Namibia unveils first Chairman Mao statue outside China

In a landmark event yesterday morning, the first statue of Mao Zedong outside of China was unveiled at the Chairman Mao Zedong High School in Otjomuise. The school, which was established in 2016 with funding from the Chinese government, currently educates over 700 learners, with more than half hailing from the nearby 7de Laan and 8ste Laan communities.

The unveiling ceremony drew both Namibian and Chinese diplomatic representatives. Namibian ambassador to China Elia Kaiyamo detailed the statue's origins, revealing that plans for it began last year.

"The original idea discussed between the late president [Hage Geingob] and I was to have the statue unveiled on an official visit to sub-Saharan Africa by Chinese president Xi Jinping," he said. "Sadly, the original plan didn't work out, but the idea didn't die, which is why we are here today."

Education minister Anna Nghipondoka unveiled the statue, which stands prominently at the school's entrance. "This bronze statue, created by the renowned Chinese artist Yuan Xikun, symbolises the enduring friendship and collaboration between Namibia and China," she said. "Namibia and China share a long-standing tradition of friendship that dates back to the 1960s."

Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping highlighted the significance of the event to the Sino-Namibian diplomatic relationship. "Chairman Mao Zedong belongs to China as well as the world. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Namibian government for their support and appreciation. This is the first statue of Chairman Mao Zedong in Africa. This statue will become an eternal symbol of China and Namibia's friendship."

'Bring industrialisation to Namibia'

The school - which boasts a music room, art room and Mandarin classes, presented in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Namibia - has enabled seven students to study in China. The Chinese embassy sponsors scholarships for the top 10 performers annually, amounting to N$20 000 each.

Kaiyamo further emphasised the broader implications of the event, particularly in terms of industrialisation. "The statue of Chairman Mao Zedong was brought to us as a friendly gesture from China," he said. "We must try to benefit more from these initiatives. For instance, the current setup of China shops in the country should be translated into industrialisation processes. Meaning, we need to bring industrialisation to Namibia. This event should lay the foundation for us to continue strengthening relations with China."

He added that industrialisation process is crucial for economic growth, and that the government sees China as a key partner in this endeavour.

"We need to move from mere trade to establishing manufacturing industries that will create jobs and boost our economy."