Allexer Namundjebo
The University of Namibia (UNAM) says only 38 students will be temporarily relocated from its hostel to make way for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
Namibia will be hosting the games, which are scheduled for 4 to 13 July.
On Monday, the university responded to growing concern among students and student leaders about a reported directive requiring some hostel residents to vacate their rooms ahead of the games.
Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho said the university is not evicting students but relocating a small number to allow for renovations and to accommodate more than 2,200 athletes and officials.
“This forms part of Namibia’s national commitment as host of this significant continental sporting event,” said Namesho. “No student will be left without accommodation,” he stressed.
The university confirmed that this decision affects 38 out of the 1,525 hostel residents.
Namesho clarified that the university made the decision with full awareness of the academic calendar.
Students who are still writing exams will be moved to alternative accommodation.
The university will provide transport, meals, WiFi, and security.
Storage has been arranged for students’ belongings.
UNAM has engaged with student leaders and has started direct talks with affected students at the Main and Khomasdal campuses.
“The planned renovations are not just for the games,” said Namesho.
“They are a strategic investment that will significantly improve student accommodation and campus infrastructure in the long term.”
On Sunday, the Student Representative Council (SRC) submitted a petition to Ellen Ndeshi Namhila, UNAM’s acting vice chancellor.
The petition rejected the relocation order and called for its reversal.
“The SRC writes to categorically reject the university’s instruction that all hostel residents vacate their rooms by Wednesday, 11 June or Friday, 13 June,” the petition reads.
“This is not a proposal but an imperative, and it runs counter to the contractual understanding under which students paid for accommodation through the examination period.”
The SRC acknowledged the importance of the games but criticised their timing.
They said the order comes during a critical exam period and that many students, especially those from remote areas and international students, have no alternatives.
The petition also raised mental health concerns, citing incidents of anxiety, sleeplessness, and panic attacks.
“This assault on their mental health is intolerable, and we therefore demand the immediate rescission of the vacate order.”
The Namibia National Student Organisation (Nanso) supported the SRC’s stance.
The National African Students Association (Nasa) also condemned the relocation.
