Graduation ceremony of the African Leadership Institute
18 September 2008, Safari Hotel, Windhoek
Keynote address by the Honourable Willem Konjore, Minister of Youth, National
Service, Sports & Culture, on behalf of the Honourable Nangolo Mbumba, Minister
of Education.
Director of Ceremonies
Hon Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Theo Ben Gurirab
Hon Governor of Khomas Region Hon Sofia Shaningwa
Hon Minister of Safety and Security Dr. Nickey Iyambo
Hon Minister of Trade & Industry Dr Hage Geingob
Hon Minister of Lands and Resettlement Hon Alpheus !Naruseb
Hon Deputy Minister of Finance Hon Tjikero Tweya
Hon Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Hon Paul Smit
Mr Frans Kapofi – Secretary to Cabinet
Ambassador of Democratic Republic of Congo Mr & Mrs Kaboba Kasongo Wakimba
Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe Mr & Mrs Mutiwazuka
Mr. Dawie Fourie, Founder of the African Leadership Institute (ALI)
Chairperson of the Board - African Leadership Institute (ALI)
Members of the Board - African Leadership Institute (ALI)
The Sponsors: Old Mutual Group and Metropolitan Namibia
Dear Graduants
Distinguished Invited Guests
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good evening
“Small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events and great minds discuss
ideas” anonymous source.
My presence here today is not necessarily that of my constitutional responsibility as the
Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture. I am here to represent the
Minister of Education who was delegated by H.E. the President of the Republic of
Namibia, Comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba. I am also here in an equally important
capacity that of being a loyal citizen to represent all my compatriots who, for the past
several years have been earnestly praying for a more reliable, effective and efficient
education system.
The Government of Namibia is striving every year to improve the quality of our
education system. Our future economic and global leadership depend on having the finest
educational system possible. And we have made a concerted effort to provide quality
education to many of our students. Many of our high schools are providing outstanding
education, guided by dedicated school principals with outstanding teachers, visionary
administrators, with quality resources. Some schools are amazing success stories and
make for great news stories.
But, we also have much reason to be concerned about our educational system. It is not as
good as it could be for thousands of students. There are many schools especially in rural
areas with inadequate school resources like decent classrooms and textbooks. Therefore
many of our learners leave schools without the skills to compete in a global economy.
I had the opportunity of hearing about the African Leadership Institute some two years
ago. They shared their dreams with me, I was present when Old Mutual decided to
support them, when the Old Mutual Principal’s Academy was launched and I was in
attendance when the first thirteen students graduated on the 8 February 2007.
Tonight, as requested by our President His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, I am
witnessing the success where government, business, education, youth and the church join
hands to address the real needs in our country. I have been told that a further one hundred
and thirty leaders were equipped and one hundred are in the process of being trained.
True leaders are not afraid to control the truth, neither are they too insecure to
acknowledge their mistakes, but Africa also needs leaders who can celebrate when they
are doing the right things right.
I was right to be bold and assertive in supporting the founder and board of the African
Leadership Institute in their aspiration to train and equip leaders in support of Vision
2030.
I still believe that they are here to make a lasting difference and that this is only the
beginning! They possess the necessary skills, balance, dedication and inner strength to
bring forth a sustainable transformation.
As the Minister of Education I am excited about the completion of the training of the
fourty principals of government schools representing by all thirteen regions, twenty
UNAM students, eighteen Polytechnic students and fourty five students from
Government, business and church institutions.
I understand that the African Leadership Institute focuses, amongst others, on servanthood, influence, the truth and results. May I then boldly warn principals and all
stakeholders of Education in Namibia: we have a daunting task ahead of us.
The Ministry of Education is grateful for support it receive from various stakeholders
such as Old Mutual and Metropolitan, hard working officials from the ministry,
principals, HOD’s, teachers and learners. I thank the African Leadership Institute, for
their valuable contribution, to the education sector.
Please allow me tonight to convey a special message to our parents to support their
principals, parent committees and school boards. We need more of our parents’
resources, especially your investment of time into our schools and our children, your
children, if we need to reach the objectives of Vision 2030.
Director of Ceremonies
I have focused enough for now on our educational leaders. As we will tonight also reward
business and church leaders, please allow me to say a few words to them as well. I earlier
said that education leaders has a daunting task ahead of us… the same is true for the
church leaders. They should have a higher impact in the moral and ethical values of the
whole nation. If the church leaders and church members are not doing it, who will? This
is surely not only the government’s responsibility.
Church leaders should also be more strategically involved in the practical relieve of the
needs of the poor, widows, orphans and the reconciliation of relationships. I am
convinced that if the churches are called to influence government, they should first do
their jobs well, by making a visible impact in their communities. For that to happen they
need to join hands with other church leaders, with business and government leaders.
That brings me, lastly, to our business leaders. Their task is as daunting. We as a nation
are in need of more people with scientific, technical and professional skills. More leaders
who are equipped in all aspects of our economy are needed to create more jobs and more
wealth.
I thank the business leaders, of some who are here tonight, for their contribution towards
community upliftment and for allocating resources through sincere social responsibility
programs. But, so much more resources and skills are needed to fulfill the objectives of
Vision 2030.
Tonight we once again receive hope when we will witness more than 100 government,
education, church, business and youth leaders who are equipped to ensure a nation which
will be known for its prosperity, harmony, peace and political stability.
May we all accept our responsibilities, may we work hard, may we join hands and may
God bless us all and then, we will prosper.
I thank you all.