Ministry of Defence, UNAM classify application invitations as a hoax

Musa Zimunya
WINDHOEK, 10 OCT  – Namibia’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have described the latest wave of information circulating on social media platforms regarding offering study opportunities as a hoax.

UNAM’s Communication and Marketing Department issued a statement saying: “There appears to be a false message being circulated on various media platforms which invites prospective students to apply to the School of Military Science. The UNAM Public Relations office has flagged this message as a hoax and should be ignored.”

In a media statement, acting Head of the Public Relations Division in the Ministry, Petrus Shilumbu said the information being circulated on different social media platforms claiming that MoD is offering study opportunities to young Namibians at the School of Military Science at UNAM Main Campus’ is fictitious.

“The factual information is that MoD is not recruiting or offering study sponsorship at this stage. Therefore, the information circulating in the public especially through social media is not true, nor does it originate from the MoD,” Shilumbu added.

He said the designer and distributor of such information has caused confusion to the public and the ministry condemns it in the strongest terms.

The Ministry statement explained that all public announcements from the ministry are issued only by its Public Relations Division and no other ‘unauthorised’ entity.

In its part, the statement from UNAM echoed the sentiments from the Ministry saying: “The School does not accept direct applications from the public. The above circulating message is thus untrue. Also, take note that the UNAM undergraduate application period has already closed.”

Normal applications closed on 07 September 2018, while late applications were due by 05 October 2018.

Additional reporting by NAMPA