Kaviveterue Virere 

The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) has strongly condemned what it calls the “cowardly and manipulative” practice of politicians using school learners to advance their political agendas. 

Speaking at an urgent press conference held yesterday at the International University of Management main campus in Windhoek, the union’s leadership expressed outrage at the trend, warning that it undermines both education and democracy. 

The press briefing was addressed by Bernhard Kavau, chairperson of the SUN board; Selma Shigwedha, Khomas regional chairperson of SUN, and Intelligent Katire, the Union’s national legal secretary. 

The leaders vowed to launch a thorough investigation into cases where learners have allegedly been pushed into political activities, reciting poems or making speeches in favour of certain parties during national events. 

The duo was referring to recent events in Katima Mulilo where school learners were used. 

In one such event, SUN allege that school learners were brought into the hall to give comments after the Katima Mulilo town council was dissolved. 

Similarly, during this week’s Heroes Day commemoration, school learners were made to read a poem about corruption in the country. 

“We are not leaving this issue here. The union is going to investigate, and we are going to find the coward who is behind this,” Kavau said firmly. 

SUN leaders argued that this practice is neither new nor accidental. 

Kavau reminded the press that similar incidents had occurred before. 

First, it involved school councils, and now, learners have been made to speak in public commemorations, apparently to glorify political leaders. 

“They are using our children as political tools,” he said. 

“Imagine, learners are supposed to be in school, focusing on their studies, yet they are gathered in one place to deliver statements that are clearly politically motivated. When will they get time to study?,” he questioned 

He added that the Education Act of Namibia strictly prohibits political affiliation in basic education. 

He said there are also clear legal and policy  frameworks, such as Information and Communication Policies, that protect learners’ rights from being violated in such ways. 

The union leaders placed part of the responsibility on teachers and school principals, who allegedly allow such activities. 

Kavau argued that learners cannot participate in political performances without the approval of school authorities. 

“This tells us that in some schools, teachers themselves are not serious about the learners. Instead of teaching, they are busy with politics,” he charged. 

“One even wonders what exactly they are teaching in classrooms if their focus is on campaigns,” he added. 

Kavau noted that forcing learners to rehearse “nonsensical political statements” robs them of valuable study time and healthy leisure, instead burdening them with stress. 

“You could clearly see some of those learners struggling, almost collapsing while speaking. We don’t want a child to die because of a coward politician who cannot face another adult leader,” he said. 

SUN said they have no objection to civic education in schools, provided it is neutral and aimed at empowering learners with knowledge about democracy, rights and responsibilities.