Ballotti says Unam students relocated with consent, not force

Deputy education minister, Dino Ballotti, has confirmed that 375 students from the University of Namibia (Unam) were relocated to Concordia College hostel ahead of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games.Ballotti, however, insisted in Parliament yesterday that Unam consulted with the students before relocating them.“I wish to state on record that 375 students were indeed relocated,” Ballotti said. “The students were consulted by the Directorate of Student Affairs, Unam Management, Unam Student Representative Council, as well as the Housing Committee members. I am reliably informed that not one student was forcefully removed.”Ballotti added that 60% of the students are writing second opportunity exams, and 20% are medical students currently doing hospital practicals. The students will remain at Concordia until the Games conclude on 12 July.“Food is being delivered daily as there are currently no cooking facilities at the hostel,” he said, noting that transport, enhanced security, and Wi-Fi have also been arranged. Ballotti further said that many students have volunteered to assist during the games.Sacrificing studentsAR MP Dr Job Amupanda criticised the timing of the relocation, claiming that Unam displaced students during a crucial exam period to benefit from infrastructure upgrades.Speaking in Parliament on 1 July, Amupanda said Unam wanted the students to be evicted so they could benefit. “They threw the students under the bus,” Amupanda said, adding that he understood the university stands to gain.While acknowledging that the ministerial statement offered “a glimpse of hope,” Amupanda maintained the matter was poorly handled. “It’s not supposed to have been handled that way,” he said. Operational needsUnam spokesperson Simon Namesho explained that the relocation process occurred in phases. It began with 38 students moved for urgent hostel renovations and later increased to accommodate the youth games’ operational needs.“As the examination period concluded, the local organising committee required the hostel facilities to accommodate arriving athletes,” said Namesho. Namesho added that on 26 June, 375 students were relocated to Concordia College hostel.Although Namesho acknowledged differences in amenities at Concordia, including fewer electrical outlets and limited hot water, he said support measures were in place, including transport, meals, Wi-Fi, and security.He emphasised that Unam is not receiving direct financial compensation, but noted that the government-funded infrastructure upgrades—including hostels, kitchens, courts, and gym facilities—would benefit students long after the games.Poor conditions and disruptionThe relocated students, however, say that the move has disrupted their academic progress and overall well-being. “There’s no hot water. We’ve been showering in the cold,” said one student. “Some tried using kettles to warm water, but were told to stop because of the hostel’s old wiring.”Others expressed frustration over a lack of charging points, forcing them to use the communal dining hall, where theft has been reported. “My power bank was stolen while charging,” one student said.Connectivity issues have also affected exam transport. “Sometimes the bus comes and we don’t even know. There’s no Wi-Fi, so we miss updates,” another student said.The students also criticised the last-minute timing of the move. “We were told on 25 June that we’d move the next day, but relocation only began around 16:00 on the 26th, just hours before our 08:00 exam,” said one.“I didn’t sleep at all. That was supposed to be my revision day, but I spent it packing and trying to settle in,” she added.

Ballotti says Unam students relocated with consent, not force

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Ballotti says Unam students relocated with consent, not force

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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