NAMIBIA National Students Organisation (Nanso) members say they accept the outcomes of the organisation’s just concluded 15th congress and want to move on.
Nanso announced the results of the congress this week, at St Joseph’s High School at DÖbra near Windhoek, where for the first time, a female, Ester Simon, was elected president.
The elective congress witnessed intense rivalry within the organisation, with Team Nanso and Team Unite Nanso challenging each other.
“We had two teams within the students organisation, Team Nanso and Team Unite Nanso. However, Team Nanso filled most of the positions,” Shoki Kandjimi, who was contesting for the secretary general position, told The Namibian.
Political and internal affairs secretary Maximalliant Katjimune said the results may not be what was expected, but they will accept them and move on, while adding that the congress was marred by irregularities.
“The congress was also marred by some irregularities, but for the purpose of moving the organisation forward and for peace, our campaign chose to set them aside, and I also do not wish to dwell on them. At the end of the day, we have to accept that this is probably not the result that the students expected, but we have to accept it and move forward,” said Katjimune.
About 140 student leaders from across the country attended the congress.
Benhard Kavau was elected vice president, while the secretary general position went to Simon Taapopi and Emma Ganuses was chosen as deputy secretary general.
Katjimune said his faction (Team Unite Nanso) had been procedurally disadvantaged at the congress.
“We were always going to be at a disadvantage because our opponents running for president and secretary general were in the organising committee of the congress,” he said.
Nanso vice chairperson in the Oshana region, Adam Inkono, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the congress.
“I must tell you this was the most successful congress,” he said. “In past years, student politics has been a challenge, and Sunday’s results reflect an organisation that has matured. It is a fact that in politics we differ here and there, but we remain united, striving to achieve a common goal, which is to rebuild a united Nanso.”
Kandjimi shared similiar views, saying he supported the new leadership.
“I am pleased with the results. To me, they were transparent, and it was about time we had a female leading this organisation. We are supporting the new leadership, and moving on as one,” said Kandjimi.
The newly elected secretary general, Taapopi, said the outcome of the election could bring positive change to the organisation.
“We are confident that our election will bring about positive change for students across the country, going forward,” he said.
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