expense when the majority of its population lived on poverty. Could this be the African way?
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