| Foreign learners barred from visiting new State House |
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| Written by Lukas Haufiku | |
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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.” When approached for comment, Petrus Hilde, the Personal Assistant to Minister Albert Kawana was keen on finding out the source of information from her office, as opposed to addressing the matter at hand. “I don’t want to give contradicting information, and whosoever disclosed the information is in a better position of answering all other questions,” she said. “Namibians should go and view their house, but it doesn’t mean that anybody else is prohibited from visiting.” |
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