Polytechnic’s Change Of Name

LATE last year I was made to understand that the name of the Polytechnic of Namibia will soon be changed to Namibia’s University of Science and Technology.

It is imperative to welcome the change of name of our second university, the Polytechnic of Namibia as it is currently known. But bearing in mind that we have the University of Namibia, my personal convictions are that the new name given to the Polytechnic would sound the same as the University of Namibia.
It is on this premise that I welcome the idea of name change and propose change to something else, perhaps naming it after our heroes such as late Richard Kabajani, Moses Garoëb, Greenwell Matongo , Brendan Simbwaye , Hendrick Witbooi Snr, etc. If this will not be legally and perhaps practically feasible I still propose that we try to something else like Khomas or Windhoek University.
South Africa and many countries globally did the same by naming universities after Nelson Mandela and the late Walter Sisulu respectively.
I do not want to dictate to the nation but my perceptions are that the name proposed is too similar. With this food for thought let the democratic will of the people prevail in order for the nation to decide. Let 2009 be a year of hard work, peace and tranquillity.

George Trophy Matali
Karas Region