Kaaronda, Naruseb Mediation Bid Fails

Toivo Ndjebela

15 June 2011

Windhoek — Erongo Regional Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua says he does not have the energy nor the time to mediate between unionist Evilastus Kaaronda and Lands and Resettlement Minister Alpheus !Naruseb if the pair is not committed to reconciliation.

Mutjavikua, a mediator by training, confirmed that he was approached by people he declined to name in the trade union movement to help end the stand-off between Kaaronda and !Naruseb, following allegations of death threats reportedly made by the minister.

Mutjavikua said nothing has taken place yet in as far as getting the mediation process off the ground.

The Erongo governor, himself a former trade unionist, said there is hardly any sign of commitment towards his mediation efforts.

“I would have wanted to have this issue solved amicably and without the involvement of the media, but I see reports everyday with Kaaronda being quoted,” Mutjavikua said.

Last Saturday, Kaaronda threatened to sue !Naruseb, setting an apology to the workers from he minister as a condition for him to backtrack on his plans to sue.

The death threats were allegedly made over Kaaronda’s pursuit of the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) issue, in which workers want justice in the case where millions of their pension money has been lost.

“This whole thing is really a waste of time. The whole fight serves no purpose because it is not geared towards achieving any goal,” Mutjavikua said.

The governor was quick to point out that he has ‘real things’ to do, than spend his energy on a mediation that is not likely to yield any results.

Mutjavikua rubbished reports that !Naruseb had approached him to mediate.

“I was never approached by !Naruseb. What is sad is the fact that Kaaronda does not seem to be interested in resolving the matter,” he said.

Approached for comment yesterday, !Naruseb vehemently denied any knowledge of any mediation efforts being made between him and Kaaronda.

“I am not privy to any attempts being made in this regard,” he said, further refusing to answer the question of whether or not he would welcome any mediation efforts.

AllAfrica – All the Time