Hertta-Maria Amutenja
A group of the so-called Struggle Kids is demanding that N$13 million in an account named Children of the Liberation Struggle, resorting under the Office of Prime Minister must be pumped into different ministries to create job opportunities for them.
“We gave our point of view that we want that money to be divided between different ministries so that those ministries can create employment and opportunities for the children of the liberation struggle. They can even invest in the Ministry of agriculture or just in nature conservation. There are many opportunities they can create for the children of the liberation struggle,” said the Spokesperson of the group Wilhelm Julius.
It was reported last week that an audit report by the Auditor General Junias Kandjeke indicated that the account is one of the eight accounts in the books of the OPM for the 2021/2022 financial year.
Namibia Exile Kids Association (Neka) Vice President, Kadiva Hamutumwa in a statement said that a task force has been established, consisting of three exco members that have the responsibility of coming up with business proposals that will be submitted to the OPM.
However, the group, which claims they only became aware about the funds through the media, asserted they do no not want the business proposal ideas as the money will disappear.
“Those projects they want to invest in will not be beneficial to us as the money or the proceedings will just disappear. We are yet to make an appointment with the people responsible. We still need to sit down amongst ourselves and see how will approach them with this issue,” added Julius.
Earlier in February the group protested in front of the main entrance of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, demanding jobs and that they be registered under the Defence Ministry.
However, five protestors from a group were arrested after the group blocked the ministry’s main entrance and prevented people from entering or exiting the building.
The group’s leader, John Amadhila then said they will do anything they can to ensure that they are given first priority for employment opportunities at the ministry.
Moreover, in 2016, N$11,3 million which was taken from the Social Security Commission (SSC) coffers to allegedly donate to the children of the liberation struggle came under scrutiny with the involvement of State House having been questioned.
The funds taken from the SSC’s development fund were allegedly meant for the unemployed youth to advance themselves in terms of training for specific jobs, grants, bursaries, loans and other financial aid for tertiary students.
