We can’t allow Namibia to drown in alcohol: President

YOUNG Namibian entrepreneurs should steer clear of the liquor business, President Hifikepunye Pohamba has cautioned, saying he has no wish to be viewed as a leader of drunks.

Speaking at the launch of the 2007 Youth Expo in Windhoek on Saturday, Pohamba referred to a confrontation with shebeen owners last year, when the head of state said he was asked to bend the law to allow them to do what they wanted. “I said no, I cannot do that,” he stressed, adding that when he took over as president he swore to defend and protect the Constitution.He told the young entrepreneurs, who will hold their 10th annual expo to showcase their businesses in September, that making liquor their business was not a good idea.”I feel as a leader, I should not be a leader of the drunkards,” he said to loud applause.People who drank to the point of hangovers, he said, were not productive.In fact, many of the people frequenting ‘kambashus’ were unemployed.President Pohamba said he and the Government had the responsibility of educating citizens about the negative effects of drink on society.”I have asked that churches and other NGOs join hands with the Government,” he added.He questioned how much of a part alcohol played in the violence being experienced in the country.”What is happening now in this country is unheard of,” he said.”Where are we going as a nation?” Women and girl children were no longer free to move around because of fear.Fear of men.”Sons of mothers and it is men who are doing these evil things,” he said.Urging the upcoming young entrepreneurs to be positive agents for change, Pohamba said they should use all available training opportunities.Through the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (Etsip), curricula have been readjusted with entrepreneurship now being offered in schools.First National Bank and Namdeb were the main sponsors at the launch, each pledging N$100 000 towards the annual event.”I said no, I cannot do that,” he stressed, adding that when he took over as president he swore to defend and protect the Constitution.He told the young entrepreneurs, who will hold their 10th annual expo to showcase their businesses in September, that making liquor their business was not a good idea.”I feel as a leader, I should not be a leader of the drunkards,” he said to loud applause.People who drank to the point of hangovers, he said, were not productive.In fact, many of the people frequenting ‘kambashus’ were unemployed.President Pohamba said he and the Government had the responsibility of educating citizens about the negative effects of drink on society.”I have asked that churches and other NGOs join hands with the Government,” he added.He questioned how much of a part alcohol played in the violence being experienced in the country.”What is happening now in this country is unheard of,” he said.”Where are we going as a nation?” Women and girl children were no longer free to move around because of fear.Fear of men.”Sons of mothers and it is men who are doing these evil things,” he said.Urging the upcoming young entrepreneurs to be positive agents for change, Pohamba said they should use all available training opportunities.Through the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (Etsip), curricula have been readjusted with entrepreneurship now being offered in schools.First National Bank and Namdeb were the main sponsors at the launch, each pledging N$100 000 towards the annual event.