8 April 2008
Windhoek — THE University of Namibia (Unam) did not prevent its staff from being leaders of political parties, and therefore did not 'gag' them as an opposition party had alleged, Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba said on Thursday.
Mbumba was responding in the National Assembly to a question from Tsudao Gurirab of the CoD.
"The University has not given letters amounting to 'gagging orders' to any of its staff members, but merely enforced a policy that was always in place," Mbumba said.
Unam recently sent letters to staff reminding them of a policy against active participation in politics.
One lecturer, who is the president of the Swanu party, appears to contravene the policy.
The Unam policy allows staff to be members of a legal political party, attend a legal public political party meeting and take part in discussions, but they may not preside or act as a speaker at such meeting, Mbumba said.
He added that the policy stipulated that Unam staff members "may not conduct their political activities in such a way that they become an embarrassment to the university".
Party politics may not be conducted on campus, neither may Unam staff use bodies or meetings there to promote specific political aims.
It is also forbidden to compile or deliver public addresses to further the interests of a political party.
University staff members may not hold office in political parties.
The CoD's Gurirab asked Mbumba whether he was aware that Swapo leaders also held positions as lecturers and researchers at Unam.
Mbumba replied that such staff members took unpaid leave and did thus not get the policy letter, as they were aware of the said policy and complied with it.
"When national party leaders are allowed to operate on campus this often does not stimulate academic interaction, but rather raises tensions and creates confusion among students and staff alike, sometimes leading to violent clashes which hinder the development of good future citizenry."
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