Windhoek
In an unprecedented move the group of close to 100 ‘struggle kids’ which is camping near the Swapo head office staged a brief demonstration to demand jobs – before President Hage Geingob could even take his seat after he officially launched the Swapo election campaign in Windhoek on Saturday.
In what seemed to be a calculated move to steal the limelight from the Head of State, the group embarked on a brief but peaceful demonstration marching from the stadium to the gate before they returned to their seats to continue listening to the leaders.
The group, which is currently camping near the Swapo headquarters surprised a fully packed Independence Stadium – suddenly stood up in the pavilion and started chanting liberation songs and demanding jobs.
They sang that they are tired of camping in the bushes, while government ignores their plea for employment. The police, who maintained a heavy presence around the stadium, kept a close watch on the group to ensure peace and order is maintained.
When asked why they used such a platform to chant liberation songs before the president could even take his seat following his address, the group said they just wanted to sing liberation songs and for it to be recognised that their struggle for jobs still continues.
The president, who watched the group silently and his along with his entourage, after the completion of the programme took the opportunity to address them, but was not pleased by their actions.
He said he is surprised by the young people’s actions and urged them to show respect towards elders. Geingob said all children, whether born in exile or inside the country, are included and are recognised by government.
“I have started dialogue with your group’s leaders, but there should also be order,” he noted. After the rally the group walked back to their campsite peacefully.