Windhoek — Twenty-five students and graduates from Southern Africa who are currently participating in the 'Go Africa' scholarship exchange programme are to pay a courtesy call on President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Monday.

The exchange venture was initiated by the German Federal President Horst Köhler, with the aim to correct misperceptions about the reality of everyday life in Southern Africa and Germany.

Two of the students are Namibians.

Yesterday Ute König, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Namibia, said participants had to write a small essay to qualify for the programme. She said one of the major aims of the programme is to establish partnerships between future generations of African and German academics in the field of economics, politics and law.

"The participants study the political, social and economic systems of Namibia and Germany, learn about education and health care services and the history of both countries. In addition to the discussions with Namibian and German politicians, scholars and journalists, the participants will take part in cultural and political events and various excursions," said König.

The group arrived in the country on Wednesday, where they will spend a few days in the capital before travelling to different places of interest, amongst others Otjiwarongo, Etosha, Twyfelfontein and Swakopmund.

In Berlin, she said, the group met with Federal President Horst Köhler on August 24.

"After two weeks in Germany the programme is now entering its second stage. The participants will be in Namibia until September 18."