John Ekongo
3 May 2011
Walvis Bay — Embattled National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW), used May Day celebrations to admit that the federation has veered off the way, emphasizing that it would have to go back to basics to restore lost pride in the movement.
In a wide-ranging speech that included the need for workers’ education, health care and work benefits, Elias Manga, president of the country’s largest employer federation, remarked, though briefly, that the Government Institution Pension Fund (GIPF) N$600 million debacle “is the business of the union”.
Manga’s statement resonates with that of isolated Secretary General of the NUNW Evilastus Kaaronda – who could be ‘disciplined’ purportedly for going overboard with remarks that did not carry the blessings of the union’s overall leadership.
Incidentally, at Sunday’s event, Kaaronda was not on the agenda as one of the speakers, thus breaking away from conventional wisdom and tradition that the SG would always be accorded a chance to speak at May Day celebrations.
Kaaronda has been a vocal critic mostly of fellow unionists who sat on the board of GIPF – and their inability to prevent the disbursement of the funds to what appeared to be well-connected individuals.
The GIPF’s N$600 million saga threatens to bring the largest workers organisation to it knees during its 28-year history – as heavy infighting and divergence of opinion has infiltrated this once united as rock union federation.
But Manga stressed that amongst many other matters – the union is set to re-look its role in socio – politic and “find a way to once again remind ourselves that the leaders do not control the union – but the members do”.
“You are paying me as your official, you must dictate to me – not me to you,” said Manga
Manga said though that the NUNW affiliation to Swapo would never cease or die. ” You can never separate a child from his parents – Swapo is our father and mother,” said Manga to applause from the crowd that gathered at Independence Beach in Walvis Bay’s Kuisebmond residential area.
Kleophas Mutjavikua – an erstwhile union leader-echoed the same sentiments and mildly lambasted the leadership of the union over the GIPF saga.
Leadership has completely neglected workers’ issues and structures have collapsed because leaders want to decide for the workers said Mutjavikua.
“We must just go back to the basics, the cornerstone of the union is that the workers must take over at every level from shop stewards up to national level.”
Meanwhile, Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna) also held its May Day rally in the centre of Kuisebmond – where it similarly attracted a large crowd.
Taking advantage of the run of bad luck in the NUNW – members of Tucna gathered opposite the Namibian Sea Workers and Allied Unions (NASAWU), an NUNW affiliated entity head office to celebrate the day – which was attended by Tucna President Paulus Hango and Vice Daniel Imbili.
The theme for TUCNA’s gathering was “Now is the time, workers’ interest first – personal interest last.
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NUNW to Go Back to Basics