Staff Reporter
RECENT statements by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba about Angolan kids begging in the streets of Namibia—and urging Angolan President João Lourenço to take action—did not go unnoticed in Angola.
Speaking during the NUST graduation ceremony in the Ohangwena Region earlier this month, Pohamba expressed unhappiness about Angolan kids begging in the streets of Namibia, an unseemly picture for visitors and tourists who might conclude that they are Namibian children.
He urged Angolan President Lourenço to address the situation.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Contributed
Several Angolan commentators used both mainstream media and social media platforms to express sympathy with Pohamba and to urge their government to take immediate action to repatriate the begging children, thereby salvaging the country’s image.
“The world is watching. Our shame has now crossed the borders,” said one commentator.
“When tourists mistake miserable Angolan kids for Namibian kids, the neighbouring country’s image is negatively affected by a problem that is not theirs but ours,” said another.
