Kavango East governor slams absent fathers during visit to Rundu school
Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka yesterday used his visit to Ngcove Junior Primary School in Rundu’s Ndama settlement to call out absent fathers, saying too many children in the community are being raised without paternal support.
Hambyuka said he was alarmed by the number of mothers raising children alone.
“I am shocked to see so many children without fathers. Where are all the fathers? Men should not abandon their children but start supporting them,” he said.
He added that children without fathers often face delays in accessing government services.
“A child without a father takes longer to benefit from home affairs or any government grants,” Hambyuka stressed.
Ndama residents welcomed Hambyuka’s comments, saying his stance on absent fathers and his willingness to address long-standing challenges gave them hope that their community would no longer be overlooked.
The governor also said leaders must not rely solely on second-hand information but should see issues first-hand.
He pointed out that some people had told him Ngcove school only had 200 learners and five teachers, but he found 412 learners and 11 teachers during his visit.
Neglected
Community members said they were grateful for the governor’s visit, noting that previous leaders – including former governors and councillors – never set foot at the school despite passing through Ndama.
The residents said the school and the surrounding settlement have long been neglected in terms of development.
On the plight of 80 San learners at Ngcove without birth certificates, Hambyuka assured the community that documents would be processed by next week Wednesday if all required details are provided.
He further urged residents to ensure children are not forced to head households.
“If such children are identified, they should be brought to my office,” he said.
Hambyuka also reaffirmed that government has allocated N$1 million for sanitation facilities at Ngcove Junior Primary, as earlier announced by education minister Sanet Steenkamp during Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare’s visit to project in Rundu last Friday.
[email protected]
Hambyuka said he was alarmed by the number of mothers raising children alone.
“I am shocked to see so many children without fathers. Where are all the fathers? Men should not abandon their children but start supporting them,” he said.
He added that children without fathers often face delays in accessing government services.
“A child without a father takes longer to benefit from home affairs or any government grants,” Hambyuka stressed.
Ndama residents welcomed Hambyuka’s comments, saying his stance on absent fathers and his willingness to address long-standing challenges gave them hope that their community would no longer be overlooked.
The governor also said leaders must not rely solely on second-hand information but should see issues first-hand.
He pointed out that some people had told him Ngcove school only had 200 learners and five teachers, but he found 412 learners and 11 teachers during his visit.
Neglected
Community members said they were grateful for the governor’s visit, noting that previous leaders – including former governors and councillors – never set foot at the school despite passing through Ndama.
The residents said the school and the surrounding settlement have long been neglected in terms of development.
On the plight of 80 San learners at Ngcove without birth certificates, Hambyuka assured the community that documents would be processed by next week Wednesday if all required details are provided.
He further urged residents to ensure children are not forced to head households.
“If such children are identified, they should be brought to my office,” he said.
Hambyuka also reaffirmed that government has allocated N$1 million for sanitation facilities at Ngcove Junior Primary, as earlier announced by education minister Sanet Steenkamp during Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare’s visit to project in Rundu last Friday.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article