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Press Releases: RENEWED CONCERN OVER ANTI-KWANYAMAISM
Published: Jul 30, 2010 - 03:32 PMThis article received 98 reads.
July 30 2010
Ethnic Kwanyama nurses and other residents at and or near the Engela District Lutheran Hospital in the Ohangwena Region are concerned about what appears to be a sign of renewed anti-Kwanyama sentiments in the country. Human rights monitors in the said region this morning were shown a manifestly hate text message (i.e. SMS). The message, in Oshikwambi-Kwanyama dialect, appears to be aimed at all members of the Oshikwanyama tribal group in the country. It reads:
“Omakwanyama twega tarifa nawa nee, naa kare moruhepo lavo mo. Opaati hetu itamu kala omaAngora aye”. (In English: “We have taught the hated Kwanyamas a lesson, they must remain in their penury. Angolans are not welcome in our party.”)
The text originated from an “unavailable” MTC Tango mobile number. It was sent at 14h37 to the mobile number of a male principal registered nurse (PRN) at the aforementioned health institution. The recipient nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity for professional reasons, is a supporter of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) in the area. It was not immediately known as to what exactly triggered the hate message.
However, both human rights defenders and local residents are concerned that the hate text may signal continued anti-Kwanyama sentiments on the part of certain political factions in the country. Previously, hate expression of this nature came predominantly from ruling Swapo party activists.
In case of additional comment, please call: Steven Mvula and or Phil ya Nangoloh at Tel: 061 236 183 or 061 253 447 (office hours) or Mobiles: 081291 2948 (Steven) or 081 122 9886 (Phil) or E-mail: nshr@nshr.org.na or www.nshr.org.na
The text originated from an “unavailable” MTC Tango mobile number. It was sent at 14h37 to the mobile number of a male principal registered nurse (PRN) at the aforementioned health institution. The recipient nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity for professional reasons, is a supporter of the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) in the area. It was not immediately known as to what exactly triggered the hate message.
However, both human rights defenders and local residents are concerned that the hate text may signal continued anti-Kwanyama sentiments on the part of certain political factions in the country. Previously, hate expression of this nature came predominantly from ruling Swapo party activists.
In case of additional comment, please call: Steven Mvula and or Phil ya Nangoloh at Tel: 061 236 183 or 061 253 447 (office hours) or Mobiles: 081291 2948 (Steven) or 081 122 9886 (Phil) or E-mail: nshr@nshr.org.na or www.nshr.org.na
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