• BRANDON VAN WYKMcHENRY Venaani was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Commonwealth University in London, England, yesterday.
Venaani, who is president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), received the accolade from the Commonwealth University, which is a corporate distance learning university.
The award was handed to Venaani by Michael Addison, the chancellor of the university, who applauded him for his work in Namibia.
“It is an honour and privilege to bestow McHenry Venaani the doctor of laws (L.L.D.) (honoris causa) on this day,” Addison said, adding that the politician received the recognition for his service, selflessness and other outstanding contributions as Namibia’s leader of the official opposition in parliament.
Venaani, who accepted the doctorate, said he is a servant of the people in Africa, and Namibia in particular.
“I am a product of a long rapport with elder men and leaders who allowed me in their company at a tender age. Men of whom most were imbued with natural intelligence that shaped me,” he observed.
Venaani went on to say that he is indebted to his party, PDM, for having given him an opportunity to serve and to lead it.
“I thank its leadership and rank and file for the trust bestowed in me,” he added.
He went on to say that this honour belongs and is enmeshed in the hearts and aspirations of the people who most are deprived of opportunities, but who nevertheless yearn and wish for a better tomorrow.
“I am their tool of labour to unlock their real potential through leading and finding solutions to their needs,” Venaani said, describing these needs as employment, sanitation, electricity, water, housing and better education.
