Niël Terblanché
Political analyst Joseph Diescho has criticised Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for inaugurating a perimeter boundary wall at the Festus !Gonteb Primary School in the Mondesa suburb of Swakopmund.
He said such events do not address the deep, systematic issues facing the nation.
“A nation in which national leaders inaugurate open-space bush toilets with speeches; unveil condom dispensers for schoolchildren with speeches; and inaugurate walls at schools with speeches; such a nation is a nation with no direction.” And such leaders have no vision. Who bewitched Africa that we are leaderless? Lord God, for how long?” questioned Diescho.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, while inaugurating the new perimeter wall, stressed the importance of education and community involvement in shaping the future of Namibia during a special ceremony on Friday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the wall’s completion as an important contribution to the safety and security of the learners and the local community.
She also acknowledged the current and former learners of the Festus !Gonteb Primary School which played a vital role in mobilising support for the event.
“These alumni, who have gone on to become leaders and professionals in various fields, exemplify the school’s long-standing tradition of producing individuals who contribute positively to society,” she said.
The Vice President reiterated the importance of education in nation-building while quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous words: “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”
Nandi Ndaitwah urged learners to prioritise their education and persist despite challenges, reminding them that many successful people hail from difficult backgrounds.
She also called on the private sector to continue its involvement in strengthening the Namibian education system, citing the need for alignment between educational outcomes and the needs of the economy.
Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah also unveiled a commemorative plaque that marked the perimeter wall’s completion.
“The walls, now a symbol of protection and progress, demonstrate the community’s collective efforts to create a safe and conducive learning environment for future generations,” she said.
She added that the inauguration of the infrastructure demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to education in Namibia.
“I hope that the school will continue to nurture future leaders who will contribute to the country’s development,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the support of Escalate Investments while pointing out the company’s commitment to education as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Escalate Investments sponsored N$470 000 towards the completion and construction of the new perimeter wall.
During the event, a brief history of the Festus !Gonteb Primary School was presented by Erwin Tsowaseb, a former learner and teacher at the school.
He recounted the school’s origins in the Old Location as the Rhenish Mission School, its relocation to Mondesa in 1961, and its subsequent development under the leadership of its first principal, Mr. Festus !Gonteb.
“The school, which began with just two teachers and a handful of classrooms, has grown significantly over the decades, reflecting the vital role education has played in the community’s development,” Tsowaseb told the people gathered at the event.
