Unam Students Tour State House

Many Namibians aspire to set foot on the roof of the State House and recently students from the University of Namibia, under the office of the SRC’s Secretary of External Affairs had the opportunity to experience the setting and environment of the President of Namibia’s home.

Located in the Auasblick suburb of Windhoek, the State House was constructed from September 2002 to March 2008 over a total of 66 months. It was officially opened on 21 March 2008 by former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The students from the university were welcomed by a tour guide before they embarked on a tour on all three floors of the building. They were shown through the halls and rooms where the drop-off and pick-up points are, press conference rooms, cabinet’s chamber and historical paintings.

They also had the opportunity to meet several State House staff members who discussed what an average working day entails. The curious students were also lucky to see the mega-structures that host the President and the First Lady, the area where visiting Heads of States are welcomed, where cabinet hosts meetings and the areas where the Prime Minister and all ministers meet to discuss issues of national importance.

“I would certainly describe the experience as fruitful and informative as the students felt inspired to succeed. It is with every right that the young Namibians also have access to the State House to seek inspiration and inhale national identity,” said Tuikila Kaiyamo, Unam External Affairs SRC.

Other students who were on this tour narrated their visit as very educative and fruitful. Fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student Matti Gabriel saw his exposure to the house as empowering. “My visit to the state house was empowering and inspiring. A feeling of empowerment to become a future leader to transform Namibia and Africa at large came over me. I was inspired to walk in the shoes of my leaders.”

Admiring the view of State House was Mbeurora Karamata, a fourth-year law student. “I was totally mesmerised. I have not seen such a beautiful place in my life. The furniture, the decor, the floors, the chandeliers, the secret chambers, the staff and the order in which things happen. I just drew so much inspiration from it, in both my career as well as my private life. I am proud to know that the place where we host international delegates is of such a high standard. I’m a proud citizen.”

Kaiyamo, who was also the organiser of the tour, explained that the trip was of paramount importance to the students. “The buildings of the State House are perceived by many as sacred and often many wish to see this very same house that hosts the people with the highest authority. The tour thus gave the students the sense of belonging.”