Struggle Kids may appeal Court ruling

OGONE TLHAGE

WINDHOEK

The Namibian Exile Kids Association (NEKA) may take legal action against a High Court judgment that ruled against a Cabinet decision to reserve job posts solely for Children of the Liberation Struggle.

The association made its intent to possibly challenge the decision during a courtesy call made to President Hage Geingob to State House this week.

“NEKA appreciates the historical commitment of the [Swapo] Party’s pre-independence (1989 Swapo Party manifesto] whereby the party states that the families and dependents of the soldiers of PLAN will be looked after by the state,” the association’s president Rauha Amutati told Geingob.

“As a way forward NEKA believes that it can seek legal recourse against the ruling. NEKA therefore would like to inform His Excellency that we are in the process of seeking legal recourse against the ruling,” she added.

All equal

Geingob did not address the concerns raised around the Ombudsman’s appeal against jobs being set aside by government in the public sector specifically for struggle children. He noted that the matter was before the courts and hence sub-judice. Geingob had however alluded to sentiments made by his predecessor Hifikepunye Pohamba on the plight of all Namibians.

“President Pohamba made it clear that we treat all Namibians equally as one, that’s a fact we all know,” Geingob said. He added however that the backgrounds of all Namibians also have to be taken into account.

Seeking advice

Reflecting on the discussion held with Geingob, Amutati said the purpose of the meeting was to seek guidance.

“We are satisfied and glad with the meeting we held. We were just trying to find a way forward. We were seeking guidance,” Amutati said afterwards. Amutati would not definitively answer when asked if the association would press ahead with an appeal.

“We are not able to comment. We have been given homework,” said Amutati who added that further consultation is expected to be held with Geingob.