Namibia: Ballotti Apologises to Students Over Social Media Remarks

Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti has apologised to students over remarks he made during a protest on the ongoing student funding crisis.

The apology comes after Ballotti on Friday said: "What number constitutes a protest? Surely not seven or was it eight, maybe nine?"

In a statement shared on his personal social media platforms on Monday, Ballotti says his choice of words was inappropriate and he has personally apologised to student representatives.

"I messed up and own up to my sentiments expressed being of poor choice. I reflected, where after I chose to engage the union directly this evening and apologise in person," he says.

"I did not do a good job at on this occasion and I, therefore, was irrational in my choice of words" he adds.

Balloti says his intention was never to dismiss the plight of the students.

"I wished I could have helped expedite and find a solution to the plight, however, again, I was insensitive and I apologise," he says.

Ballotis says as a public servant, he has a duty not only to speak, but to listen, and this experience has reminded him of the importance of engaging thoughtfully and choosing better words.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 90 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC.

Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox

To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.

There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.