Trade Unions Are Hijacked
IT WAS shocking and disappointing to observe how the so-called workers’ union leaders betrayed the workers for own gain, by suspending the NUNW [National Union of Namibian Workers] Secretary General Kaaronda and the President Elias Manga.
The first thing that came to our minds is their reference “the workers have decided…” Who are those so-called workers, because Napwu [Namibia Public Workers Union] never had a NEC [national executive committee] and CEC [central executive committee] meeting since their congress in September 2012? Where did they get the mandate to suspend the two NUNW leaders while many of the CEC members where not aware of the so-called urgent CEC meeting? As a leader myself and also after consultation with most of my fellow leaders or CEC members including workers from different regions, none of us were consulted to discuss or debate the facts surrounding the unconstitutional suspension of the two leaders.
It is clear that the same group of individuals who failed at the NUNW congress have been planning non-stop to eliminate Kaaronda at all costs, and there is only one person behind this action using the others for his self gain.
The unions under the NUNW are currently not controlled by the workers but have become private businesses of certain individuals who are very close allies to one another. The main issue here is not the conduct of the SG and President, but a political move towards the Swapo congress.
How is it logically possible that the person reading at the press conference and referring to the workers was in full Swapo colour attire, and based on the observation, a Cabinet deputy minister was also part of this action or move, and in particular this is the same group who oppose any mention of the lost GIPF $650millions?
Workers are really getting frustrated by this group referred to as union mafia. We need to call all workers across the country to stand up against this unruly behaviour in the unions, and we are looking forward to call a press conference and start challenging what is really happening in the unions.
Union leader
Walvis Bay
(Full name and address given)