No ban on student politics: Unam

THE University of Namibia says any student society registered with the institution is allowed to do politicking on the campus but staff must keep away from it.

Last week, the Swapo Youth League held a political meeting on the campus, much to the dismay of some staff members who were informed that they could not do the same. Unam spokesperson Utaara Hoveka said the policy on campus politics only regulates the involvement of administrative and academic staff members and does not cover students.”The meeting in question was a Swapo Youth League meeting.The University is not aware of any staff member who took part in that meeting.The Swapo Youth League is a registered student society with the Office of the Dean of Students of the University.Like any other society on campus, it is free to hold meetings with its members or organise activities on campus, provided that it does not break general university rules and regulations,” Hoveka responded to questions put by The Namibian.He said students with common beliefs and aspirations were free to apply for registration as societies or clubs with the Office of the Dean of Students at the university.”Their applications have to be scrutinised and endorsed by the Student Parliament, which consists of all students leaders including representatives of registered clubs and societies,” Hoveka said.Late last year Unam informed some staff members who held party office that it had a policy banning such practices.As a result, the Swapo Youth League withdrew its secretary for information, Charles Siyauya, from active leadership.Others still walking on thin ice were Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua, and Swanu secretary general Dr Tangeni Iiyambo.Maamberua, head of department for accounting, auditing and taxation at Unam, became Swanu president in November last year, the same time that Iiyambo was elected.Iiyambo lectures in the university’s education department.Five days after their election, they received a letter from Unam informing them that they could not be involved in active politics while working there.Siyauya is an administrator in Unam’s international students and exchange programmes unit.Swanu has yet to pronounce itself on the Unam decision.Unam spokesperson Utaara Hoveka said the policy on campus politics only regulates the involvement of administrative and academic staff members and does not cover students.”The meeting in question was a Swapo Youth League meeting.The University is not aware of any staff member who took part in that meeting.The Swapo Youth League is a registered student society with the Office of the Dean of Students of the University.Like any other society on campus, it is free to hold meetings with its members or organise activities on campus, provided that it does not break general university rules and regulations,” Hoveka responded to questions put by The Namibian.He said students with common beliefs and aspirations were free to apply for registration as societies or clubs with the Office of the Dean of Students at the university.”Their applications have to be scrutinised and endorsed by the Student Parliament, which consists of all students leaders including representatives of registered clubs and societies,” Hoveka said.Late last year Unam informed some staff members who held party office that it had a policy banning such practices.As a result, the Swapo Youth League withdrew its secretary for information, Charles Siyauya, from active leadership.Others still walking on thin ice were Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua, and Swanu secretary general Dr Tangeni Iiyambo.Maamberua, head of department for accounting, auditing and taxation at Unam, became Swanu president in November last year, the same time that Iiyambo was elected.Iiyambo lectures in the university’s education department.Five days after their election, they received a letter from Unam informing them that they could not be involved in active politics while working there.Siyauya is an administrator in Unam’s international students and exchange programmes unit.Swanu has yet to pronounce itself on the Unam decision.