Unam slams 'xenophobic attacks' on foreign staff
Submitted by NambianSun203 on Fri, 2013-06-21 08:20
WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT
The University of Namibia (Unam) has labelled recent concerns over the appointment and recruitment processes at the institution as 'xenophobic attacks'.
Recently a document surfaced targeting the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) and its appointment of the faculty dean in the Department of Animal Science, Professor Francisco Mausse, who is a foreigner.
The report also raised issues around Mausse's academic credentials and qualifications and queried if the proper procedures were followed when he was appointed.
Yesterday, in a media statement Unam director of communications, Edwin Tjiramba, described the issues raised as xenophobic behaviour from “staff members” which will not be tolerated.
Tjiramba's statement also included an extensive list of Mausse's work experience, qualifications, background and how it came to be that he was recruited.
According to the statement in September 1997, 12 Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries, including Namibia, signed a Protocol on Education and Training covering several fields of co-operation.
He said Unam has been benefitting from high-level expertise from the region, otherwise not available at the university or in the country.
On the basis of the SADC protocol, Unam has intensified its efforts towards full utilisation of regional available human resources, given that most of these countries share common challenges.
Tjiramba said it is known that Namibian Lecturers and professors are also involved in teaching and research at different South African universities. The recruitment of Mausse from Mozambique was done in the same spirit, said Tjiramba.
“Unam does not condone this xenophobic behaviour because, this is a university and by its nature will always have foreign lecturers and professors at its establishment, especially those from the SADC region as per the SADC Protocol on Education and Training,” according to Tjiramba.
It was stressed that although the university management supports freedom of expression, disciplinary action may be considered against staff members in view of xenophobic tendencies and animosity among staff.
This affected teaching and learning and the quality of research, development and growth of the faculty and its departments.
Mausse joined Unam as associate professor in January, 2011. He was appointed based on his research and teaching experience, as well as his publications and his unique expertise.
In October 2011, Unam advertised positions for deans of various Faculties. Mausse applied for the position he now occupies and was appointed until December 2015.
Recently a document surfaced targeting the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) and its appointment of the faculty dean in the Department of Animal Science, Professor Francisco Mausse, who is a foreigner.
The report also raised issues around Mausse's academic credentials and qualifications and queried if the proper procedures were followed when he was appointed.
Yesterday, in a media statement Unam director of communications, Edwin Tjiramba, described the issues raised as xenophobic behaviour from “staff members” which will not be tolerated.
Tjiramba's statement also included an extensive list of Mausse's work experience, qualifications, background and how it came to be that he was recruited.
According to the statement in September 1997, 12 Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries, including Namibia, signed a Protocol on Education and Training covering several fields of co-operation.
He said Unam has been benefitting from high-level expertise from the region, otherwise not available at the university or in the country.
On the basis of the SADC protocol, Unam has intensified its efforts towards full utilisation of regional available human resources, given that most of these countries share common challenges.
Tjiramba said it is known that Namibian Lecturers and professors are also involved in teaching and research at different South African universities. The recruitment of Mausse from Mozambique was done in the same spirit, said Tjiramba.
“Unam does not condone this xenophobic behaviour because, this is a university and by its nature will always have foreign lecturers and professors at its establishment, especially those from the SADC region as per the SADC Protocol on Education and Training,” according to Tjiramba.
It was stressed that although the university management supports freedom of expression, disciplinary action may be considered against staff members in view of xenophobic tendencies and animosity among staff.
This affected teaching and learning and the quality of research, development and growth of the faculty and its departments.
Mausse joined Unam as associate professor in January, 2011. He was appointed based on his research and teaching experience, as well as his publications and his unique expertise.
In October 2011, Unam advertised positions for deans of various Faculties. Mausse applied for the position he now occupies and was appointed until December 2015.
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