In our edition of Friday, July 7 2006, we inadvertently published a controversial letter by Hilaria Iiyambo, which has sparked a national uproar. New Era hereby unconditionally apologises to readers, advertisers and the general public for the publication of the letter, which is seen by many as fuelling tribal hate speech. The letter slipped through the editorial process, which in most instances is associated with constant pressures and instant editorial decision-making. In this case, a decision should have been made not to publish the letter. New Era also wishes to reassure the nation that it is against our editorial policy to provide a platform for tribal hate speech and similar diatribes. Therefore, we apologise for this error and undertake that measures are in place to ensure that in future such letters will not see the light of day in New Era. Editor