Hage goes on the offensive

President Hage Geingob says the struggle kids’ persistent protests are a sign of potential danger, hence government’s decision to release N$11 million from the Social Security Commission (SSC) to train them.

During a media briefing on his recent trip to the United States, which included addressing the UN General Assembly, the president said his administration does not want the country to become ungovernable.

He reiterated that all Namibian children must be treated equally, but that the struggle kids became an exemption because of the potential danger their actions presented.

“They were blocking roads, attacking other people’s farms. We do not want your country be ungovernable, many of you are praying hard. We offered them training and jobs afterwards, those who obliged went for training and this costs money,” said Geingob.

The struggle kids, who have become a thorn in the side of government, have been protesting regularly in recent months over unemployment and equal opportunities.

Last month, Cabinet upon the president’s recommendation directed a task team to ensure that the struggle kids undergo training at Berg Aukas for self-employment or jobs on offer.

The president also shot down rumours that he took some of the money meant for the struggle kids to spend on himself during his stay in America.

“I am not that cheap. I am not a commodity. I have never asked anybody for a cent,” he said, visibly upset.

He added that even during his time as minister of trade he never gave in to bribery and instead “returned the money people gave to me”.

He also criticised the media for expecting him to publicly declare his salary.

“Very soon I will be asked what is my underwear… I will not account to the press how I spent my money,” he said.

No teacher interference

Responding to questions about the anticipated teachers’ strike over salary increases, the president said it is not his place to interfere.

“On teachers, we have structures. They don’t negotiate with the president. The secretary to Cabinet deals with them,” he said.

“They declared a dispute and recently voted to strike. Where do I come in? To say yes, you can strike? I’m a former teacher myself.

“So they are responsible for children. I want to talk to Nantu - not to negotiate because that is closed. I also engaged Affirmative Repositioning (AR), so I'm always available to engagements. There are Namibians without income like you and me. How do we help them? We won't submit to them just because examinations are drawing closer,” he said.
Geingob’s remarks come at a time when teachers are counting down the hours before going on strike over the government’s refusal to give in to their demand for an 8% salary increase.
Government has on numerous times insisted that it can only afford a 5% salary increase since it is battling socio-economic troubles such as the devastating drought and an unprecedented economic downturn.

Lifestyle audits

During a recent interview on Voice of America’s ‘Straight Talk Africa’ talk show, Geingob said his administration would begin conducting lifestyle audits as a measure to curb corruption and promote transparency.
During the press briefing yesterday the president slightly changed his tune, however, saying the audits are something his administration would look at in the future.
According to him, every Namibian should be subject to these types of audits, even those in the private sector.
“If your salary is so much and you are driving ten cars, one needs to examine that. Not only the politicians but even the private sector; if you are living like a king it must be assessed,” he said.

NEEEF here stay

Geingob, who has told international media that the controversial New Equitable Economic Empowerment Draft Bill (NEEEF) was a “bad idea” and “not going to happen”, has now changed tack and said NEEEF is necessary to address the inequalities in Namibia.
He said people who feel the bill contains elements that will chase investors away must come up with alternative measures, but the bill is here to stay.
“We are the Namibian house, there are some quarrels in a house, and we must just take out the problematic elements and bring new ones. We need to take hands. Let us see what transpires from the consultations,” he said.
There were more than 120 submissions, or alternative suggestions, made by the private sector and other players during the consultative process earlier in July and August on the proposed bill.
While questioning the constitutionality of the draft bill, particularly white businessmen have expressed fears that it might have the effect of creating a new disadvantaged group.