Shifeta’s anti-gay sentiment stirs frenzy

Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta’s anti-gay sentiments have sparked mixed reactions.

Shifeta yesterday told The Namibian that he is not part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other (LGBTQI+) community.

His comments were in response to last week’s anonymous social media post that linked him to the LGBTQI+ community.

“… Why do they have to turn around and do something unnatural?” said Shifeta while responding to questions from The Namibian.

His response came after an audio accusing him of being part of the community circulated on social media.

He warned those who use his name in the same conversation as the LGBTQI+ community that he will deal with them.

“I did not want to go to that extent. Because they challenged me, I will challenge them back. They think people are happy with what they are doing.

“It is only that we respect them, but if they do not respect us [and] our dignity, I will fight back. Now, whatever comes, we will hit it hard,” he said.

The minister added that any tourist is welcome to Namibia irrespective of his or her social or sexual orientation, but should respect Namibian laws.

“No one will be arrested for being a gay or lesbian, but only when he or she commits a crime,” he said.

Shifeta said he is not homophobic, but he must not be incited.

“I must make it clear that I’m not against LGBTQI+, but they must not provoke me. I have kids and family and friends,” he said.

Political analyst Rui Tyitende reckons that the sexual orientation or gender identity of certain individuals in society has polarised the country.

“The utterances by the minister should not surprise anyone. It is a public secret that we have prominent members of our society that are gay. Why are they not coming out to speak and fight openly for the LGBTQI+ community? Is it public bashing that they fear?” he questioned. Those that are in positions of power or close to the corridors of power should lead the debate,” he said.

He said should prominent figures come out openly about their sexuality, this will encourage those who are in the closet to do the same and make their voices heard.

“Bedroom affairs cannot be legislated, even if you impose the death penalty,” he added.

LGBTQI+ activist Omar van Reenen said he is proudly engaging in sexual activities with men and asked the police to arrest him.

“This is my public statement to the Namibian Police that I have proudly engaged in consensual and loving sexual activities with men,” he said.

Van Reenen said the minister is calling for the unconstitutional apartheid-era sodomy law to be invoked.

“I want all of Namibia to see how dehumanising this state-sanctioned homophobia is going to tear our constitutional democracy apart.
“Lock me up simply for loving differently!” he said.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said Shifeta has every right to defend his name and dignity from what seems like false allegations.

“Those individuals in the LGBTQ community responsible for this malicious act must know that the fight for LGBTQ will not be won by implicating or publicly shaming innocent people. That in itself is a self-defeating approach for their cause and will turn away public support,” he said. He said Shifeta’s emotions got the best of him.

“Therefore, his response was a bridge too far and could have negative unintended consequences for the tourism industry, foreign direct investment and Namibia’s name and reputation,” he added.

The minister said he has since established who the author of the anonymous post is and the people behind the author of the post.

Shifeta said from this coming weekend, he will have a “knobkierie” to beat gay men who disturb him.

“I am not making threats, I am angry,” Shifeta said.

“I will take the law into my own hands … sodomy is a crime in Namibia. Even those who publicly admitted they had sex with their fellow men should have been arrested by the police,” Shifeta said.