Veronica apologises

THE Executive Director of the Women’s Action for Development, Veronica de Klerk, yesterday apologised for a memo which said unmarried women in WAD should avoid falling pregnant.

In a statement, released through her lawyers, De Klerk apologised unreservedly for any perceived insult to any WAD employee or any other member of society for the inhouse memo suggesting unmarried staff members should not get pregnant. Although it was never adopted as policy, or the sentiment embraced by WAD, the memo provoked vitriolic attacks from the National Union of Namibian Workers and Swapo Youth League.More recently, the Swapo Women’s Council, joined the fray and called for her head to roll.”It is indeed correct that unfortunate and inappropriate phraseology has been utilised by Ms De Klerk in dealing with employees of WAD.An unreserved apology is tendered by Ms De Klerk for any opprobrium and/or perceived malignment which may have been experienced by any WAD employee and/or any other member of Namibian society.No malice was ever intended by Ms De Klerk and/or WAD,” the statement said.It said that the “alleged policy” of penalising unmarried, pregnant employees was never a policy of WAD, “not condoned by WAD, and its implementation was hence never considered”.”Ms De Klerk was correctly advised that such a policy would be contrary to the Constitution of Namibia as well as labour laws.Ms De Klerk apologises unreservedly for such ill-conceived ideas but respectfully wishes to point out and emphasise that the policy was never implemented.”WAD invited the NUNW for a discussion of issues raised during the past month and which “may have given umbrage to the employees of WAD”.”It serves no purpose to attempt to malign each other when both instances are at the disposal of the nation and wish to serve it positively.WAD is sure that such positive dialogue will serve to solve the present impasse which exists between WAD and NUNW,” it said.De Klerk was harshly attacked and WAD said they were motivated by “incorrect perceptions which have been contorted in what appears to have been a self-seeking political agenda by certain persons”.The organisation said it was non-political and would like to remain so while working for previously disadvantaged women in Namibia.”No attempt has or ever will be made to usurp the proper and just role of any political organisation.WAD has no party-political interest or aspirations whatsoever, contrary to any assertions to such effect.”Although it was never adopted as policy, or the sentiment embraced by WAD, the memo provoked vitriolic attacks from the National Union of Namibian Workers and Swapo Youth League. More recently, the Swapo Women’s Council, joined the fray and called for her head to roll.”It is indeed correct that unfortunate and inappropriate phraseology has been utilised by Ms De Klerk in dealing with employees of WAD.An unreserved apology is tendered by Ms De Klerk for any opprobrium and/or perceived malignment which may have been experienced by any WAD employee and/or any other member of Namibian society.No malice was ever intended by Ms De Klerk and/or WAD,” the statement said.It said that the “alleged policy” of penalising unmarried, pregnant employees was never a policy of WAD, “not condoned by WAD, and its implementation was hence never considered”.”Ms De Klerk was correctly advised that such a policy would be contrary to the Constitution of Namibia as well as labour laws.Ms De Klerk apologises unreservedly for such ill-conceived ideas but respectfully wishes to point out and emphasise that the policy was never implemented.”WAD invited the NUNW for a discussion of issues raised during the past month and which “may have given umbrage to the employees of WAD”.”It serves no purpose to attempt to malign each other when both instances are at the disposal of the nation and wish to serve it positively.WAD is sure that such positive dialogue will serve to solve the present impasse which exists between WAD and NUNW,” it said.De Klerk was harshly attacked and WAD said they were motivated by “incorrect perceptions which have been contorted in what appears to have been a self-seeking political agenda by certain persons”.The organisation said it was non-political and would like to remain so while working for previously disadvantaged women in Namibia.”No attempt has or ever will be made to usurp the proper and just role of any political organisation.WAD has no party-political interest or aspirations whatsoever, contrary to any assertions to such effect.”