POLITICAL INTERFERENCE OR PURE RESISTANCE? THE ONGOING TENSION BETWEEN IUM AND THE SWAPO GOVERNMENT

Namibia—the land where visionaries build, and politicians plot. In this latest episode of “Who Wants to Control a Private University?,” we find the SWAPO government and Dr. David Namwandi, the founder of IUM, caught in a classic “cat and dog” relationship. And let’s be honest—it’s getting old.  

Dr. Namwandi, a man who once graced Parliament under the SWAPO banner, has long since washed his hands of politics. But somehow, the drama never left him. After his term ended, he focused on what actually matters—education. Yet, for reasons known only to those in high offices, the government just can’t seem to let him or IUM breathe.  

The ‘Generous’ Offer: Give Us 50% of Your University

Here’s a fun fact: a while back, the SWAPO government reportedly wanted a 50% stake in IUM. Yes, you read that right. Half of a private institution, just handed over—because why not? Maybe they thought Dr. Namwandi would be so overwhelmed with gratitude that he’d sign over his life’s work with a thank-you note.  

Unfortunately for them, he didn’t bite. Fast forward to today, and IUM remains 100% privately owned—a stubborn reminder that not every Namibian entrepreneur is eager to play government puppet. 

NSFAF Games: The Selective Funding Dilemma 

Now, let’s talk about NSFAF, the glorious institution tasked with funding students. Sounds noble, right? Except, for years, IUM had to fight tooth and nail just to ensure that its students—who met all the requirements—actually received study loans.  

One might ask:  

- Was there an unwritten rule that IUM students should suffer a little extra?  

- Or did the government simply not like the idea of a private university thriving without their fingerprints all over it?  

Either way, after much unnecessary struggle, IUM students eventually got their fair share—but not without some unnecessary bureaucratic gymnastics.  

Government Subsidies? Nope. But Growth Anyway!

Let’s compare notes. Public universities? Heavily subsidized. Government-run institutions? Well taken care of. IUM? Zero support. 

And yet, yesterday, Dr. Namwandi stood tall at the grand opening of IUM’s third Northern Campus in Eenhana—a state-of-the-art facility built at a cost of N$45 million, entirely self-funded. That’s right, not a single cent from the government.  

One would think that a government committed to education and national development would throw in a little support. Instead, we get silence. Perhaps they’re still sulking over that 50% ownership deal that never happened. 

Success Stories: Building Futures, Creating Jobs

While politicians play dirty chess, IUM keeps changing lives.

One of the most impactful contributions comes from Dr. Namwandi’s trust, the David Namwandi Trust, which has committed N$3 million to graduates as seed capital for entrepreneurial projects.

This isn’t just about education; it’s about job creation, economic empowerment, and real transformation. While some are busy making promises, IUM is actually delivering results.

And the numbers speak for themselves:

IUM graduates have built businesses that employ hundreds of Namibians.

The university has expanded to multiple campuses across the country, proving that growth isn’t limited to government-favored institutions.

Thousands of students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, have earned degrees that opened doors to high-paying careers, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.

The Real Question: Why The Political Obsession? 

So, what’s the real issue here? Could it be that someone wanted a slice of IUM and didn’t get it? Was there an expectation that Dr. Namwandi should "know his place" and play by the political rulebook?  

Because if it were really about education, wouldn’t we see support instead of resistance? Wouldn’t we see collaboration instead of conflict?  

Final Thoughts: Who Really Wins Here?  

IUM continues to thrive, despite the hurdles. Its students graduate, its campuses expand, and its reputation remains strong. Meanwhile, the government’s attempts to control, limit, and sideline the institution have failed spectacularly.  

At this point, it’s almost comical. Political games don’t build universities. Vision, commitment, and resilience do.

So, here we are, watching a government that claims to champion education but ignores and even undermines one of the biggest private contributors to the sector.  

Irony at its finest.🙄 

What do you think—will we ever see a government that prioritizes education over ego? Or should IUM just keep proving that real progress doesn’t need permission?

Enquiry: gideonkapuka5@gmail.com 

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