WINDHOEK – The International University of Management (IUM) Student Representative Council (SRC) has condemned the ongoing senseless and brutal killing of women in the country.
The recent barbaric murder of Mirjam Tuyakula Nandjato (24) by her lover Ananias Nailenge, who went on to behead her has been roundly condemned across Namibia, including by President Hifikepunye Pohamba this week. Speaking on behalf of the student body during the official opening of the 2014 academic year yesterday, Herman Rutz, who is the SRC president urged Namibian men to refrain from commiting evil acts against women. “We must reject the killing of our sisters, we must condemn the brutal killing of women in Namibia. Killing her will not give you love, killing her will not make you man enough, killing her will not return the money you have spent on her for Brazilian hair, killing her will not return the Galaxy S4 you bought for her,” thundered the SRC president. Rutz further advised those in rocky relationships to seek professional help to resolve conflicts without hurting or killing one another. “Sleep over it. Indulge in dialogue. Let us talk. Let us write (put your anger in writing) and please let us stop what is called passion killing,” he urged.
He also encouraged fellow students to ensure that they participate in the general registration of voters, which already started on January 15 and ends on March 2, saying, “it’s our democratic right to vote in the upcoming elections.” IUM Vice Chancellor, Virginia Namwandi also cautioned students, especially females saying, “motherhood and studies are not good partners.” She said females should bear in mind that in case they fall pregnant, they will be the only ones to carry the greater part of the burden. “Be wise. If you think sending the baby home to the village will be the solution you are mistaken. Even if the baby is far away from you, you still carry the responsibility for that child and your studies will inevitably be disrupted,” she advised. Also, Namwandi urged IUM students and others to realise that they have plenty of time to raise families after they have graduated and are married. “If any of you is already pregnant, please get in touch with the Dean of Students immediately to get some advise,” the vice chancellor appealed. “Parenting is a shared responsibility and thereafter you stand to compromise your studies if you become a father prematurely,” she said, directing her remarks to male students. She also warned IUM students against wanton vandalism of the university’s infrastructure and equipment, as well as theft on campus.
By Albertina Nakale