Southerners feel ‘snubbed’ by Pohamba

THE no-show of President Hifikepunye Pohamba at the Keetmanshoop World AIDS Day commemoration on Saturday was seen in some quarters as a lack of political commitment in the fight against HIV-AIDS.

President Pohamba was billed for the main event of World Aids Day at Keetmanshoop, but did not attend, as he was addressing a Swapo rally in Windhoek after the conclusion of the party’s congress. Health Minister Richard Kamwi, who was to act as director of ceremonies at the Keetmanshoop event, also did not show up.In a statement read on behalf of the President by Karas Governor Dawid Boois, Pohamba urged the nation to join hands and work in unity of purpose to defeat the HIV-AIDS pandemic.”Our people are implored to show effective leadership in the fight against HIV-AIDS,” Pohamba said.”Our collective aim should be to create an enabling environment for the prevention and care for those who are infected by the virus,” he added.Health Minister Richard Kamwi, who was to act as director of ceremonies at the Keetmanshoop event, also did not show up.In a statement read on behalf of the President by Karas Governor Dawid Boois, Pohamba urged the nation to join hands and work in unity of purpose to defeat the HIV-AIDS pandemic.”Our people are implored to show effective leadership in the fight against HIV-AIDS,” Pohamba said.”Our collective aim should be to create an enabling environment for the prevention and care for those who are infected by the virus,” he added.