WINDHOEK – The Namibia National Students’ Organisation (Nanso) regional leadership in the Khomas, Oshana, Erongo, Ohangwena, Omaheke and Hardap regions have thrown their weight behind the body’s vice-president, Wilhelm Wilhelm, to take over its presidency ahead of a hyped elective congress slated for this weekend in Windhoek.
Nanso secretary general Sharonice Busch, who has the backing of soon-to-be first lady Monica Geingos, is another challenger for the organisation’s presidency.
Busch, who could become Nanso’s first female president, was expected to launch her campaign last night at the National Youth Council headquarters, where Geingos was expected to deliver an endorsement speech.
At a media briefing held yesterday at the University of Namibia, Nanso Khomas branch organiser Dimbulukeni Nauyoma said there was no reason why the current vice-president should not head the organisation come Sunday when the results are announced.
“Wilhelm Wilhelm has a proven track record, which can be traced back to the days at Jan Jonker Afrikaner [high school], as a union constituency organiser, therefore we will fully rally behind him,” he said.
The media conference was attended by the University of Namibia (Unam) SRC President Vincent Shimutwikeni, Polytechnic of Namibia SRC President Oscar Mwandingi and International University of Management (IUM) SRC President Mathews Nakale.
This week Nanso President Timoteus Angala announced that he will not stand for re-election to lead the student movement for another term, with sources saying he plans to challenge the position of National Youth Council (NYC) executive chairperson.
Whoever takes over the hot seat will have a lot of challenges to overcome, issues such as transport, high tuition fees and the lack of unity were cited as some of the current problems faced by students.
Nanso is an independent student organisation founded in 1984 to respond to the needs of students across the country and its people. In as much as the formation of Nanso was a necessary development in the struggle of the Namibian people against colonialism and foreign domination, over the years Nanso has succeeded in organising, mobilising and uniting Namibian students so as to develop an awareness of national identity and unity.