SMSes of the Day : Monday

* I REALLY do think the State must give both comrades (Kala) Gertze and (John) Pandeni State funerals, that their bodies could rest at the Heroes Acre. Both went into exile to fight for the liberation of our country. Both are heroes, even if they were affiliated to different political parties. President Pohamba, prove to us that you can identify a hero and don’t be misled by your predecessor. Show your leadership and judgement that will be fair to the whole nation!

* IN defence of the BA Tourism degree at Unam: I am a graduate of the same degree and I currently manage a lodge in the North and I know of some of my colleagues who are doing well in the industry. In fact one of the first graduates of that degree is the owner of a tour and safari company and she is doing well. It’s about time young people stop crying for jobs and start being self-employers. Tourism is about innovation, creativity and thinking out of the box. And remember 90 per cent of tourism in the country is privately owned. So why don’t you do something of your own – that’s what you have been taught in class. * THREE hundred and forty million dollars spent on Grade 10 failures. Is this another election campaign for Swapo? It sounds like a good gesture, but an ill-advised one – even the timing is not right to take such a decision. Why not spend that money to build more vocational training centres rather than spending it on Grade 10 failures, as not all learners are doing well academically, some need technical training. Think carefully about this, honourable minister. – Samson HangulaFood for thought* THE least Swapo can do to show respect for the late Kala Gertze and his family is to table the Lubango dungeons issue in Parliament, period. – Kgalemang Makgone* WE Namibians have learned with shock of the impact the ever-increasing fuel hikes has on our unstable economy. The most shocking fact is the inability of our leaders to bring about viable plans like skills development in various sectors of the economy to explore our raw materials; laws to prohibit export and skills development in manufacturing sector.* THE managers of Ramatex must be arrested, locked up and charged with the gross violation of Namibian labour law. They should be denied bail to prevent them from absconding, until their directors come to Namibia to positively conclude the negotiations on the severance pay for our brothers and sisters who were left jobless by the unfair closure of this company. – J Petrus.* WHY do we have Police in Namibia? If some people can resist Police instructions like the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture. What if I do the same tomorrow – will it be okay? * Condolences * IT is a sad moment for our nation to lose two promising politicians at the same time. Let’s put our political differences aside and mourn as one. Thanks for the positives that you have done for the nation. Rest in peace John Pandeni and Kala Gertze. – George Heita* THE spears of two great, battle-scarred fighters have fallen. Heroes who fought for justice and prosperity for all Namibians. As a young democracy let us honour their legacy by picking up their spears and continuing the fight with great urgency towards realising economic justice. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families and Namibia as a whole. RIP comrades.* WE’VE indeed lost prominent figures, who had a vision for our beloved country. It’s a great loss for the entire nation. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of both leaders. Let’s join hands and stand together as one nation during this difficult time. God bless us all. We salute you comrades, may your souls rest in eternal peace. – Pizzi* COMRADE Jonh Pandeni we salute you for everything you did for all Namibians. May your soul rest in peace, we will miss you. – Josephina* TO the family of the late John Pandeni, let the Almighty be with you during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace until we wake him to glory. Rest in peace our hero your memory will remain fresh. – FofinhoPolitics in general* LET’S change our Constitution for the unity of our country. Abandon the party list so that members of the National Assembly, like those in the National Council, are really representing the whole country. We will also see all the regions represented in the Cabinet. That will be the beginning of real unity.* MOONGO [Philemon, of the DTA] tabled a good motion about properly rewarding traditional leaders. I’m however disappointed with the Prime Minister who criticised the motion. Listen Mister PM, it is for constructive contributions we have members from all political parties in the house. You know it well. The tendency of most, if not all of you Swapo members in the National Assembly, of opposing all motions tabled by opposition parties will hamper development on the one hand and portray intolerant, totalitarian and dictatorial mentalities of Swapo members on the other.* PERHAPS it is NBC that is not reporting accurately on the debates in Parliament, if not, mind you the House has gone wildly mad. Instead of debating on national policy issues affecting ordinary Namibians in the ocean of poverty, MPs go to the House to justify their status, both past and present on taxpayers’ money wasting valuable time. It is time to clean the house of stagnated ideas and lack of progress.* I PLEAD with the Speaker of the National Assembly to call the assembly to order. Can the MPs please listen to one another and stop arguing about insensible issues in the House. If they want to do this they should look for another platform. What they are currently doing is an embarrassment to our nation. Let them discuss motions that have the interest of the nation at heart, not their political affiliation.* I’M tired of being the second best in Swapo and the Government. If you want to be recycled, join the RDP and get a position as Secretary of a region whilst deserving people are overlooked. It all boils down to jobs for pals again? I thought the new party would make fresh beginnings? Come on HH recycle them all and then what?* ELECTION fever is the time when ministers, MPs, governors and councillors run around like mad, pretending that they care about the people. They want your vote. This is the only time they can meet the demands of the people. If you want anything from them, ask now. Ask now before the 2009 elections because after the elections you are nothing to them.* CAN the Ministry of Trade and Industry tell us if Namibia will develop its own merchant marine fleet with cargo and tanker vessels for export and import. The Trans-Kalahari Highway is there, what about the Trans Atlantic Ocean Way? – JohnEducation* DECLARE the Pioniers Boys’ School a rehabilitation centre! It is with great shock and dismay that I hear about issues happening at the above-mentioned school, specifically the three burnt classes! This is a clear indication that teachers’ lives at this school are in danger. What is going to be done to bring the culprits to book? What did the Ministry of Education do to guarantee the safety of staff? What did management do and are doing about the lack of discipline at the school? We as a nation want to hear and be invited to this meeting! The school has become a danger zone, not just to the affected teachers but also indirectly to the nation! Drastic safety measures should be in place or close the school before something serious happens. – Concerned parent!* PLEASE Directorate of Adult Basic Education we’re sick and tired of the N$720 stipend we receive as literacy officers. This amount is not even enough to buy food for a month. Please bring our allowance to at least N$1 200 because everything is increasing now and we’re only working a contract of eight months per year.* WHY can’t the Ministry of Education force teachers to work till 16h00 or 17h00? Learners are failing and can’t read, but teachers grab their handbags and cellphones 10 minutes to one and are standing in the doorway. It’s high time that teachers are called to order.* THANKS for the good news to allow Grade 10 failures back to school. My question is: which schools still have space because all are full as I understand. Tell us where we must take our children.From the regions* I AM surprised that a multi-millionaire like Mr Frans Indongo and many other businesses in the North are not following the good example of the owner of INM who donated trucks to help the flood victims. The very same people affected by the floods are the ones supporting his businesses. Please do something, the nation is waiting.* THE Governor of Ohangwena Region is not living up to his responsibilities. His region is the most affected by the floods but his mind is just focused on Swapo campaigns. He doesn’t care about the situation the people are in and that is why he ended up lying to the nation about the little bridge at Engela. He must refrain from trying to capitalise on serious situations like the one at Engela by praising his Swapo Party for good work that other people did. He is failing in his duties and by so doing he is discouraging good people from helping out in critical situations. We need a Governor who has the interest of the people at heart not him.* COMRADE Governor of Ohangwena Region joined politics like others from different occupations. He was given the mandate by the people of his party, Swapo, to lead this region. And we are happy for what he is doing for this region and its people. We know that he had the meeting with Swapo headmen. RDP is free to call a meeting with headmen too. As far as we know Swapo goes where it has support, unlike RDP who visits places where it has no support.* CAN the Municipality of Swakopmund also attend to the building plans of clients who go through normal procedures? The pace is too slow compared to those having close friends inside or willing to pay bribes.* OMUTHIYA is one developing locality in Namibia. Let’s differentiate between development and politics, fellow citizens.General* THANKS to The Dogg and Gazza – at least now we are talking. We are now one family. I call on the fans of the two musicians to behave and stop fighting each other.* AS a former prisoner I don’t see any problem with prisoners working at Seaflower Whitefish Corporation, instead of just eating three times a day at the taxpayer’s expense. Many more prisoners can do the same throughout the land of the brave. – Mr Mabazo* WAKE up soldiers. This Government has been deceiving us for many years because it knows that we cannot protest or make a mutiny. We all are aware of [alleged] corruption in NDF.* THERE are some people who believe that if she/he is outspoken then they have the ability or knowledge or skills for any type of job. English is just a communication skill, there is no way you can be promoted to the post of e.g. a marketing manager with low marks in Grade 12 and excellent English. A person with an E in English and a Diploma from Polytech can at least do a SWOT analysis that they have learnt through tertiary education. Please let us stop favouritism and nepotism. Nepotism is not only corruption but also an evil.* THREE hundred and forty million dollars spent on Grade 10 failures. Is this another election campaign for Swapo? It sounds like a good gesture, but an ill-advised one – even the timing is not right to take such a decision. Why not spend that money to build more vocational training centres rather than spending it on Grade 10 failures, as not all learners are doing well academically, some need technical training. Think carefully about this, honourable minister. – Samson Hangula Food for thought * THE least Swapo can do to show respect for the late Kala Gertze and his family is to table the Lubango dungeons issue in Parliament, period. – Kgalemang Makgone * WE Namibians have learned with shock of the impact the ever-increasing fuel hikes has on our unstable economy. The most shocking fact is the inability of our leaders to bring about viable plans like skills development in various sectors of the economy to explore our raw materials; laws to prohibit export and skills development in manufacturing sector.* THE managers of Ramatex must be arrested, locked up and charged with the gross violation of Namibian labour law. They should be denied bail to prevent them from absconding, until their directors come to Namibia to positively conclude the negotiations on the severance pay for our brothers and sisters who were left jobless by the unfair closure of this company. – J Petrus.* WHY do we have Police in Namibia? If some people can resist Police instructions like the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture. What if I do the same tomorrow – will it be okay? * Condolences * IT is a sad moment for our nation to lose two promising politicians at the same time. Let’s put our political differences aside and mourn as one. Thanks for the positives that you have done for the nation. Rest in peace John Pandeni and Kala Gertze. – George Heita * THE spears of two great, battle-scarred fighters have fallen. Heroes who fought for justice and prosperity for all Namibians. As a young democracy let us honour their legacy by picking up their spears and continuing the fight with great urgency towards realising economic justice. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families and Namibia as a whole. RIP comrades.* WE’VE indeed lost prominent figures, who had a vision for our beloved country. It’s a great loss for the entire nation. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of both leaders. Let’s join hands and stand together as one nation during this difficult time. God bless us all. We salute you comrades, may your souls rest in eternal peace. – Pizzi * COMRADE Jonh Pandeni we salute you for everything you did for all Namibians. May your soul rest in peace, we will miss you. – Josephina * TO the family of the late John Pandeni, let the Almighty be with you during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace until we wake him to glory. Rest in peace our hero your memory will remain fresh. – Fofinho Politics in general * LET’S change our Constitution for the unity of our country. Abandon the party list so that members of the National Assembly, like those in the National Council, are really representing the whole country. We will also see all the regions represented in the Cabinet. That will be the beginning of real unity.* MOONGO [Philemon, of the DTA] tabled a good motion about properly rewarding traditional leaders. I’m however disappointed with the Prime Minister who criticised the motion. Listen Mister PM, it is for constructive contributions we have members from all political parties in the house. You know it well. The tendency of most, if not all of you Swapo members in the National Assembly, of opposing all motions tabled by opposition parties will hamper development on the one hand and portray intolerant, totalitarian and dictatorial mentalities of Swapo members on the other.* PERHAPS it is NBC that is not reporting accurately on the debates in Parliament, if not, mind you the House has gone wildly mad. Instead of debating on national policy issues affecting ordinary Namibians in the ocean of poverty, MPs go to the House to justify their status, both past and present on taxpayers’ money wasting valuable time. It is time to clean the house of stagnated ideas and lack of progress.* I PLEAD with the Speaker of the National Assembly to call the assembly to order. Can the MPs please listen to one another and stop arguing about insensible issues in the House. If they want to do this they should look for another platform. What they are currently doing is an embarrassment to our nation. Let them discuss motions that have the interest of the nation at heart, not their political affiliation.* I’M tired of being the second best in Swapo and the Government. If you want to be recycled, join the RDP and get a position as Secretary of a region whilst deserving people are overlooked. It all boils down to jobs for pals again? I thought the new party would make fresh beginnings? Come on HH recycle them all and then what? * ELECTION fever is the time when ministers, MPs, governors and councillors run around like mad, pretending that they care about the people. They want your vote. This is the only time they can meet the demands of the people. If you want anything from them, ask now. Ask now before the 2009 elections because after the elections you are nothing to them.* CAN the Ministry of Trade and Industry tell us if Namibia will develop its own merchant marine fleet with cargo and tanker vessels for export and import. The Trans-Kalahari Highway is there, what about the Trans Atlantic Ocean Way? – John Education * DECLARE the Pioniers Boys’ School a rehabilitation centre! It is with great shock and dismay that I hear about issues happening at the above-mentioned school, specifically the three burnt classes! This is a clear indication that teachers’ lives at this school are in danger. What is going to be done to bring the culprits to book? What did the Ministry of Education do to guarantee the safety of staff? What did management do and are doing about the lack of discipline at the school? We as a nation want to hear and be invited to this meeting! The school has become a danger zone, not just to the affected teachers but also indirectly to the nation! Drastic safety measures should be in place or close the school before something serious happens. – Concerned parent! * PLEASE Directorate of Adult Basic Education we’re sick and tired of the N$720 stipend we receive as literacy officers. This amount is not even enough to buy food for a month. Please bring our allowance to at least N$1 200 because everything is increasing now and we’re only working a contract of eight months per year.* WHY can’t the Ministry of Education force teachers to work till 16h00 or 17h00? Learners are failing and can’t read, but teachers grab their handbags and cellphones 10 minutes to one and are standing in the doorway. It’s high time that teachers are called to order.* THANKS for the good news to allow Grade 10 failures back to school. My question is: which schools still have space because all are full as I understand. Tell us where we must take our children.From the regions * I AM surprised that a multi-millionaire like Mr Frans Indongo and many other businesses in the North are not following the good example of the owner of INM who donated trucks to help the flood victims. The very same people affected by the floods are the ones supporting his businesses. Please do something, the nation is waiting.* THE Governor of Ohangwena Region is not living up to his responsibilities. His region is the most affected by the floods but his mind is just focused on Swapo campaigns. He doesn’t care about the situation the people are in and that is why he ended up lying to the nation about the little bridge at Engela. He must refrain from trying to capitalise on serious situations like the one at Engela by praising his Swapo Party for good work that other people did. He is failing in his duties and by so doing he is discouraging good people from helping out in critical situations. We need a Governor who has the interest of the people at heart not him.* COMRADE Governor of Ohangwena Region joined politics like others from different occupations. He was given the mandate by the people of his party, Swapo, to lead this region. And we are happy for what he is doing for this region and its people. We know that he had the meeting with Swapo headmen. RDP is free to call a meeting with headmen too. As far as we know Swapo goes where it has support, unlike RDP who visits places where it has no support.* CAN the Municipality of Swakopmund also attend to the building plans of clients who go through normal procedures? The pace is too slow compared to those having close friends inside or willing to pay bribes.* OMUTHIYA is one developing locality in Namibia. Let’s differentiate between development and politics, fellow citizens.General * THANKS to The Dogg and Gazza – at least now we are talking. We are now one family. I call on the fans of the two musicians to behave and stop fighting each other.* AS a former prisoner I don’t see any problem with prisoners working at Seaflower Whitefish Corporation, instead of just eating three times a day at the taxpayer’s expense. Many more prisoners can do the same throughout the land of the brave. – Mr Mabazo * WAKE up soldiers. This Government has been deceiving us for many years because it knows that we cannot protest or make a mutiny. We all are aware of [alleged] corruption in NDF.* THERE are some people who believe that if she/he is outspoken then they have the ability or knowledge or skills for any type of job. English is just a communication skill, there is no way you can be promoted to the post of e.g. a marketing manager with low marks in Grade 12 and excellent English. A person with an E in English and a Diploma from Polytech can at least do a SWOT analysis that they have learnt through tertiary education. Please let us stop favouritism and nepotism. Nepotism is not only corruption but also an evil.