Stefanus Nashama
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) attempted to disrupt the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) engagement with student societies and clubs at the main campus.
On Tuesday, UNAM spokesperson, Simon Namesho said this following the altercation between the LPM Youth Command on Monday which led to the arrest of Michael Amushelelo.
“Registered student societies and clubs with political affiliations were scheduled to engage with university management Monday morning. However, non-student members of the LPM political party attempted to join the engagement and conduct political activities on campus without authorisation,” he explained.
Namesho said the interruption by LPM members left the university with no choice but to deny them access.
LPM members were protesting the university’s ban on political activities on campuses.
Amongst the protesters were City of Windhoek councillor, Ivan Skrywer, lawmaker Utaara Mootu, and youth leaders Duminga Ndala and Michael Amushelelo.
Despite these interruptions, Namesho said a discussion took place between LPM and the university management on the day of the incident.
“Yes, a discussion was held between the university management and LPM leaders on 16 September, in the presence of the Namibian Police, from which the temporary disruption of campus entry was resolved amicably, and normal access to the campus was restored,” he said.
According to Namesho, on Friday, a small group of students held an unauthorized march at the main campus wearing Swapo political attire and chanting slogans.
He said such action was not authorized by the university management, leading the university to engage students in political activities on campus.
“The university is taking measures to address this incident in line with its rules and regulations,” he stated.
Namesho reiterated that Unam is still committed to upholding its rules and regulations to maintain a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Regarding the ban on political activities on Unam campuses, Namesho stated that the university remains dedicated to engaging students on the issue.
“The university remains committed to engaging with registered student societies and clubs that are politically affiliated, to ensure that their activities are conducted amicably and in line with the university’s policies, respecting all students’ rights to freedom of expression and association,” he emphasized.
