President Nangolo Mbumba has urged voters in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections to cast their ballots peacefully on Wednesday to strengthen democracy.
He made these remarks at State House yesterday during the donation handover of smart screens and tablets by Huawei Technologies Namibia to Oshigambo and Alpo Mauno Mbamba high schools.
“I believe that we will exercise our democratic right of voting peacefully as we have been doing all these years – in a dignified, fair and free manner,” he pleaded.
The President expressed hope that voters will turn up en masse to exercise their democratic rights.
“I believe that all of us who are present here have registered, and will be going out on Wednesday in full force to do our patriotic duty as citizens by casting our votes for the presidential and parliamentary candidates and parties of our choice to further strengthen our democracy,” Mbumba said before moving to the donation.
“I trust that the regional education directors present here, together with the chairpersons of the school boards and the principals, will ensure – under the guidance of the custodian minister and the executive director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and with assistance from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, where needed – that these donations are put to good use, taken care of, and used to empower our students to become technology-proficient,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of embracing rapid technological advancements.
“This is the first step in the right direction to encourage technology know-how, innovation and creativity in our schools through teaching aids, which Huawei Namibia has donated to the value of N$900 000. I trust this will mark the beginning of a fruitful relationship between Huawei and our education sector, and will hopefully be replicated in other schools in the future,” he stated.
Huawei managing director Zhang Qiyan noted that the donation aims to promote digital literacy.
“The donation of technological equipment to Namibia’s most excellent schools underscores Huawei’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s educational transformation, and advancing the country’s digital transformation in the future,” he said.
Huawei, a global leader in information and communication technology, operates in more than 170 countries.
“Each school will receive two Idea Hub screens and 20 tablets for their teachers and students to enhance education and digital interaction,” he said.
Deputy education minister Faustina Caley received the donation, noting that it has come at the right time.