The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Student Command has strongly condemned the violent actions of city police against vendors outside the University of Namibia (UNAM). In a statement, the Command’s leader, Onesmus Iyambo, expressed outrage over the mistreatment of women, many of whom are mothers and students, striving to earn a living by selling goods near the university.
Iyambo highlighted the critical role these vendors play in supporting the university community, particularly by providing affordable meal options for students who cannot afford the high prices of UNAM’s cafeteria. He described the police’s actions as unjust and inhumane, emphasizing that they disproportionately affect vulnerable groups who are already struggling to survive.
“These women are not criminals. They are trying to make an honest living to support their families and, in some cases, fund their education,” Iyambo said.
The AR Student Command has called on the City of Windhoek and UNAM’s administration to collaborate on creating a structured and humane solution that would allow vendors to operate legally and safely within university grounds. According to Iyambo, such measures would ensure a win-win situation by addressing the needs of both the vendors and the broader university community.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the challenges faced by informal vendors in urban areas and the need for more inclusive policies to protect their livelihoods. Meanwhile, civil society organizations have joined the call for authorities to prioritize dialogue over violence in addressing these issues.
As tensions rise, the public awaits a response from the City of Windhoek and UNAM, with many urging them to take swift action to resolve the matter amicably.
