Mbumba visits ‘struggle kids’ to ease tension

SWAPO secretary general Nangolo Mbumba on Friday visited protesting ‘struggle kids’ who are camped at Okandjengedi near Oshakati.

His visit was to discuss their demands for jobs following threats by the group a few days ago that if he failed to come and address them before the end of the month, they would march to the party headquarters in Windhoek.

Mbumba advised them to remain where they are while the issue of jobs is being attended to.

“Even if you go to Windhoek, what you will be told there is the same as what you would be told here,” he stated.

The politician said government has not forgotten about their plight and their case is under discussion, but reminded them that a solution cannot be provided in the blink of an eye.

“Government is a big thing. They build roads and railways. So, if you are promised something [by government], they will do it”.

Mbumba also urged the ‘struggle kids’ not to rush government. He stressed that government officials are busy, and cannot be given ultimatums.

“You have no right to call a minister, and [expect] that minister to just come. They have other responsibilities. A minister is not like Mbumba who works full time for Swapo,” he added in reference to the ‘struggle kids’ past demands for some ministers to come and address them.

When the ‘struggle kids’ asked the perennial question of when they would be employed, Mbumba told them that he had come to tell them that they have not been forgotten, and not when to start work.

“That is not why I am here. I am here as a Swapo representative. To come and talk to you, and to report back to government”.

Some ‘struggle kids’ told The Namibian that they are now divided over the intended march to Windhoek. Those opposing the march welcomed Mbumba’s plea to remain at camp.

One ‘struggle kid’ eager on the march said Mbumba’s visit is just another ploy to soften their stance to abandon the march.

“He said nothing sensible. We told him he must come here with a message of when we shall commence work. But what he said is [of] no value. It is better [if] he did not come”.

Group spokeperson Nghilipunye Hainyanyula expressed happiness that Mbumba made the trip, but like others, he expected to be told when they would be employed.

“They have been singing the same song since September last year. We are tired of empty promises. They should tell us when to start work,” he said.

Mbumba was accompanied by Oshana’s Swapo coordinator, Erastus Kapolo.