WINDHOEK – The unceremonious appointment of an entirely new leadership at the Namibia Security Guard and Watchmen Union (Nasgawu) this past weekend has ruffled some feathers.
On Monday, Mahongora Kavihuha the secretary general of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia (Tucna) – the mother body of Nasgawu – pronounced Kavindja Faustinus as the new president, while Elvis Muituti was chosen as deputy president, Hausiku Andreas as secretary general and Matheus Johannes as deputy secretary general.
Ousted acting secretary general of Nasgawu, David Frans, expressed disappointment over the appointments, saying they only serve the interests of some individuals.
“Firstly, our term will only end in December. After all we were not even invited to the said congress, so for me it means that I am still the acting secretary general till December,” said Frans when contacted for comment.
Frans, who has been very vocal on security issues, said what makes the appointments of the new leadership more disappointing is the fact that none of the new appointees are part of the union.
“How can they even appoint someone who is not even part of the union?” asked Frans.
When contacted for comment on Tuesday, Tucna vice-president Daniel Hango said he was not aware of any appointment until he saw it on television on Monday night.
“We understand that new leaders were appointed through a congress on Saturday. As far as I am concerned, neither me nor Paulus Hango, who is Tucna president, were informed,” he said.
“As we are speaking now I am going to meet Hango to discuss the matter,” he said yesterday.
However, Kavihuha said the election process was free and fair; those elected were elected with the blessing of the masses.
He said all members were invited to the congress but some chose not to attend due to reasons only known to them and those who did not attend were not elected.
“The old team is now history, what I can tell you now is that we are dealing with cases of misconduct and will let the media know very soon what action the union will take,” said Kavihuha.
Before the new appointments on Monday the president of Nasgawu was Grevacios Sisande, deputy president was Nangolo Eliphas, and acting secretary general was David Frans, while Mathew Johannes remained as the deputy SG.
Nasgawu is a public organisation representing guards in solving their problems, wage negotiations and dispute resolution.