Prime minister chases journalists from event

By Hileni Nembwaya
JOURNALISTS from various independ­ent media houses were chased out of an event in Ondangwa, by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who was responding to drought-related matters at the time.
The incident happened during Kuu­gongelwa-Amadhila’s courtesy visit to Roa­ma Gates Manufacturing last Friday.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila told journalists, who were already at the venue, to vacate the premises.
She said that “sensitive and serious is­sues” were to be discussed, and only the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was allowed to be in attendance.
“I would like to respond to a series of matters raised here, especially the redis­tribution of drought relief food, with the NBC. Can everyone leave the venue please, I want to have a recording with NBC only,” said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, as she pre­pared to answer to questions raised by businessman, Robby Amadhila.
In his contribution, before the media was asked to leave, Amadhila had criticised the drought relief programme, saying that the government should stop handing out free food to the poor, as it enabled laziness and was counterproductive.
“Our people must learn that productiv­ity is the only way we can say thank you to the blood that waters our freedom. We must go out, and whoever is not hard­working, must be declared an enemy of Namibia,” he said.
Journalists were disappointed by Kuu­gongelwa-Amadhila’s actions, after they were told to disperse by her security per­sonnel.