Pohamba ‘ill-treated’ at ANC bash

South African President Jacob Zuma is said to have apologised to President Hifikepunye Pohamba over ill-treatment meted out to the Namibian head of state and other presidents who attended the African National Congress (ANC) Centenary Celebrations held in Bloemfontein the weekend.

A South African newspaper, Volksblad, yesterday reported that Pohamba, Bingu wa Mutharika from Malawi, Obiang Mbasogo from Equatorial Guinea, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni as well as Paul Kagame of Rwanda were reportedly left without food and bedding during the ANC’s 100th birthday celebrations.

According to the report, the heads of states allegedly had to buy their own bedding, food, pots, pans, glasses and bottled water because the ANC had ordered the owners of the houses it rented at Woodlands Hills Wildlife Estate in Bloemfontein to remove all their possessions.

There was apparently only liquor provided. The hotel group contracted to equip the houses, which had been rented for up to R50 000 per day, allegedly did not do its job properly. “Namibian officials went to buy food, pots, plates and glasses to cook for the president (Pohamba). I could see he was angry and disappointed,” said Motladi Metsing, one of the 15 women who were hired as housekeepers in the estate.

Another housekeeper who spoke of the embarrassing situation said aides for Musoveni even had to buy him some grilled chicken from Nando’s.

The company hired to do the job, however, denied the allegations, with co-owner of the Rantsoareng hotel group Valentine Rantsoareng adding that some of the heads of state had deviated from the menu and rather “asked for chicken”.

An aide to President Pohamba, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Namibian Sun, without elaborating, that the South African authorities were faced with some logistical challenges.

“There were some hiccups here and there,” he said.

Swapo Secretary-General and Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana, the only senior Government official who accompanied Pohamba for the Centenary Celebrations, said she is not aware that Namibia’s Head of State was treated badly.

“What I can tell you, is that the celebrations were well organised and the ANC paid for me to stay in a hotel.

“The President also did not inform me about any bad treatment.”

“It would, however, have been a matter of serious concern if any Namibian was actually hurt during the celebrations,” Iivula-Ithana said.

click to enlarge UNHAPPY? Namibia’s President Hifi kepunye Pohamba speaks during a gala dinner ahead of the upcoming African National Congress (ANC) Centenary Celebrations in Bloemfontein © NAMPA/REUTERS