“Namibians Don’t Look Like That” – Kandorozu Questions Identity of White Citizens in Parliament
By TUW
A heated exchange erupted in Parliament on Wednesday after NUDO parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu declared that white people in Namibia are not Namibian and questioned the national identity of education deputy minister Dino Ballotti.
During his contribution in the National Assembly, Kandorozu directly referred to Ballotti as “an Italian” and stated that “Namibians do not look like that,” in apparent reference to his skin colour. He maintained that white Europeans living in the country are not Namibians, remarks that immediately drew strong reactions from members across the chamber.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp responded forcefully, demanding clarity on what Kandorozu meant by his statement. She rejected any suggestion that a person’s race or physical appearance determines their nationality.
“We are all Namibians. Don’t tell me I’m not Namibian. How dare you say Namibians do not look like this, how dare you,” Steenkamp said during the tense exchange.
Steenkamp became visibly emotional as she defended her deputy, whose citizenship was openly questioned during the debate. The situation escalated when Steenkamp, health minister Esperance Luvindao and several Swapo members of parliament, including Sharonice Busch, Marlyn Mbekera and Clemencia Coetzee, staged a walkout in protest.
Racist direct to Dino Balloti in parliament by Nudo member
The lawmakers described the remarks as racist and xenophobic, expressing solidarity with Ballotti and condemning what they viewed as an attack on constitutional principles of equality and national identity. The incident has since sparked broader discussion about race, belonging and the tone of political discourse in the country’s highest decision-making body.
