Ballotti apologises after backlash over protest remarks

Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti has apologised for his social media comments criticising a recent student protest over delayed Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) payments, admitting he 'messed up' and that his comments were insensitive.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, Ballotti said he had reflected on the controversy and had chosen to meet directly with student leaders to apologise.

"I messed up and own up to my sentiments expressed being of poor choice. I reflected, where after I chose to engage the union directly (this evening) and apologise in person," he wrote.

The apology follows criticism of online posts in which Ballotti questioned both the size of the protest and the decision by student leaders to proceed with their demonstration despite ongoing engagements with government.

Acknowledging the responsibility that comes with public office, Ballotti said he understood that his comments had offended some and that attempts to explain them away would not undo the harm caused.

"I accept that my words carry weight, and no amount of good English can retract my insensitive comments. I should have consulted, which I did not do a good job at on this occasion, and I therefore was irrational in my choice of words."

He said he did not intend to undermine students' concerns over delayed funding payments.

"My sincere intention was never to dismiss the plight; on the contrary, I wished that I could have helped expedite and find a solution to the plight. However, again, I was insensitive, and I apologise."

Ballotti added that he has learned a valuable lesson.

"As a public servant, I have a duty not only to speak but also to listen, and this experience has reminded me of the importance of engaging thoughtfully and choosing better English. Lastly, thank you to everyone who has shared their views, whether in support or criticism. I have heard you, and we learn."

‘Do it properly’

In one post, the deputy minister questioned the size of the demonstration, writing: "What number constitutes a protest? Surely not 7 or was it 8, maybe 9…".

In a subsequent post, he suggested that students had chosen to protest despite having access to channels of engagement.

Referencing comments made by activist Job Amupanda regarding the demonstration, he wrote: "So 1 constitutes a protest according to my learned brother, Job."

He then questioned the rationale behind the demonstration, arguing that protests were generally reserved for situations where normal mechanisms for resolving grievances had failed. "My question now is, when does one choose to protest? Google tells us that when the belief that the normal channel(s) for addressing a grievance (dialogue, petitions, negotiations, etc.) have failed or are inaccessible, then we proceed, be it 1 or 10."

Commenting on recent engagements between student leaders and government officials, Ballotti wrote: "Now, the union walked out of the NSFAF engagement on Monday, they met with the right honourable PM yesterday and still opted to protest. What exactly is the perceived injustice? Delay? And years prior?"

While recognising the importance of speaking out, he nevertheless rejected the students' decision to take to the streets. "I fully appreciate the consequences of remaining silent, but I do NOT support the decision to protest, and if you're gonna protest, do it properly!"

The remarks drew criticism from students and social media users, many of whom argued that they downplayed the financial difficulties faced by students waiting for their allowances.

Contrite official praised

Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) president Dorthea Nangolo welcomed the deputy minister's apology and said NSFAF payments had started trickling in this week.

"Yes, we have seen the apology and accept it. We recognise that leadership is apologising where one recognises their wrong. His apology also comes with action from the ministry," Nangolo told Namibian Sun on Monday.

"NSFAF has started making daily payments, yesterday, some students already received their non-tuition fees. For us, that is leadership," Nangolo confirmed.

The protest was organised amid growing frustration among students who said delayed payments had left many struggling to pay for accommodation, food and other living expenses.