3rd Edition 2009 - University of Namibia
3rd Edition 2009 - University of Namibia
3rd Edition 2009 - University of Namibia
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Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 1
2 BLA Campus BLA BLA News Exero <strong>Edition</strong> 01, 55553<br />
ErIUSTIO<br />
Vote <strong>of</strong> no confidence!<br />
- Freeman Ngulu<br />
Andreas Shifotoka claims to lead a movement<br />
<strong>of</strong> students who are calling for a vote<br />
<strong>of</strong> no confidence towards both the SRC for<br />
Recreation and SRC for Culture. The ‘one<br />
man movement’ as it is called by the SRC<br />
Vice-President Nicky Mutenda, is considered<br />
by him as nothing but a smear campaign<br />
driven by his (Shifotoka’s) ambition<br />
to run for <strong>of</strong>fice in the Student Representative<br />
Council .<br />
Shifotoka claims that with regard to SRC<br />
<strong>of</strong> Recreation, he has been deemed incompetent<br />
in fulfilling his mandate and thus<br />
certain procedures need to be followed as<br />
per constitution. Andreas Shifotoka made it<br />
clear that students can take action against<br />
this SRC who has failed to deliver. The SRC<br />
for recreation has apparently only fulfilled<br />
a sequence <strong>of</strong> 6 events within 196 school<br />
days compared to the previous SRC with<br />
100 events in the same time frame. Shifotoka<br />
also claims that this left Recreation,<br />
Paulus Andreki, with little duty on most, if<br />
not all <strong>of</strong> these events which took place in<br />
accordance with other SRC departments.<br />
He claims that SRC Recreation only catered<br />
for two groups <strong>of</strong> students; the drinkers,<br />
which in his opinion “the recent survey<br />
pool by the UDEBSO found drinkers as the<br />
minority on this campus” and with sports<br />
being the other need that was catered for.<br />
The SRC Vice President (VP) refuted these<br />
claims and said that the claims do not hold<br />
any substance, “no SRC department carries<br />
out an event on its own and as a council<br />
we work together”. On the issue <strong>of</strong> events,<br />
the VP claims that certainly more than 6<br />
events were organized and that Society<br />
Chairpersons can confirm that.<br />
Andreas Shifotoka’s ‘movement’ is said<br />
to be gaining steam as they try to sign a<br />
petition <strong>of</strong> 10% <strong>of</strong> the student population,<br />
which would equal a 1000 signatures. He<br />
says that he has no doubt that they will<br />
exceed their target, and actually double<br />
the required number. Until this has been<br />
done their upheaval would have been<br />
in vain as stated in the constitution. The<br />
groups <strong>of</strong> students are also asking for; a<br />
vote <strong>of</strong> no confidence in the case <strong>of</strong> SRC<br />
for Recreation, no rebate and no recommendation<br />
from the <strong>University</strong>. He gave<br />
the example <strong>of</strong> the inter-block tournament<br />
which was supposed to be held in April<br />
Nicky Mutenda, SRC- Vice President<br />
but happened 7 months down the<br />
line. These claims were further refuted<br />
by the VP and again he stated that he<br />
believes Andreas is motivated by his<br />
ambitions to run for <strong>of</strong>fice and he must<br />
prove him wrong by not running for <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
He argues that the complaints were<br />
to be submitted to his <strong>of</strong>fice and not at<br />
the General Student Assembly, because<br />
‘that was making a mountain out <strong>of</strong> an<br />
anthill bacause he is hungry for power’.<br />
With regard to the petition, which the<br />
VP does not believe will be achieved, it<br />
would have to be tabled in the student<br />
parliament and if they decide whether<br />
the allegations hold any water and then<br />
a vote <strong>of</strong> no confidence is decided in the<br />
GSA. Andreas Shifotoka claims that no<br />
other SRC member came to the defense<br />
<strong>of</strong> SRC for Recreation (Paulus Andreki)<br />
during the 2nd semester GSA and that<br />
alone speaks volumes. He also calls for a<br />
public apology by the SRC Vice President<br />
after a verbal exchange with him where<br />
Nicky Mutenda said “you’re a boy, you do<br />
not have anything, you will not go far with<br />
this, we are the ones with power not you”.<br />
The VP does not shy away from the fact<br />
that he did say this and feels that he does<br />
not owe Shifotoka a public apology, because<br />
the words were not said publicly and<br />
even in the case <strong>of</strong> a private apology he<br />
would rather withdraw some <strong>of</strong> his inappropriate<br />
statements.<br />
Another issue Shifotoka brought up<br />
was that <strong>of</strong> the cultural festival theme<br />
which he thought was discriminatory <strong>of</strong><br />
international students, the VP is apparently<br />
commented on this by saying that<br />
the international students are nothing<br />
and UNAM is for <strong>Namibia</strong>ns’ first and if they<br />
have a problem they should lobby it in their<br />
own countries and that Andreas Shifotoka is<br />
discriminating against <strong>Namibia</strong>ns. It is with<br />
these statements that he asks for a public<br />
apology. When asked for comment, SRC-<br />
Vice President refuted the allegations by<br />
saying “the theme was submitted by an<br />
international student who won N$500.00,<br />
if Shifotoka is so concerned by the theme<br />
why didn’t he submit a theme for the festival<br />
theme competition? He should not be a self<br />
appointed Leader <strong>of</strong> International students<br />
they have voted for us as their leaders not<br />
him.” In his final remarks he states that their<br />
intent is not to create havock but rather to<br />
stop blaming management for problems<br />
when our own system is showing incompetency,<br />
and that the structures put in place to<br />
be followed.<br />
Ed i t o r i a l<br />
The closer we get to the end <strong>of</strong> the year the more challenges we seem to face, but we have also become more<br />
determined to finish what we started. I personally am disturbed by the events that have presented themselves over<br />
the past semester such as the inability to get too much done, because <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> challenges. This issue is the<br />
first edition <strong>of</strong> the two issues planned for this semester and just a step closer to attaining what we want to achieve.<br />
It amazes me when people expect you to conjure up a great edition that is supposed to make both students and<br />
management happy, when they do not want to buy equipment. They buy you one camera when you have<br />
a big team <strong>of</strong> reporters who all have different stories to report on, sometimes at the same time. The paper is<br />
expected to run without a single computer. For two years it has been said ‘next year’, but next year never comes.<br />
One needs a whole lot <strong>of</strong> strength and strong will to deal with all the politics that surrounds the student council.<br />
Many people have criticised us for not doing a good job but I would like to see how far they get running this<br />
paper. The dirt has been hidden for too long and painting a pretty picture has done nothing but hide all the<br />
muck that we have allowed to settle. It’s about time that the lies are exposed and the students are told the truth<br />
about what is going on around them. You have the right to know what is going on around you and fight to get<br />
back what is yours.This issue is the beginning <strong>of</strong> a lot <strong>of</strong> things to be uncovered.<br />
Printed by FreePress<br />
Printers<br />
Graphics and Layout<br />
Sebastian Manuel<br />
Campus News will be going out with a big bang, so watch this space for so much more.<br />
Editor-In- Chief<br />
Matilda Shiweda<br />
Diana Amunyela
Campus Exero 01, 5555 News BLA <strong>Edition</strong> BLA BLA 3 3
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
4 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555<br />
His name Nditange is both traditional Oshiwambo<br />
and Christian name that means “I<br />
praised the Lord”. It was interesting to learn<br />
that his name is very silent on the “Lord”<br />
component and only Oshiwambo speaking<br />
people can snatch the meaning <strong>of</strong> what his<br />
father meant when bestowed at baptism at<br />
Tsandi ELCIN church as first-born baby in<br />
the late 1970s. To attempt the meaning <strong>of</strong><br />
his surname Shigwedha, he said the direct<br />
English translation means “Add-more-to”.<br />
The surname Shigwedha is much domesticated<br />
name in almost all seven Wambo<br />
tribes and the Herero people with diverse<br />
variations in the orthographies.<br />
II. Your educational background<br />
from high school until<br />
today when you are working<br />
as the HoD the department <strong>of</strong><br />
Food science.<br />
At Tsandi High School, his academic performance<br />
began with a stint outside the<br />
top ten brackets in first term, was in the<br />
top ten in the second term and finally came<br />
second best in the third term.<br />
From Standard five onwards, he emerged<br />
top in his class and in the combined streams<br />
<strong>of</strong> over 25 students in spite <strong>of</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> school<br />
text books, while his parents struggle to<br />
educate him and his other siblings. In recognition<br />
<strong>of</strong> his good mathematics and<br />
physical science aptitude, he was chosen<br />
together with his bosom friend, David<br />
Nathinge, while in Standard 9 & 10 (Grade<br />
11 & 12) to represent his Ongandjera Senior<br />
Secondary School in English and Science<br />
Quiz <strong>of</strong> TUCSIN-funded student exchange<br />
program, which took him for a month to<br />
Gabriel Taapopi Senior Secondary School<br />
in Ongwediva. This was taken seriously by<br />
the young Nditange and he adequately<br />
represented his school as the ‘face <strong>of</strong> Ms<br />
Verena Nandago (English Teacher) and Mr.<br />
Garba Maikano (Science Teacher)’. It was in<br />
the same program where he first met with<br />
his long time UNAM classmate and former<br />
Head <strong>of</strong> Department: Food Science and<br />
Technology, Ms. Paulina Nangula Uusiku.<br />
While in our final year at Neudamm<br />
campus, Dr. Shigwedha remembers when<br />
Paulina used to say to him ‘if our class performance<br />
drops, our Lecturers, including<br />
Mr. Peter G Bille will think we are no more<br />
serious with our studies’ as they were much<br />
fanatical and were training us to take over<br />
the department in the near future. Believe<br />
it or not, he managed to graduate from<br />
Neudamm Campus in 2000 with his first<br />
BSc Degree in Agriculture (Food Science<br />
and Technology specialization). It was like<br />
a nightmare day for him to pass his first job<br />
interview and started working for Meatco<br />
Okahandja as a Laboratory Analyst (the<br />
position currently occupied by his lovely<br />
wife).<br />
He also remembers when his parents expressed<br />
an interest his time management<br />
skills. His father Abner said to him, “Listen<br />
my first-born-son, now the world is wide<br />
open to you if you are to pursue further<br />
in your pr<strong>of</strong>ession, but just remember not<br />
to forget your family”. Although he could<br />
not grasp this clearly, after pounding the<br />
pavement for a while, he has just decided<br />
to lead by examples in a positive ways. The<br />
situation at Meatco laboratory was quite rewarding<br />
and life was just perfect. However,<br />
this did not last very long due to the fact<br />
that he had to continue with a postgraduate<br />
education in China. Nditange enrolled<br />
at China’s Southern Yangtze <strong>University</strong><br />
(which was changing name from Wuxi <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Light Industry). Getting a clear<br />
idea about his research enabled him to<br />
settle for the thesis topic in the sixth month<br />
after going to China. It was no wonder that<br />
he attained the minimum requirements to<br />
receive an MSc (Food Science) degree with<br />
a distinction. His thesis was on the study on<br />
bifid bacterium strains with resistances to<br />
acids and bile salts. However, while at the<br />
<strong>Namibia</strong>n Embassy in Beijing en routing to<br />
<strong>Namibia</strong> in 2003, it soon became a blessing<br />
when Nditange was recalled to take up the<br />
“Distinguished International Student Scholarship”<br />
(DISS) for his PhD studies in any field<br />
<strong>of</strong> choice beginning September 2003 at the<br />
same <strong>University</strong>. He was to make history<br />
once again by completing his doctorate<br />
(Environmental engineering (magna cum<br />
laude) in a record <strong>of</strong> 3 years in a country<br />
that takes an average <strong>of</strong> 3.5 to four years.<br />
This was not without another record in Environmental<br />
engineering field, specifically<br />
in industrial wastewater treatment. Attaining<br />
a PhD in China was as traumatizing as<br />
it was dramatic. During his PhD studies,<br />
Nditange published four scientific papers<br />
in referenced international peer reviewed<br />
journals and presented four other articles<br />
at international conferences. Those papers<br />
attest to food science and photo catalysis<br />
industry, innovativeness and perseverance.<br />
The result <strong>of</strong> the effort was a prestigious<br />
appointment as a Lecturer and subsequently<br />
the Head <strong>of</strong> Food Science & Technology<br />
at the elite <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>,<br />
Neudamm Campus. He can honestly say<br />
that he feel more complete with UNAM.<br />
Throughout his life he knew that there was<br />
some calling in his years that had remained,<br />
up until now, unanswered. “Who knows<br />
that my career is maybe with UNAM? The<br />
Lord works in mysterious ways. ….Who<br />
am I to disagree with powers that I can<br />
hardly fathom?” Dr. Shigwedha chanted.<br />
He guessed that he could actually talk more<br />
about his first month at Neudamm Campus.<br />
It was just another excitement to join<br />
the caravan <strong>of</strong> old faces viz. Pr<strong>of</strong> OD Mwandemele,<br />
Mr. PG Bille, Mr. S Barrion, Ms P<br />
Hiwilepo, Mr. L Shatipamba, Mr. S Kalundu,<br />
Ms P Petrus, Mr. L Samuzala, Ms S Niitembu,<br />
Mr. G Hatutale and Ms E Sheehama.<br />
III. How where your studies<br />
then?<br />
Although he was brilliant in class starting<br />
from my primary education, the going<br />
was not always easy but a jungle struggle,<br />
because one needs to work very hard. He<br />
worked hard with the help <strong>of</strong> his colleagues<br />
and friends. He quoted the local musician<br />
Ras Sheehama that his studies were <strong>of</strong> “a<br />
push and pull system”.<br />
IV. What motivated<br />
you all along?<br />
The love and support that he has been<br />
receiving from his family and family friends<br />
has been the most important motivating<br />
factor all along his life. For that, he has eternal<br />
love and respect for them.<br />
V. Do you think your hard<br />
work and time spent all that<br />
time finally paid <strong>of</strong>f, if so what<br />
do you say so?<br />
A dedicated Christian, motivator and<br />
powerful orator as well as a committed family<br />
man, Dr. Shigwedha aspires to provide<br />
inspiration to UNAM community and his<br />
broad family in various aspects, especially<br />
by providing leadership in education. Not<br />
a man to bury his head in the sand, avoid<br />
thorny issues or keep what he believes can<br />
be <strong>of</strong> help to others. He is now an Editor <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Namibia</strong> Development Journal (NDJ) and<br />
he keeps preparing other manuscripts for<br />
publications. He believes that poverty can<br />
be overcome by hard work and focused<br />
effort and that nobody has to wallow in
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 5<br />
poverty because the land <strong>of</strong> the braves<br />
is blessed. He is an ardent disciple <strong>of</strong> Ben<br />
Carson’s ideology that “Education is the<br />
only equalizer”, the only thing that brings<br />
a poor man to the same level with a rich<br />
man. As his name imply, “he praised God”<br />
that he set his frame <strong>of</strong> mind to believe he<br />
is not poor. Nditange speaks Oshiwambo,<br />
English, Chinese and a little Afrikaans. He<br />
is happily married to Li.<br />
VI. What do you think<br />
about the agriculture sector<br />
in <strong>Namibia</strong> with emphasis on<br />
food security?<br />
First <strong>of</strong> all, he defined what is meant<br />
by the term “food security”. His definition<br />
reads as “Access by all people, at all<br />
times to sufficient food for an active and<br />
healthy life. He said that Food security<br />
includes at a minimum - the ready availability<br />
<strong>of</strong> nutritionally adequate and safe<br />
foods, and an assured ability to acquire<br />
acceptable foods in socially acceptable<br />
ways.” He stressed that <strong>Namibia</strong> is an agristriving<br />
country with a few hundred food<br />
and beverage market, with trade expected<br />
to grow about 10% by 2022. However,<br />
while <strong>Namibia</strong> is one <strong>of</strong> the largest fish<br />
and meat producers <strong>of</strong> the world, only<br />
a small percentage is actually processed<br />
into value addition products. Again, even<br />
though <strong>Namibia</strong> is producing small portion<br />
<strong>of</strong> fruits and vegetables, approximately<br />
only one per cent <strong>of</strong> the produce<br />
is processed. These statistics underscore<br />
the potential for food industry pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />
So <strong>Namibia</strong> would need about N$20 billion<br />
in order to raise its food processing levels<br />
by 8-10 per cent. The UNAM rice project at<br />
Kalibeza (Caprivi region) is worth mentioning<br />
at this stages as it stand as one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
measures that our government is supporting<br />
in line with food security. The investment potential<br />
is even more pronounced when you<br />
consider that consumer demand is growing<br />
exponentially. <strong>Namibia</strong> represents a market<br />
<strong>of</strong> about two million people who spend an<br />
average <strong>of</strong> fifty percent <strong>of</strong> their household<br />
income on food. Clearly, opportunities exist<br />
for food processors in retail, foodservices,<br />
and private label sectors.<br />
VII. What would you like to<br />
say to prospective students out<br />
there as far as Food science is<br />
concerned?<br />
Actually, it is not only Food science, but<br />
there is a component <strong>of</strong> the Technology that<br />
you have omitted. “Food science” is the discipline<br />
in which biology, physical sciences,<br />
and engineering are used to study the nature<br />
<strong>of</strong> foods, the causes <strong>of</strong> their deterioration,<br />
and the principles underlying food processing.<br />
“Food technology” on the other hand is<br />
the application <strong>of</strong> food science to the selection,<br />
preservation, processing, packaging,<br />
distribution, and use <strong>of</strong> safe, nutritious, and<br />
wholesome food. To date, there are people<br />
like me, as food scientists, R&D people,<br />
chemists, microbiologists, QA/QC people,<br />
regulatory affairs people, academics, brand<br />
managers, marketers, technical salespeople,<br />
and executive management, just to mention<br />
a few as food pr<strong>of</strong>essionals in the industry,<br />
academia, and government throughout the<br />
world. He advised prospective students to go<br />
on UNAM s’ webpage and familiarize themselves<br />
with the Food Science & Technology<br />
brochure, especially on departmental main<br />
area <strong>of</strong> focus.<br />
VIII. What would you like your<br />
message to students to be?<br />
He is <strong>of</strong> the opinion that he has said enough<br />
for this time. His other message to the students<br />
is that, “the future is in your own individual<br />
hands”. He is encouraging every student<br />
to show respect to their Lecturers, take their<br />
lectures seriously and add more oil for high<br />
production rather than slowing down. “You<br />
students are our main stakeholders and only<br />
through commitment and hard work that we<br />
can all keep UNAM’s reputation far above the<br />
ground,”<br />
IX. Do you think there is a<br />
need for young <strong>Namibia</strong>ns to<br />
study food science?<br />
To him, the Department <strong>of</strong> Food Science and<br />
Technology is the pioneer <strong>of</strong> food science and<br />
technology programs and the leader <strong>of</strong> food<br />
science research and education in <strong>Namibia</strong>.<br />
There is definitely a need for young <strong>Namibia</strong>ns<br />
to study food science and technology as this<br />
is a multi-disciplinary field where upon the<br />
completion <strong>of</strong> their degree that everyone will<br />
become a food pr<strong>of</strong>essional. He could<br />
not even begin to tell what a great<br />
resource he has been for making pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
contacts within two years.<br />
He happens to meet some really great<br />
people that he probably would not<br />
have gotten to know if it were not for<br />
his involvement in studying food science.<br />
He was referring to Pr<strong>of</strong>. Owen<br />
R. Fennema (a famous American author<br />
<strong>of</strong> Food Chemistry Book) whom<br />
he said they met and had various discussions<br />
at international conferences<br />
on two respective occasions as well as<br />
to Pr<strong>of</strong>. FM Rombouts (Wageningen<br />
<strong>University</strong>). He encouraged young<br />
<strong>Namibia</strong>ns to approach the department<br />
as it has been a great source for<br />
unbiased information on what is going<br />
on in the food industry. He could<br />
go on and on, but he emphasized to<br />
those interested to approach himself<br />
for more clarity. He resides in Food<br />
Science Building, 1st Floor, and Room<br />
130. Or if you would like to talk with<br />
him about his experiences in the field,<br />
give him a call when you get a moment<br />
at (061) 206-3183.<br />
X. What else would<br />
you like us to know about<br />
your wonderful academic<br />
life and your carrier?<br />
He jokingly promised to say more in<br />
the next edition <strong>of</strong> Campus news ….
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
6 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555<br />
-Mathilda Shiweda<br />
The general students’ assembly that took<br />
place on the Tuesday the 8th <strong>of</strong> September<br />
was surely one with a difference, because<br />
for the first time in years, the student representative<br />
council managed to pull a full<br />
house <strong>of</strong> students who were eager to witness<br />
the days’ events. Some might wonder<br />
if the good turnout had anything to<br />
do with the presence <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>’s<br />
most prominent artists or whether they<br />
attended for the interest that they have in<br />
student politics.<br />
The event was preceded by a memorable<br />
clash (debate) between the Mighty<br />
UDEBSO and their equally as powerful opponents,<br />
The Law society.<br />
The SRC Secretary General opened <strong>of</strong><br />
the event with a welcoming ’speech’ and<br />
the singing <strong>of</strong> both the national and the<br />
A.U anthems. He was followed by the SRC<br />
President that gave the students a heartfelt<br />
Second semester GSA; one to be remembered<br />
speech and updated them on the events<br />
and plans <strong>of</strong> both council and The <strong>University</strong><br />
as a whole. Amongst the things that<br />
president Job Amupanda mentioned, was<br />
the opening <strong>of</strong> the Student Corner which is<br />
a new printing service for students ran by<br />
students, a potential barber shop that is to<br />
be opened in the G block and some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
plans that management had in mind for<br />
the <strong>University</strong>.<br />
According to him, management had<br />
plans to close down the parking at Olupale<br />
Square and constructing a clinic where the<br />
foyer is currently situated, but both plans<br />
have been abandoned. Amupanda also<br />
told the students about the outreach programs<br />
that the SRC have been involved<br />
in, such as the cleaning campaign and the<br />
soup kitchen.<br />
Many concerns were raised at the meeting<br />
and many <strong>of</strong> them cut deep to the<br />
hearts <strong>of</strong> the students. When students were<br />
given the opportunity to ask questions, a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> questions took centre stage.<br />
Students expressed concerns ranging<br />
from the ever problematic bag counter,<br />
bad food from the dining hall, supposed<br />
renovations that were to take place in<br />
the hostels during the holidays, SRCs allegedly<br />
not delivering the service that is<br />
expected <strong>of</strong> them, the swimming pool<br />
that has been closed for years and ‘the<br />
playground’ that has been created by<br />
the taxi drivers and the security guards<br />
at the gate.<br />
Kuda Dzenga expressed her dissatisfaction<br />
with the tender at the dining<br />
hall, because the food there is not up<br />
to standard and her frustration <strong>of</strong> being<br />
‘kicked out’ <strong>of</strong> the hostels because they<br />
were told that renovations were to be<br />
done on the hostels during the holiday,<br />
<strong>of</strong> which none ever took place.<br />
Another student’s bone <strong>of</strong> contention<br />
was the ambulance that is used to take<br />
students to hospital. The young lady had<br />
problems with the horrible condition<br />
that the vehicle is in and suggested<br />
that the university get a new one, seeing<br />
that they could afford to buy a new<br />
quantum.<br />
It is rather sad that when it comes<br />
to matters that concern students and<br />
opportunities for them to air their<br />
grievances, members <strong>of</strong> management<br />
seemed to deem it unnecessary to be<br />
at the meeting and hear what the students<br />
had to say.<br />
After all the serious matters were<br />
dealt with and gotten out <strong>of</strong> the way,<br />
the entertainment part <strong>of</strong> the SRC’s<br />
politainment (a cross between entertainment<br />
and politics) kicked <strong>of</strong>f. The<br />
‘Kwaito master’ aka The Dogg entertained<br />
the crowd with his music and<br />
some rather erotic dance moves by his<br />
male dancers but all in all the day was<br />
very eventful and left people with a lot<br />
to talk about.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>.De<br />
Necker<br />
Retires<br />
-Freeman Ngulu<br />
Lectures and students <strong>of</strong> the arts<br />
department bid farewell to Pr<strong>of</strong>. De<br />
Necker who has been part <strong>of</strong> their<br />
department since 1985 with the Old<br />
Academy.<br />
The pr<strong>of</strong>essor has taught nearly<br />
all the arts students that have come<br />
through Unam. One <strong>of</strong> the great<br />
achievements <strong>of</strong> his career has been<br />
the raising <strong>of</strong> funds for art students<br />
with Standard Bank <strong>Namibia</strong> and introduction<br />
<strong>of</strong> the B.A fashion course<br />
at the Arts Department. The pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
has also played a role in bringing arts<br />
subjects at both primary and secondary<br />
school level in state schools around<br />
<strong>Namibia</strong>.The refurbishments <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Arts Department that we see today<br />
are also thanks to the Pr<strong>of</strong>essor.<br />
At his retirement Party, which was<br />
attended by both students and lecturers,<br />
the Pr<strong>of</strong>essor had this to say, “you<br />
the art students who will continue with<br />
the subject are brave in their choice<br />
instead <strong>of</strong> choosing main stream subjects”.<br />
He also thanked his colleagues for<br />
having given him a stimulating environment<br />
to work in. The pr<strong>of</strong>. will be<br />
missed not only by the Arts Department<br />
but Unam students and staff as<br />
a whole.
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 7<br />
Peer Counsellors:<br />
Friends or foes?<br />
The way forward hosts Soup Kitchen, Part 2<br />
-Anna Auala<br />
The Peer Counselling Society hosts what is<br />
known as a pyjama party for the girls and<br />
a bullz talk for the guys every Thursday<br />
in the different hostel blocks. At these<br />
events they ask the students to submit<br />
issues that they feel need to be discussed.<br />
They then talk about these issues and<br />
seek advice from the very competent staff<br />
members from the Office <strong>of</strong> the Dean <strong>of</strong><br />
Students who are always present at these<br />
talks. These talks cover everything from<br />
relationship issues, academic problems,<br />
personal issues and the mandatory talk<br />
about sex.<br />
The Peer Counsellors preach abstinence,<br />
but as many students are already<br />
engaging in sexual activities, they also<br />
demonstrate the proper ways to use<br />
condoms and femidoms. Last semester<br />
they covered the blocks at the old Hostel<br />
and this semester they are busy with<br />
the block <strong>of</strong> the New Hostels. In all the<br />
blocks which have already been covered,<br />
it is shocking to see how many students<br />
are engaging in sexual activities and not<br />
using protection or how many don’t even<br />
know how condoms and femidoms are<br />
properly utilized. So it would seem that<br />
the information that it distributed by the<br />
Peer counsellors would be most welcome.<br />
- Anna Auala<br />
On the 22nd <strong>of</strong> August <strong>2009</strong>, a busload<br />
<strong>of</strong> excited and eager students drove from<br />
campus to the other end <strong>of</strong> Windhoek. But<br />
this time, the bus wasn’t headed to Okahandja<br />
Park as it was last semester. This<br />
time the students were going to tackle another<br />
area whose plight was just as bad, if<br />
not worse than Okahandja Park’s. This area<br />
is the infamous Havana. The exact location<br />
was the DAC Community Village. The aim<br />
was to host a successful soup kitchen for<br />
the children <strong>of</strong> Havana.<br />
The DAC Community Village was initiated<br />
by volunteers from the Evangelical<br />
Lutheran Church <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong> (ELCIN). They<br />
then received funding from the Official<br />
Development AID from the Ministry <strong>of</strong><br />
Foreign Affairs <strong>of</strong> Finland and from another<br />
organizations called KAFU. The DAC<br />
houses four projects, mainly an Orphans<br />
and Vulnerable Children’s Programme, a<br />
support group for people living with HIV/<br />
AIDS, a hygiene and sanitation programme<br />
and a bread baking scheme. However the<br />
village does not host a soup kitchen. They<br />
have a kindergarten that provides food, but<br />
only for the children who attend it.<br />
The SRC Community Development, Maggie<br />
Haimbodi therefore decided to make<br />
this the target <strong>of</strong> the next community<br />
outreach. Unlike the first semester, there<br />
were no sponsors. The funds that made<br />
this event possible were donated by the<br />
SRCs and in turn by the students <strong>of</strong> UNAM.<br />
For many <strong>of</strong> the students, this was the very<br />
first time they were going beyond their<br />
comfort zone and experiencing the harsh<br />
reality that many <strong>of</strong> our <strong>Namibia</strong>n people<br />
were living. And to many, it was a real shock<br />
to the system. Willem, SRC academic affairs,<br />
wanted to see the living conditions<br />
and the suffering that he had always heard<br />
happened in these areas. And see it, he did.<br />
But apart from this, he also wanted to have<br />
fun with the children and to inspire them<br />
to reach for greater heights. He believes<br />
that although UNAM students are doing<br />
something to assist their fellow people,<br />
they could do so much more. “The societies<br />
on campus could all come together and<br />
go out into the communities. They don’t<br />
have to do great things, just taking some<br />
sweets and books to read to the children<br />
and distribute hugs by the truckload.<br />
Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.”<br />
The food was plenty and very delicious.<br />
Soup, made as if by Jamie Oliver,<br />
with fresh white bread and refreshingly<br />
cool juice was served to the children, and<br />
judging by the expressions on their faces,<br />
they enjoyed the food just as much as<br />
the cooks enjoyed preparing it. The children<br />
were very pleased with their food.<br />
Magdalena, an 11 year old learner from<br />
Ol<strong>of</strong> Primary School felt that it was a very<br />
good thing that the UNAM students were<br />
willing to go out <strong>of</strong> their way to ensure<br />
that for at least one day, the children <strong>of</strong><br />
Havana had something to eat, because<br />
many <strong>of</strong> them were starving.<br />
De-olva Ngutjiua Handura, one <strong>of</strong><br />
the women from the community who<br />
assisted with the organization <strong>of</strong> the<br />
soup kitchen <strong>of</strong>fered her appreciation<br />
to the students <strong>of</strong> UNAM for making it<br />
possible, but she felt that the university<br />
This does not however appear to be the<br />
case. There have been complains that<br />
the Peer Counsellors are instigating<br />
students to have sex, with these condom<br />
demonstrations. Is this so? Should the<br />
Peer Counsellor’s Thursday Night Pyjama<br />
parties and Bullz Talks be banned? Or is<br />
the information they provide too vital for<br />
them not to continue? Have your say, in<br />
the following issue.<br />
Drama at the<br />
Space with<br />
Jacques<br />
By Freeman Ngulu<br />
Jacques Mushaandja a talented a 4th<br />
year Drama major and media student<br />
who is known for his acting, scripting<br />
and well directed plays <strong>of</strong> which most<br />
are played out in the Space Theatre in<br />
the main hall.<br />
Jacques first thought <strong>of</strong> Drama as a<br />
second major but later on as his passion<br />
for it grew he took more interest in<br />
it and polished up his acting, directing<br />
and script writing skills. He still insists<br />
that media has not taken a back seat.<br />
He has starred in, directed or written<br />
more than 10 academic plays with his<br />
recent non-academic industrial theatre<br />
road show play with the help <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Namibia</strong>n company Ohlthaver & List<br />
Company where they will be performing<br />
for the company’s 500 employees<br />
around the country.<br />
Another play he featured in was No<br />
Good Friday by Athol Fugard where he<br />
gained experience by acting alongside<br />
actors that have up to 20 years <strong>of</strong> experience.<br />
His latest academic plays that<br />
have received much applause from the<br />
students are Heal the World adapted<br />
from the Michael Jackson song and the<br />
Cinderella in The Land <strong>of</strong> The Brave.<br />
The Drama Department <strong>of</strong>fers diversity<br />
and drafted a curriculum covering<br />
aspects around theatre with job market<br />
related experience, with developmental<br />
theatre which is for educational topics<br />
like HIV/Aids.This aspiring artist’s plan<br />
is to get his Masters and get exposure<br />
abroad and come back to his mother<br />
land and invest. His long term goal is<br />
to run his own theatre company or become<br />
the General Manager <strong>of</strong> the National<br />
Theatre <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>.<br />
His message to the students is to develop<br />
a theatre watching culture and<br />
audience on campus and which would<br />
encourage Drama students, he also urges<br />
students pursuing this field <strong>of</strong> study<br />
and be pro active in getting exposure<br />
and be confident as it`s a dog eat dog<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ession.
8 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555
Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 9
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
10 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555<br />
Unam Debating Society.<br />
‘We put our money where our mouths<br />
are’………<br />
If there is a word that can describe UDEB-<br />
SO’S achievements than it has yet to be<br />
invented, but<br />
YES INDEED, THE WORD IS MIGHTIER<br />
THAN THE SWORD<br />
As a society we not only are guided by<br />
our constitution but we have goals which<br />
serve as our code <strong>of</strong> conduct.<br />
*We aim to promote critical and effective<br />
decision making.<br />
*Creating awareness <strong>of</strong> issues <strong>of</strong> global<br />
and local context.<br />
*Making UNAM one <strong>of</strong> Africa’s most powerful<br />
universities in debating.<br />
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE<br />
The focus from September 2008 when<br />
the current executive committee started<br />
their reign, we decided to boost UDEBSO<br />
up by participating at the PAN-AFRICAN<br />
DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIPS in BOTSWANA,<br />
where we clinched this by emerging overall<br />
second best debating university in Africa<br />
and also managed to produce CARL PESAT<br />
as the competitions best adjudicator. That<br />
my readers was after we scooped the local<br />
award for the best <strong>Namibia</strong>n tertiary<br />
debating institute, where we beat the likes<br />
<strong>of</strong> IUM,POLYTECHNIC ETC.<br />
It gets even better when earlier this year<br />
around February, we participated in the<br />
UNAM first year orientation program, where<br />
we had the sole purpose <strong>of</strong> scouting and<br />
introducing the art <strong>of</strong> debate to aspiring first<br />
year debaters. It is with pride that I let you<br />
all know that the team that won our internal<br />
league on campus as well as took us to the<br />
finals at JOZI SPEAK in Johannesburg last<br />
month not only included two charismatic<br />
females, but they happen to be first year<br />
students.<br />
March came knocking on our door in the<br />
form <strong>of</strong> celebrating <strong>Namibia</strong>’s 19th independence<br />
anniversary .UDEBSO clashed with<br />
all time local rivals, THE POLYTECHNIC OF<br />
NAMIBIA in an intense debate on the merits<br />
<strong>of</strong> whether <strong>Namibia</strong> was really independent.<br />
We had a reputation to protect and we<br />
surely did uphold it.<br />
Around April we found ourselves having<br />
to do something we loathed and that was<br />
debate amongst ourselves. Debating is for<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and as such we dismantled<br />
ourselves until eventually the best <strong>of</strong> the<br />
best at that point emerged and our queens<br />
<strong>of</strong> speech won the league (a force to be reckoned<br />
with I should say). Another interesting<br />
development occurred during the HIV/AIDS<br />
awareness week on campus in May .Here<br />
our first year debaters had their début in<br />
style by being introduced to the UNAM society<br />
in a way that only UDEBSO could concoct.<br />
They proved that indeed they were<br />
UDEBSO affiliates and tousled the likes <strong>of</strong><br />
NANSO, Poly and IUM respectively (talk<br />
about treading on dangerous waters).<br />
As if that was not enough, we conducted<br />
speech presentations on campus and<br />
schools around Windhoek, where we talked<br />
to students and learners alike about critical<br />
issues affecting us politically, socially and<br />
economically.<br />
CURRENT STATAS QUE!<br />
We participated in the JOZI SPEAK (National<br />
Universities Debating Championships)<br />
in Johannesburg that was hosted<br />
by THE WTSWATERSRAND <strong>University</strong> early<br />
July. A cap <strong>of</strong> about 50 universities with<br />
4 teams each from SADC participated in<br />
first and second language categories (YOU<br />
DO THE MATH).All in all we were close to<br />
500 debaters and ten <strong>of</strong> our speakers were<br />
amongst the top 100 best speakers <strong>of</strong> the<br />
entire competition <strong>of</strong> which ALBERT TITUS<br />
ranked the OVERALL BEST SPEAKER in the<br />
2nd language category. We also had public<br />
speaking and MAGGIE WAKOLELE represented<br />
UNAM in those finals while our very<br />
own QUEENS OF SPEECH took us to the<br />
finals and as such UNAM ranked 2nd overall<br />
best university in debate when it comes to<br />
the SADC region!<br />
You see I can go on and never stop when<br />
listing our achievements. To the naked eye<br />
it looks like what we do is easy and smooth.<br />
YES if your idea <strong>of</strong> easy is staying up all night<br />
doing research, ensuring that you are updated<br />
with current issues from around the<br />
globe and the stress that comes with debating<br />
to win. All that requires hard work and<br />
dedication which all our debaters proudly<br />
posses.<br />
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR UDEBSO<br />
Firstly we intend to maintain our reputation<br />
by winning the NATIONAL UNIVERSITY<br />
DEBATING CHAMPIONSIPS IN NAMIBIA that<br />
would be in Ondangwa around mid august<br />
and after that we want to move from being<br />
the 2nd best debating university in Africa<br />
to the overall BEST DEBATING UNIVERSITY<br />
IN AFRICA at THE PAN-AFRICAN DEBATING<br />
CHAMPIONSHIPS in BOTSWANA later this<br />
year. Thereafter we invite you all to UDEB-<br />
SO end <strong>of</strong> year function which is not to be<br />
missed.<br />
COMPILED BY:<br />
RACHEL ANDREAS<br />
Neudamm students tour the north<br />
*Hamutenya Jacob<br />
On the 28th July <strong>2009</strong> the food science<br />
department <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong><br />
under the faculty <strong>of</strong> the Agriculture and<br />
Natural resources went on an educational<br />
tour to the northern region <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />
The tour aimed at visiting and familiarizing<br />
students with various food producing<br />
facilities and projects in the region. It also<br />
aimed at creating the bonds between the<br />
students and their prospective employers<br />
in the food science market. Students had an<br />
extraordinary opportunity to relate theory<br />
skills obtained in classes and books to the<br />
practical reality on the ground. The tour<br />
was also part <strong>of</strong> the department’s to produce<br />
knowledgeable students with both<br />
theoretical and practical skills required in<br />
the food industry.<br />
In addition to the visits, students had the<br />
opportunity to explore and discover potential<br />
fields <strong>of</strong> researches.The tour consisted<br />
<strong>of</strong> 3 food science lecturers, four <strong>3rd</strong> year<br />
students and four final year students <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>-based at Neudamm<br />
campus.During the tour, students visited<br />
the famous Omahenene research center<br />
where they familiarized themselves with<br />
the activities carried out at the center. They<br />
also observed how several products such as<br />
field crop seeds are developed. Omahenene<br />
research center is a government institution<br />
that develops various indigenous crops,<br />
commercial seeds used countrywide such<br />
as the famous Okashana varieties, Cowpeas,<br />
Bambara nuts and others. The center<br />
also has aquaculture programs where they<br />
breed various fish species, develop various<br />
fish feeds and provide training to the local<br />
fish farmers. This project is headed by two<br />
graduates <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong><br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the government’s effort to<br />
empower the youth, reduce unemployment<br />
and eradicate poverty,Omahenene<br />
research center has an integral hospitality<br />
and food processing training center where<br />
they train students how to produce and<br />
process various unique products from local<br />
raw products using basic technologies.<br />
Concentrated Marula Juice is one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
products which they produce from locally<br />
collected Marula fruits and it is available<br />
all year round.The students also visited the<br />
famous Etunda Irrigation project in Outapi<br />
district.<br />
They observed how various farming<br />
mechanism and technologies are used<br />
to produce,process and store agricultural<br />
products such as Wheat, Maize and Mahangu<br />
grains. Etunda Irrigation project is a<br />
joint government project and other stakeholders<br />
which produce thousands <strong>of</strong> tons<br />
<strong>of</strong> maize meal, Wheat , Bananas, Potatoes<br />
and other vegetables for local markets.<br />
Etunda is so far the biggest irrigation project<br />
in the northern part <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />
On the course <strong>of</strong> the tour, students visited<br />
some meat processing facilities in the<br />
area where they visited the African Meat<br />
Supply in Oshakati. They where shown<br />
how various meat products such as the<br />
“Boerewors”, Salami, Sausages, Biltong and<br />
Russians are produced.Before concluding<br />
the tour, students also visited the COSDEC-<br />
Community Skills Development center in<br />
Ondangwa.<br />
They were introduced to several food<br />
handling technologies used to process<br />
food such as macaroni and snacks.The final<br />
stop <strong>of</strong> the tour was at the Eudafano<br />
woman co-operative project in Ondangwa.<br />
Eudafano women co-operative manufactures<br />
Marula oil AKA Ondjove and Kalahari<br />
melons seeds oil AKA omhaadi eenhanga<br />
for consumption and cosmetic purpose.<br />
They also produce Marula Juice. The cooperative<br />
uses the by-products <strong>of</strong> these<br />
products to make highly-nutritious animal<br />
feed such as Marula cakes. The co-operation<br />
products are consumed locally, and most <strong>of</strong><br />
it exported to EU countries such as UK and<br />
France.The students learned various techniques<br />
employed in food manufacturing<br />
industries. They come across several machineries<br />
and equipments that they could<br />
only see in the books. This has enhanced<br />
their level <strong>of</strong> thinking and advanced their<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> understanding.“This program has<br />
advanced my level <strong>of</strong> understanding” said<br />
Samuel Nanguti-a 4th year Food science<br />
and Technology student<br />
Students described the tour as greatly<br />
fruitful. They therefore called upon other<br />
departments <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong><br />
to consider implementing these kinds <strong>of</strong><br />
visits as they help students make sense<br />
<strong>of</strong> what is read in the books.“This tour<br />
was very educational, I got chance to see<br />
how my favorite food is made” Said Frans<br />
Shuuya-a <strong>3rd</strong> year food science and Technology<br />
student.
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
Building a way forward<br />
Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 11<br />
* Anna Auala<br />
It seems like the Unam management is<br />
rather determined to make this campus a<br />
better place. Millions have been budgeted<br />
for the building <strong>of</strong> new classrooms and other<br />
facilities on campus. What is however<br />
questionable, is whether these plans are<br />
actually going to help make the university a<br />
better place for those that are the greatest<br />
assets: the students.<br />
To date new classrooms have been built<br />
at the top <strong>of</strong> the X Block. These were completed<br />
during the course <strong>of</strong> the 1st semester<br />
and have been in use since the beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> the semester. The second phase <strong>of</strong><br />
this project is the building <strong>of</strong> classrooms<br />
above the Y Block to be completed during<br />
the course <strong>of</strong> this semester and to be ready<br />
for use by the 1st semester <strong>of</strong> 2010. Campus<br />
news is also privy to the fact that $20 million<br />
has been received by to convert the<br />
pool area into a 350 seater classroom. This<br />
project cannot however be accommodated<br />
in this financial year, so more attention will<br />
be paid to it in 2010.<br />
Although the general consensus is that<br />
more classrooms are needed, most <strong>of</strong> the<br />
students do not want the pool area converted<br />
into classrooms. David (2nd year)<br />
believes that while education is very important,<br />
it is also important that the management<br />
also look into entertainment and<br />
recreational facilities for students. “Going<br />
to university is about more than just getting<br />
a class room education. UNAM is built<br />
on three building blocks, namely, education,<br />
service and development. If UNAM<br />
is only going to concentrate on one block,<br />
then we are going to experience another<br />
leaning tower <strong>of</strong> Pisa. The students need to<br />
be well developed in all the 3 areas.”<br />
An undisclosed amount <strong>of</strong> money has<br />
also been put aside to renovate the entrance<br />
<strong>of</strong> the old hostel and turn the existing<br />
student foyer at the old hostel into<br />
a clinic, consisting <strong>of</strong> a reception area, a<br />
waiting area, a supervisors <strong>of</strong>fice, 3 consulting<br />
rooms, a medical store room, a kitchen<br />
and male and female wash rooms and an<br />
emergency room. The hostel <strong>of</strong>fices which<br />
are currently housed there will be relocated<br />
to the UNAM Foundation. This is done because<br />
the current clinic is too small and it<br />
does not cater to all the necessary medical<br />
needs on campus. The ambulance services<br />
are constantly being called to attend to minor<br />
ailments and illness because <strong>of</strong> the lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> proper medical facilities on campus. This<br />
has proven to be a waste <strong>of</strong> large amounts<br />
<strong>of</strong> money.<br />
Due to all the very obvious benefits, it<br />
would seem at first glance like the proposed<br />
plan would be welcomed, especially<br />
by the students. Rather surprisingly, many<br />
students are against it. They feel that decisions<br />
are being made that affect them in<br />
major ways, with no due consideration to<br />
what they feel or think. Ndahafa, a third<br />
year student and a resident <strong>of</strong> the old hostel<br />
feels that this would inconvience the<br />
students. “Many <strong>of</strong> us have fridges and<br />
other gadgets to transport to and from our<br />
rooms at the beginning and end <strong>of</strong> each<br />
semester. I am sure the new entrance is<br />
not going to be very user friendly when it<br />
comes to this task. I mean, lets be realistic,<br />
these are the same people who wanted to<br />
take Olupale Square and make it a private<br />
parking, with no thought to the burden it<br />
would pose to us, their most valuable assets.<br />
Now we are just supposed to believe<br />
that they sudden had a change <strong>of</strong> heart and<br />
are now going to do something that will<br />
benefit us? We would be setting ourselves<br />
up for disappointment if we were dumb<br />
enough to believe there is no ulterior motive<br />
to this move.”<br />
Ndahafa and the many students, who<br />
think like her, would be pleased to know<br />
that the proposed plan would only be temporary.<br />
A Student Centre is being planned<br />
on the UNAM Master Plan and it indicates<br />
the building <strong>of</strong> a Student Health Care Centre.<br />
All in all, it appears as if money is being<br />
spent wisely. There is however, one baffling<br />
thing. Something is being planned<br />
for a certain plot in Rundu. (Campus News<br />
has been supplied with the erf number <strong>of</strong><br />
this plot.) However no one seems to know<br />
exactly what it is and if they do; they aren’t<br />
willing to share the information...<br />
Campus News was not able to dig into all<br />
the dirt regarding how and why the money<br />
for the various physical development plans<br />
<strong>of</strong> the university are being used in certain<br />
ways. In the next edition, we will have responses<br />
from all the relevant people to<br />
these issues, so watch this space.
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
12 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555<br />
Neudamm, Ogongo students still<br />
in accommodation fees dilemma<br />
There should be equal service to<br />
fees<br />
An open letter to UNAM<br />
Dear UNAM<br />
It is with great disappointment to inform<br />
you that after 6 months <strong>of</strong> deliberations<br />
and suggestions, your university management<br />
has not yet finalized or conveyed the<br />
final accommodation and meal fee structures<br />
to the students for year 2010. Your<br />
management was fast at imposing the increased<br />
fees (from N$2120 to N$15000) on<br />
students early this year without proper and<br />
prior notification where students rejected<br />
them, translating into a strike. A temporal<br />
solution was found and students live on.<br />
Your management since then has been<br />
given 7 months to sort out the matter but<br />
it is regretfully distressing to note that up<br />
to now nothing was done.<br />
The students rejected the exorbitant fees<br />
in April, your university management has<br />
the whole time since then but it is September<br />
and the appropriate fees structures are<br />
not yet released to students.<br />
UNAM, Students need to know the actual<br />
final fees in order for their parents and<br />
sponsors to make appropriate arrangements<br />
in advance. As we all know that the<br />
economic crisis spared nobody including<br />
our parents. Only a well informed parent<br />
or sponsor would be able to fund those<br />
hefty fees come next year. That situation is<br />
is traumatizing our our parents and and terrorizing<br />
their budgets plans.<br />
It is highly important that these fees are<br />
decided and conveyed to students as soon<br />
as possible for them to make room, time<br />
for debates and suggestions <strong>of</strong> better alternatives<br />
should students be uncomfortable<br />
with the fees. It is a clear fact, late announcement<br />
<strong>of</strong> the fees will not give light<br />
to these and students may suffer at the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> the day.<br />
UNAM, In the light <strong>of</strong> all mentioned the<br />
above, we would like to request if not to appeal<br />
to your <strong>of</strong>fice to see to it that students’<br />
demands in this matter is sorted by the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> the month to avoid unnecessary panic,<br />
inconveniences and subsequent havoc and<br />
stand<strong>of</strong>f between the students and your<br />
university management.Students as clients<br />
<strong>of</strong> the university, respect and honor their<br />
financial obligation for the service <strong>of</strong>fered<br />
by the institution, they are prepared to<br />
pay for it provided they are informed appropriately,<br />
accurately, and timely and this<br />
was the basis <strong>of</strong> the recent rejection <strong>of</strong> the<br />
previous fees structures.<br />
I thank you in advance for listening to our<br />
complaints as the venerated clients <strong>of</strong> your<br />
university.We are looking forward to your<br />
prompt response in the matter.<br />
Yours truly<br />
Disgruntled Neudamm, Ogongo campus<br />
2010students<br />
First <strong>of</strong> all let me thank all the students<br />
for both Unam- Main campus, Neudamm<br />
and Ogongo campus for your positive response<br />
to my first article advocating for<br />
better services as per our rights as clients<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Amazingly, some people (mostly lecturers<br />
and those in management) went on<br />
to question what am I trying to achieve<br />
with such articles and criticize apparently<br />
as to why I decided to expose my “house”,<br />
the <strong>University</strong> to make it look bad in the<br />
eyes <strong>of</strong> the readers. I told them this; we as<br />
students are no shareholders in the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>, we are customers <strong>of</strong><br />
their service, they can never call Unam<br />
our “house” because we are here at a cost.<br />
Maybe it can be a “house” to those in management<br />
and administration but not to<br />
students who pay exorbitant fees to be<br />
here and yet they getting little value <strong>of</strong><br />
their money.<br />
‘Its true man, Unam is really cheating us<br />
in many ways, just look at block teaching,<br />
and lack <strong>of</strong> sufficient computers lack <strong>of</strong><br />
medical facilities on our campuses and<br />
yet we pay our fees in full’ said Sacky Shilyomunhu<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ogongo campus.<br />
We don’t complain just because we<br />
want to expose the <strong>University</strong> or to incite<br />
students to turn against the Univer-<br />
sity structures, rather we complaint<br />
because we smell something rotten<br />
and we deserve answers and explanations.<br />
The more they keep ignoring us the<br />
more we keep doing what they call<br />
“making noise” then we see how far it<br />
goes, we shall never waiver in “making<br />
noise” until they improve!<br />
Thank you a lot and I encourage you<br />
all to start, let the fire burn and keep<br />
up the spirit.<br />
Remember: we are clients and the<br />
<strong>University</strong> is the service provider,<br />
therefore we deserve value for our<br />
money and we have the right to cry<br />
foul whenever we are not getting<br />
what we deserve.<br />
*Articles written by Jacob purely in<br />
his capacity as student. They are in<br />
no way reflects the view <strong>of</strong> the various<br />
students’ leadership structures in<br />
which he serves.<br />
An open letter<br />
to the <strong>University</strong><br />
from the Editorial<br />
desk.<br />
Mathilda Shiweda<br />
My time at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong><br />
has been very memorable and<br />
in some cases even enjoyable. I was<br />
proud to be able to walk the streets<br />
and say that I am from the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>, the place that I considered<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the most respectable and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional educational institutions<br />
in our country. But the longer I stayed<br />
and the closer I got to the student<br />
leaders and the more interested I got<br />
in student politics, the more I began to realise<br />
that institution that I once was so proud<br />
to be a part <strong>of</strong>, is a far cry from what so many<br />
aspiring students think it to be.<br />
One would have thought that the students<br />
at the <strong>University</strong> would be considered<br />
as the most precious members <strong>of</strong> the university<br />
community next to the hard working,<br />
dedicated and DESERVING lecturers (<br />
not those that come to class to read from<br />
text books and pretend to lecture). But not<br />
at Unam. At Unam, the students are the last<br />
to be informed or thought <strong>of</strong> when decisions<br />
are made, here the student leaders<br />
that we elect to represent us are ignored<br />
and are considered a un-mandated body,<br />
at this <strong>University</strong> you find the slowest <strong>of</strong><br />
service, here we allow the cleaning company,<br />
that is supposed to clean our ‘home’<br />
and maintain the hygiene, to slack and not<br />
do what they are paid to do, here we let the<br />
security guards get away with manhandling<br />
innocent students, at Unam you have to<br />
pay to get your refunds and then wait for<br />
weeks while they decide whether to<br />
give you back YOUR money, here you<br />
have to wait for your cheque to be signed<br />
while it sits on somebody’s desk, here corruption<br />
is covered up and not made public.<br />
Transparency is undermined and ignored<br />
while the students suffer.<br />
It came to my attention that staff member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> had recently been<br />
‘asked’ to resign after it was discovered that<br />
he had misappropriated university funds.<br />
Where is the justice? Students have to go<br />
for weeks with broken toilets while others<br />
make <strong>of</strong>f with their hard earned tuition<br />
money. Others have to make alternative accommodation<br />
plans because they thought<br />
that the <strong>University</strong> was renovating, as they<br />
promised, but that was not done.<br />
The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong> has the potential<br />
to become one <strong>of</strong> the top Universities<br />
on the continent, but remains on the back<br />
seat because it is so poorly managed. Do we<br />
as an entire community still have a vision<br />
for Unam? Do we see it going anywhere?<br />
Have we any pride left for this institution? I<br />
personally no longer see myself sticking up<br />
for Unam when people criticise it because<br />
I have lost respect for it.<br />
With the current condition that we are<br />
in, we will never move forward and like<br />
the majority <strong>of</strong> students, I have now also<br />
become one <strong>of</strong> the people that pray to see<br />
the day that I leave here. Saddening and<br />
even shameful but truth be told, Unam is<br />
headed for the worst and only a mass revolution<br />
can save us now. MY prayers are with<br />
everyone.<br />
Till next time.
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
Exero 01, 5555 BLA BLA BLA 13<br />
-Freeman Ngulu<br />
The SRC President Job Amupanda held a<br />
press meeting on the 26th <strong>of</strong> May on the<br />
long awaited “improvement in the benefit<br />
<strong>of</strong> students”. Since the last General Student<br />
Assembly the president has left the issues<br />
lingering in students minds and to some<br />
it seemed as if he had given up on Unam<br />
procedure and bureaucracy.<br />
Before the president got to the issue at<br />
hand he brief that Clever Mapaure as the<br />
SRC legal adviser. He holds a B Juries degree,<br />
specialized certificate in law and LLB<br />
degree which he graduated all with Cum-<br />
Laude, currently doing his Masters in Law at<br />
Unam. The Student Representative Council<br />
seems to mean business by making sure<br />
that their requests for improvement for students<br />
do not fail on legal technicalities.<br />
After introducing Mapaure as their legal<br />
backing the president hit the ground running<br />
by stating our the injustice being practiced<br />
by bursary giving institutions that are<br />
exploiting students. It is allege that after<br />
the SRC did investigation and informed by<br />
these bursary holders that they are entiled<br />
do internship or work during holidays and<br />
long weekends but this is not where the<br />
bone <strong>of</strong> contention lies, in some instances<br />
being stipulated in their contracts. Instead<br />
<strong>of</strong> performing in their field <strong>of</strong> expertise they<br />
are instructed to perform mere <strong>of</strong>fice tasks<br />
such as making c<strong>of</strong>fee and filing. These institutions<br />
are apparently “denying students<br />
the chance to realize there potential and<br />
de-railing the efforts <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong>, the<br />
<strong>University</strong> did not train students to be c<strong>of</strong>fee<br />
ladies and men…..but rather as rational<br />
intellectuals capable <strong>of</strong> making a difference<br />
in being trendsetters in the job market”.<br />
The SRC president apparently knows<br />
and informed that students are being subjected<br />
to derogatory and racial remarks in<br />
the workplace and reporting to unqualified<br />
persons that got jobs on the basis on their<br />
skin color and that they know “who’s doing<br />
what and where”. However knowing the<br />
names <strong>of</strong> institutions practicing this, the<br />
president failed in calling out names, none<br />
the less president gave a stern warning to<br />
these institutions to stop their behavior.<br />
The president was thankful to the <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
support to student to which they are<br />
grateful, thanking the Vice-chancellor and<br />
entire team on the initiation and completion<br />
<strong>of</strong> the faculty <strong>of</strong> engineering at Ongwediva<br />
thus meaning that students do<br />
not need to go to South Africa. The integration<br />
<strong>of</strong> other Unam campuses into the university<br />
management system even though<br />
it has its own complications, Kwenani the<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Estate Services in assistance<br />
consideration <strong>of</strong> a project to constructing a<br />
SRC President-Job Shipululo Amupanda<br />
at the Press Conference, 26 May <strong>2009</strong>.<br />
student recreation facility and the Office<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Dean <strong>of</strong> Student in addressing the<br />
problems they have. However thanking<br />
the university this does not mean<br />
that “we are living in paradise” and that<br />
requests for improvements should be<br />
made in a particular frame <strong>of</strong> time. “We<br />
are proud and continue to be proud <strong>of</strong><br />
developments <strong>of</strong> a similar nature”.<br />
The president put emphasis on not<br />
sugar coating issues when being addressed<br />
to certain people in university<br />
management, this issue he related to<br />
hostel efficient hostel accommodation<br />
calling upon “responsible <strong>of</strong>fices in the<br />
university and in the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education<br />
to speed up all process to allow the<br />
approved company to start constructing<br />
the hostels by 1st November <strong>2009</strong> 10:00<br />
AM”. He also gave the date <strong>of</strong> 27 july this<br />
year for repair and maintenance<br />
<strong>of</strong> hostels.<br />
The issue <strong>of</strong> examination and market-<br />
ing <strong>of</strong> the university were highlighted, concerning<br />
examinations was that students<br />
should not have any inconveniences and<br />
that the university should be more aggressive<br />
in marketing the university image in<br />
the country and abroad. Having meet and<br />
consulted with management concerning<br />
the non-existence <strong>of</strong> Unam not being marketed,<br />
with advertising <strong>of</strong> vacancies and<br />
graduation. This to the president is just following<br />
logic and that management should<br />
be innovative. The finance counter he also<br />
demanded as from the 2nd semester to<br />
be open everyday during normal working<br />
hours and refunds <strong>of</strong> students to take a<br />
maximum two days, this received much<br />
applause from the audience at the press<br />
conference. The clinic came under concern<br />
as it should be open 24 hours as it costs<br />
the university six thousand for a single E-<br />
med rescue ambulance service and that it<br />
should be moved to a new location.<br />
The president said it was a shame that<br />
Unam is ranked high in Africa but does not<br />
have a career centre. He stated that many<br />
students are at Unam by chance, and that<br />
Unam is not producing for the state but for<br />
the street. As attempted the proposed Career<br />
centre can not just be an <strong>of</strong>fice for one<br />
person but one that is well equipped with<br />
personnel to handle the need <strong>of</strong> students<br />
giving the date that progress in implementing<br />
this the 1st <strong>of</strong> November <strong>2009</strong> 10:AM.<br />
The cafeteria issue also came up, with the<br />
fixing <strong>of</strong> fair prices and implementation <strong>of</strong><br />
one solely belonging to the university.<br />
The burning issue <strong>of</strong> security came up with<br />
the president demanding that the security<br />
guards that beat up a student be removed<br />
from campus and if the security company<br />
Inter Africa Security does not do this they<br />
will be removed.<br />
In ending the president stated that him<br />
and colleagues are not afraid <strong>of</strong> carrying out<br />
their mandate and nothing will stand in their<br />
way here is to the way forward.<br />
-Freeman Ngulu<br />
UNAMEC boosts Entrepreneurship<br />
The Unamec society for economic development<br />
held a market day for students<br />
to display, market and sell their business<br />
ideas and services to the wider student<br />
population on the 18th <strong>of</strong> may at the Olupale<br />
Square . “One <strong>of</strong> Unamecs goals is to<br />
promote entrepreneurship with emphasis<br />
on innovation that is why we brought up<br />
the idea <strong>of</strong> a innovative members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
year award” said Co-ordination <strong>of</strong>ficer <strong>of</strong><br />
Unamec Simeon T. Shilomboleni.<br />
Raising student perspective on business<br />
initiatives for them to be simulative<br />
about self-employment and acting to as a<br />
abridge between students and the cooperate<br />
world by identifying students business<br />
ideas and finding funds to achieve<br />
ideas. The students ideas are introduced<br />
the patron Ms Erwee a Business and Math<br />
tutor and she tries to find businesses out<br />
in the real world to take up the students<br />
ideas. This becomes a bit <strong>of</strong> stumbling<br />
block as sometimes the students and<br />
the businesses do not want to take<br />
risks.<br />
Unamec has set up entrepreneurship<br />
awards to reward innovative ideas thus<br />
encouraging students to beef up ideas.<br />
Business ideas that are feasible, original<br />
and how much <strong>of</strong> the market share is<br />
available for them to make a pr<strong>of</strong>it.<br />
UNAMEC in partnership with the<br />
Institute <strong>of</strong> Management Leadership<br />
Training (IMLT) will have a workshop<br />
involving 18 people in a three day computer<br />
based course on management,<br />
leadership and business ventures .Each<br />
group is divided into groups <strong>of</strong> 6 each<br />
group comes up with business idea that<br />
is checked for feasibility by computer<br />
program with information on market<br />
share and final results are influenced<br />
by the data <strong>of</strong> the actual business environment.<br />
International Students Society<br />
holds Drug Awareness Day.<br />
-Freeman Ngulu<br />
Drug addiction is one <strong>of</strong> those factors that students that fall prey to and leads to a downward<br />
spiral <strong>of</strong> addiction. The small group mostly consisted <strong>of</strong> international students this being significant<br />
with international being easier targets <strong>of</strong> drug traffickers because <strong>of</strong> frequent traveling<br />
between boarders and the fact that they are in a new environment. It was thus the initiative <strong>of</strong><br />
the International Students Society to hold a Drug Awareness Day at the Leisure Centre on the<br />
13th May.Two police <strong>of</strong>ficers from the <strong>Namibia</strong>n Police Drug Unit, Warrant Officer Basson and<br />
Detective Sergeant Theron were on hand with a full display <strong>of</strong> narcotics to show to the students.<br />
With examples <strong>of</strong> how smugglers approach students with money to help them in their smuggling<br />
schemes. The group was shown pictures <strong>of</strong> the effects <strong>of</strong> drugs and the drugs themselves<br />
were on display and some were passed around for the students to be able to identify. The <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
emphasized that there aim was not to create a “curiosity within the students but an awareness<br />
<strong>of</strong> the harsh reality <strong>of</strong> addiction that drugs lead to”.<br />
The financial burden <strong>of</strong> addiction was also emphasized which leads to the students to take fall<br />
slaves to the dealers for them to smuggle the drugs. The students were addressed on the laws <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Namibia</strong> on the issue and the stiff sentences that they could find themselves serving.<br />
The students left informed <strong>of</strong> the dangers <strong>of</strong> drug use and abuse. The issue marijuana being<br />
the most conventional drug used on campus grounds was addressed with the <strong>of</strong>ficers encouraging<br />
students to inform them on this or else the <strong>University</strong> will become a breeding site for other<br />
more dangerous drugs.<br />
Detective Sergeant Theron can be contacted on 0812338566. The students were encouraged<br />
to just say “NO to drugs in any shape size and form with every drug leading you to an even<br />
stronger more potent one until you are found dead because <strong>of</strong> overdosing”.
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
14 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555<br />
Office <strong>of</strong> the Dean <strong>of</strong> Students takes priority<br />
*Anna Salkeus<br />
The <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the Dean <strong>of</strong> Students took<br />
the initiative to address student issues and<br />
concerns at an assembly held in the gym<br />
hall for first year and day students.<br />
Only having been in their first semester,<br />
the first year students raised issues ranging<br />
from academic issues to accommodation<br />
issues.<br />
ACADEMICS<br />
Concerns were raised about the cancellation<br />
<strong>of</strong> Saturday and Sunday classes, which<br />
are always done at the last minute. Students<br />
felt that if a lecturer was to cancel a<br />
class, it should be done in advance. They<br />
said that lecturers not only did not show<br />
up for the lectures, but students lost out<br />
on transportation money as they have to<br />
cough up more than they had budgeted<br />
for the month.<br />
Another concern raised was that <strong>of</strong> the<br />
loss <strong>of</strong> continuous assessment marks and<br />
test papers. This was especially common<br />
in the department <strong>of</strong> humanities. Students<br />
complained that their test papers<br />
for the core module ‘Social Issues’ had been<br />
thrown out in the open had either been<br />
blown away by the wind or had been stolen.<br />
SECURITY<br />
Reports from the bag counter were<br />
thrown in all directions regarding bags that<br />
went missing and only reappeared much<br />
later in the afternoons. This is especially<br />
an inconvenience to the students , as they<br />
spend their day looking for their bags and<br />
missing out on lectures.<br />
Another issue was that <strong>of</strong> the taxi drivers<br />
grabbing students at the gate near the taxi<br />
rank. “Security guards do nothing, except<br />
stare at the drivers as they grab us,” said<br />
one student.<br />
GENERAL MAINTAINANCE AND HEALTH<br />
“The internet service in the library has<br />
too many restrictions. One can’t even do<br />
proper research on certain topics, because<br />
pages on that topic either have an error<br />
or are apparently unavailable”. An issue<br />
raised by a first year student, who says she<br />
constantly has to do research and one <strong>of</strong><br />
her sources she says is the library.<br />
The technology systems in lecture halls<br />
did not go unmentioned. The first years felt<br />
that the systems were ‘barely functional’<br />
and that instead <strong>of</strong> depending on only<br />
those to get through a lecture, lecturers<br />
should be trained to teach or work without<br />
them. They waste a lot <strong>of</strong> time on these<br />
equipment.<br />
When it comes to health facilities, some<br />
<strong>of</strong> the most disturbing feats is that there is<br />
either no nurse on duty or that the clinic<br />
closes too early. Students felt that at least<br />
one nurse should be available when it came<br />
to lunch time.<br />
Amongst the above mentioned issues,<br />
students also raised concerns regarding<br />
tutors that did not deliver on time or were<br />
unavailable when students needed help.<br />
The queues at the copy centre got students<br />
frustrated and tired. They said that the<br />
services provided were bad and that the<br />
queues were too long. They requested that<br />
another copy centre be opened to accommodate<br />
students.<br />
ODS RESPONDED BY SAYING;<br />
The Office <strong>of</strong> the Dean <strong>of</strong> Students responded<br />
to the concerns positively and<br />
assured students that they would look<br />
into the matter <strong>of</strong> security on campus and<br />
advised international students to submit<br />
their physical addresses and details <strong>of</strong> their<br />
landlords to the ODS. They also advised the<br />
students not to sign any agreements without<br />
consulting the ODS. ODS also promised<br />
to have a word with lecturers from all<br />
faculties to try and improve (change) their<br />
methods <strong>of</strong> test papers distribution.<br />
Is Campus really<br />
safe?<br />
*Mathilda Shiweda<br />
Some UNAM students are notoriously<br />
known for their booze guzzling tendencies<br />
and their detrimental puffing habits, and<br />
proudly go around displaying their un-admirable<br />
“skills”.<br />
Unam has seen an influx <strong>of</strong> students in the<br />
<strong>2009</strong> academic year, and along with these<br />
students came a whole set <strong>of</strong> new challenges<br />
for the university management and<br />
security. During the 1st semester , Campus<br />
News ran stories on UNAM security and gave<br />
them praise for a job well done, as well as applauded<br />
them for maintaining the order and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism, but one now has to wonder<br />
whether we spoke too soon. Crime on campus<br />
has been on the increase with students<br />
reporting stolen property ranging from cell<br />
phones to laptops. If one sits at the UNAM<br />
gate, you will see how the majority <strong>of</strong> vehicles<br />
arrive and leave campus un-searched.<br />
This leaves a gap for thieves and chance takers<br />
to easily make <strong>of</strong>f with the hard earned<br />
belongings <strong>of</strong> students and <strong>University</strong> equipment<br />
as has previously been seen.<br />
Another major problem that also arises<br />
because <strong>of</strong> poor security is the influx <strong>of</strong> drugs<br />
and alcohol onto our Campus. It is a well<br />
known “secret” that the stadium has for long<br />
been the haven for eager smokers. These<br />
guys smoke substances ranging from ‘weed’<br />
(marijuana) to other harder substances that<br />
are illegal at both institutional and national<br />
level.<br />
The ‘dope boys’, as we have dubbed them,<br />
freely sit around and engage in their pass<br />
time activity without fear <strong>of</strong> being caught or<br />
punished. It would not be surprising at all if<br />
a booming drug trade were to erupt on campus<br />
because people have for so long turned<br />
a blind eye to the very things that threaten to<br />
destroy the students and the entire respectable<br />
name <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Namibia</strong>.<br />
The security company on campus has on<br />
various occasions been accused <strong>of</strong> manhandling<br />
students and becoming vulgar towards<br />
innocent and dedicated students. It’s<br />
about time that they re-direct their energy<br />
to more pressing matters and those include<br />
safeguarding the lives and property <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Unam community.<br />
Four food poisoning cases<br />
reported on campus<br />
*Matilda Shiweda<br />
Recently, it has come to the attention <strong>of</strong><br />
Campus News that several students at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> had fallen victim to not only bad<br />
service, but also <strong>of</strong>f-food.<br />
Several cases <strong>of</strong> food poisoning [Up to<br />
four (4) students] have been reported to<br />
have suffered from food poisoning. Two<br />
being so serious, with students having to<br />
be admitted to the Windhoek Central hospital.<br />
Upon being interviewed, one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
students who is doing a month long law<br />
course at UNAM, expressed their outrage<br />
at the unhygienic conditions that the students<br />
are being subjected to. The <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong><br />
the SRC has received several complaints on<br />
various occasions from aggrieved students<br />
about the unhygienic conditions at several<br />
food outlets.<br />
One case that stands out is that <strong>of</strong> a<br />
young lady who took a picture <strong>of</strong> a cockroach<br />
that was found in food bought at the<br />
- Diana Amunyela<br />
It has been exactly ten years since the<br />
launch and opening <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
radio station, Unam radio. That is a great<br />
achievement and would suggest that our<br />
radio station would be well known and<br />
that it surely is achieving its aims to inform,<br />
educate and entertain.<br />
The station is a community radio<br />
station yet it can be compared to the<br />
bigger and more commercial radio stations.<br />
Many people have fond memories<br />
<strong>of</strong> what Unam Radio used to be a few<br />
years ago and how it always managed<br />
to keep its listeners logged on with their<br />
ability to play good music, and their ability<br />
to create charismatic and pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
presenters. Lately though, an even big-<br />
most popular food outlet, which is also<br />
known for its crowd <strong>of</strong> pool players.A<br />
health inspector had been called in to<br />
inspect the outlet during the first semester,<br />
but was unceremoniously sent<br />
back. Reasons cited were that, students<br />
have no mandate to call in a health inspector.<br />
The four recent cases that were<br />
all reported within a space <strong>of</strong> a week<br />
came from students that all allegedly<br />
bought hotdogs at an outlet on the<br />
far side <strong>of</strong> the campus near the netball<br />
courts. The hygiene problem does not<br />
only end with food outlets, but also<br />
spreads out into the sanitary facilities.<br />
The toilets on campus are well known<br />
for being filthy and highly detrimental<br />
to the health <strong>of</strong> the students that use<br />
them.<br />
Every institution has the responsibility<br />
<strong>of</strong> protecting their students and<br />
looking out for their wellbeing, ensuring<br />
that they are not subjected to any<br />
ger number <strong>of</strong> people are quick to air their<br />
disappointment with the radio station and<br />
the dramatic (negative) changes that have<br />
taken place there.<br />
Unam Radio is known for having been<br />
the starting and rising point <strong>of</strong> so many<br />
<strong>of</strong> the top presenters in the country. The<br />
likes <strong>of</strong> Cutie-PRO/Presenter at National<br />
Radio, Chi-Chi, Mufaro, Tafanji, CJ, Ueja, Angel,<br />
Lloyd, Destiny, Mimi and Q-base the<br />
magician are some <strong>of</strong> the well known and<br />
talented presenters that have gone on to<br />
make a name for themselves because <strong>of</strong><br />
Unam Radio.<br />
The past two years have been particularly<br />
rocky for the radio station, and a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> questions are being raised about what<br />
went wrong and what is being done to rectify<br />
the problem. Unam radio is a long way<br />
harmful conditions, especially not if they<br />
are unavoidable. A second health inspector<br />
was called in and inspected all the food<br />
outlets with the exception <strong>of</strong> the dining hall<br />
who’s administrators allegedly refused to<br />
have their facilities inspected. The inspector<br />
was very disappointed by the state <strong>of</strong> the<br />
university as whole and pointed out that it<br />
is very filthy. The Grub was ranked number<br />
one on the list <strong>of</strong> ‘uncondusive’ areas with<br />
Independence coming in second. Recommendations<br />
have been made to the SRC and<br />
food samples have been taken in for testing.<br />
We will all be awaiting the results.<br />
If the health inspector had not been sent<br />
back during the first semester, we might not<br />
have had more cases reported this semester.<br />
One should not always wait for disaster to<br />
strike before taking action. The students<br />
make up this <strong>University</strong> and pay exorbitant<br />
fees to make sure that they receive the best<br />
possible service, and it’s up to UNAM staff<br />
and management to make sure that they<br />
Campus Radio- The voice <strong>of</strong> the future?<br />
from where it could have and should have<br />
been in terms <strong>of</strong> growth and expansion,<br />
and it leaves a lot to be desired. Some <strong>of</strong><br />
the former employees attribute their departure<br />
from the radio station to factors<br />
such as a low income and stagnation. The<br />
station currently has about nine presenters<br />
and complaints have been made that at<br />
most times playlists are left on the system,<br />
presenters are inconsistent with their shifts<br />
and that some <strong>of</strong> the new presenters are<br />
unfriendly and rude, sentiments that are<br />
also echoed by the media students that<br />
who do practicals there.<br />
What remains to be seen is whether the<br />
new presenters will be able to resurrect the<br />
station from its current state or whether<br />
new management is in order at the radio<br />
station.
Campus Exero 01, News 5555 BLA <strong>Edition</strong> BLA BLA 3 15<br />
THE UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA<br />
The Office <strong>of</strong> the Founding President,<br />
in conjunction with the UNAM SRC <strong>2009</strong><br />
PRESENTS A GALA DINNER<br />
for the Student Assistance Fund<br />
Theme: Access to education for the<br />
disadvantaged students<br />
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sam Nujoma<br />
Date: Wednesday, 21 October <strong>2009</strong><br />
Venue: Safari Court Hotel<br />
Time: 17H00<br />
Price<br />
N$ 500 p/p or N$ 5 000 per table <strong>of</strong> 10<br />
For Donations and Pledges:<br />
Bank Name: Nedbank <strong>Namibia</strong><br />
Bank Location: 461609 Bulow St.<br />
Routing #: NEDSNANX<br />
Account #: 11010000795<br />
For more details:<br />
Matthew Vudzijena: Tel: 206 3412; Email:srcsg@unam.na<br />
Undamuje Haimbodi: Tel: 206 3416; Fax: 206 3278<br />
Email: srccommunitydevelopment@unam.na
Campus News <strong>Edition</strong> 3<br />
16 BLA BLA BLA Exero 01, 5555<br />
UNAM dominates the TISAN games<br />
-Florian Kauyu<br />
Unam dominated the TISAN games<br />
with gold medals at both basketball<br />
and soccer. The netball team almost<br />
scooped the gold too but were denied<br />
the achievement by WCE only to land<br />
in the <strong>3rd</strong> place to settle for the bronze<br />
medals after putting up an amazing display.<br />
The gold medals for table tennis<br />
for both men and women in the singles<br />
were also scooped by Unam.<br />
After trashing the UNAM Northern<br />
Campus 172 points to 24,a rather convincing<br />
win, the Unam men’s basketball<br />
team booked their place at the semi-finals<br />
with the Polytechnic, their all time rivals,<br />
which proved to be an exciting long<br />
awaited encounter. The match lived up<br />
to its expectation. The UNAM team had<br />
a lot to lose because for the past 8 years<br />
our boys remained unbeaten and always<br />
had the gold medals. Only 3 points were<br />
between the two teams with Unam still<br />
maintained the unbeaten spell with 84 to<br />
81 points which shows that the determined<br />
coach Mpumelelo Hlabangana really knows<br />
what he is doing, as he always appears to<br />
shout at the players during a match.<br />
In the finals, The Unam team met IUM<br />
(International <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Management)<br />
who had their amazing player known as<br />
Kobe in the race for the gold medal.<br />
The team showed that they really deserved<br />
to be in the finals with a combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> outstanding 3 pointers and blocks,<br />
The closest IUM came to the UNAM team<br />
was to reduce the deficit to 20 points,<br />
even the amazing Kobe could not make a<br />
breakthrough with the presence <strong>of</strong> Michael<br />
Katoko, Jerry Thimende and their Captain<br />
Sinvula made it hard for IUM to make an<br />
impression, so he resorted in individual skill<br />
but it was not enough to deny the Unam<br />
team the gold. With all the support that the<br />
home team had, the boys had something<br />
to show <strong>of</strong>f and proved to be the better<br />
team. Victory sure is sweet.<br />
The UNAM women basketball met rivals<br />
Polytechnic for the finals after few women’s<br />
teams showed up this was quite an easy<br />
task and the game could be predicted.<br />
Polytechnic only got 43 points while Unam<br />
got 68 points to put the game beyond all<br />
doubts, yet another victory for Unam.<br />
The Soccer team however had a different<br />
fate. They cruised to the finals against WCE<br />
after beating ZVTC (Zambezi Vocational<br />
Training Centre) 3-2 a struggling win but<br />
still well deserved, after several attempts<br />
from both sides to break the deadlock<br />
the match still ended goalless. Extra time<br />
was sure to settle the match but after<br />
the 120th minute the match was still the<br />
same as it had started.<br />
The penalty shootout was the only<br />
way to determine the winner. Fortunately<br />
for the UNAM team two <strong>of</strong> WCE players<br />
missed to hit the ball into net in the do<br />
or die encounter with UNAM finding the<br />
back <strong>of</strong> the net with every kick, our very<br />
own Brian Bantam stepped up to take<br />
the last penalty spot kick which he calmly<br />
put beyond the WCE goal keeper’s reach<br />
to claim yet another gold medal <strong>of</strong> the<br />
TISAN games for Unam. Since the introduction<br />
<strong>of</strong> the TISAN games UNAM still<br />
remains the most decorated institution<br />
<strong>of</strong> high learning in <strong>Namibia</strong> which makes<br />
me proud to be part <strong>of</strong> Unam family, a<br />
family <strong>of</strong> winners.