20 January 2014 STUDENT ACTIVISM “Redefining Student Politics & Engaging with Students” ______________________________________________________ To: University of Namibia (UNAM) Students ______________________________________________________ Cc: University of Namibia Management/Council, University of Namibia Administrative and Academic Staff, University of Namibia Student Representative Council Members 2015 and All Aspiring UNAM Students for 2015. ______________________________________________________ CHANGE @ THE UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA (UNAM) ______________________________________________________ The Motto of the University:”Education, Service and Development, declares the mission of the Institution, and serves as source of inspiration to both learner’s and teachers and other Unam entire community “ ======================================================= Greetings and Compliments for the New Year First and with all respect we believe you are certainly looking for a year of mixed experiences and certainly looking forward to a year with better prospects for yourselves and indeed for the entire UNAM Community and so far for some of us as Much as we advocate for Change and improvement within the University of Namibia especially in regard to STUDENT WELFARE as Key Priority the current changes that have been taking place at the University of Namibia especially In regard to the RENAMING of the ENGINEERING CAMPUS IN ONGWEDIVA to JOSE EDUARDO DOS SANTOS CAMPUS last year (2014) August and now January (2015) in regard to the NEW University of Namibia LOGO makes one wonders if we really want to add value and improve the Image of the University of Namibia(UNAM). As we as an University seeking for excellence after 2 decades as a higher tertiary Institution in Namibia then there is a Major doubt this New LOGO will Improve the Public Image and brand of the University of Namibia (UNAM) as it is undesired and compromises our brand identity as it does not add value to the University at all and should a survey be carried out Today Most students will be of the same opinion and considering this will be on our Degrees leaves nothing to be desired as much as we want to “Open Our Mind” we STUDENT WELFARE ACTIVIST Kindly request the University management and all that took part in this design exercise of the New Logo to Please “Open Your Mind!” and work on it as it looks right there are still improvements and a bit of creativity needed, perhaps a competition should be availed to all students to come and development a New logo for the University as we students as key holders of the University would appreciate that and have as sense of pride and develop a culture of ownership of our beloved University unless the management doubt that we do have creative students which is another issue. The RENAMING of the Engineering Campus in Ongwediva to José Eduardo dos Santos Campus last year (2014) August most students are still trying to understand what value has the President of the Republic of Angola Contributed to the University of Namibia to deserve such an Honor while we student have opened our minds to the extent that we are well aware of the current situations and injustices in Angola. “August 13, 2014 Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Namibia José Eduardo dos Santos Campus The University of Namibia officially announced the naming of the Campus which houses the Faculty Engineering Information Technology on 6 August. The campus will now be known as the José Eduardo dos Santos Campus. The decision to name the campus was done to pay tribute to a partner of Namibia during the struggle for independence, as well as to eliminate any confusion between the Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus and the campus hosting the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, both of which are located in Ongwediva. Speaking at the naming ceremony, Prof. Lazarus Hangula, Unam Vice-Chancellor, had this to say: “The University of Namibia feels that now is as opportune a moment as any for the Namibian nation to recognise the special individuals that assisted Namibia with attaining her freedom from oppression. It is with these memories fresh in our hearts and minds, that the University of Namibia feels that it is most befitting to name this campus as José Eduardo dos Santos Campus. This naming is not a mere token of appreciation. It is a symbol of African solidarity and the downfall of segregation.” _ Prof. Lazarus Hangula, Unam Vice-Chancellor As Much as we appreciate all that contributed to the So called independence of the Republic of Namibia we should never turn a blind eye to OPPRESSORS and DICTATORS due to the fact that we consider them as friends forever and neither should we accept the injustices committed by our Friends as acceptable and reasonable as seen in other parts of Africa One day the University would acknowledge that it’s decision would have not been in the best Interested of the Future Generation of this Country and the Message we sending out there is not appropriate. As much as we give reasons to be reasonable such as “to eliminate any confusion between the Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus and the campus hosting the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, both of which are located in Ongwediva.” There are many Heroes and Heroines fallen son and daughters of this Motherland that are no longer with us that would have deserved such tribute and honour due to the contribution to their motherland during the struggle for independence. The Change of the LOGO have attracted a great deal of attention from students and sparked considerable creative input to be considered from students. Some people have a strong preference the design concepts. Others if allowed would generate alternative logo ideas of their own as the New logo University of Namibia (UNAM) is lacklustre, dull and awful. Still others would prefer no change at all. This passionate and mixed reaction leads to many conclusions. First, we need to extend the timeline for making any final decision about a new logo and make sure we listen thoughtfully to everyone who wants to weigh in. Accordingly, we should be keeping a window open for comments and suggestions throughout January 2015. Second, we need to ensure that whatever decision is finally made reflects as fully as possible the views of the UNAM family. To that end, there is a need to assemble an advisory panel that represents all stakeholders—alumni, students, faculty, staff and so forth—and ask for their guidance as we move toward a decision. Finally, the strong reaction to the New logo underscores how very much members of the UNAM community and, indeed, citizens across Namibia, care about their flagship public university and the symbols that represent it. UNAM is a world-class institution competing on a national and international stage. We must present ourselves with real CLARITY and CONSISTENCY both to our friends and to those who know little of our mission or aspirations. Like any serious enterprise in a competitive marketplace, we must invest in and manage our BRAND IDENTITY. We all acknowledge that Change is difficult for people, but A new logo must bring energy to the institution and this New logo is lacking that. __________________________________________________________ “As a way forward we need to know whats going to happen, to agree on whats going on. Let us help decide. Let us approve. “ __________________________________________________________ As a way forward we need to know whats going to happen, to agree on whats going on. Let us help decide. Let us approve as the serious of all problems calls for deep transformation; mere reforms are not enough to recover that “we all” all the students of the University of Namibia have been being waiting for. We must collectively make decisions that will best serve our interest in maintaining stability, equal opportunity and good governance. As students, together with all other progressive formations WE have the energy, the time and the power to change things for better and we can do better let’s not accept worthless Changes that do not add Value to the University of Namibia(UNAM) and our Well being especially the New Logo and the Renaming of the Engineering Campus in Ongwediva to José Eduardo dos Santos Campusas we all know all great things that were done were done by helping each other, let’s hold hands and move forward together. Thank You, again, for your interest, passion and support for this great university. Long live Unam let’s create legacy by the Students and for the students Lets us continue with the Spirit of Giving a Sense of Humanity, and A Pledge to Spread Peace & Happiness...!” Life Goes On...!” _____________________________________________________ Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations and never never ever give up or give in something you belief even if it means standing alone. ______________________________________________________ Get up, stand up, and Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, Dont give up the fight!!! ______________________________________________________ Still Committed To The Struggle - To Educating, Inspiring & Leading & Grateful for that… I Thank You Salute Respectfully Yours Yours Truly Richman Kamaitieua Tjiriange (Student Welfare Activist) +264 81 206 1439 ======================================================== NB: Please Note that the views/remarks Expressed here are mine as a Student at the University of Namibia and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Any Organization, Institute, Federation and Union.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 06:31:35 +0000