In the effort to revive one of the country’s oldest political parties, Swanu of Namibia yesterday confirmed the appointment of trade unionist Evilastus Kaaronda to the position of secretary general. 

Swanu president Tangeni Iijambo confirmed this appointment, saying Kaaronda joined the party four weeks ago and was named secretary general last weekend. 

Swanu has been without a secretary general since the resignation of Issaskar Hiakaere last month.  

The party currently has one seat in the National Assembly. 

Kaaronda, who is the current president of the Namibian National Labour Organisation (Nanlo), once served as the secretary general of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW). 

When contacted for comment yesterday, Kaaronda cut the call after this reporter introduced himself.  

In 2012, Kaaronda was fired from the NUNW for “gross non-compliance with regard to his duties and responsibilities”.  

In 2014, Kaaronda was instrumental in founding Nanlo. 

Months before the 2019 general election, Kaaronda hinted he would contest elections under the banner of the People Organised Working for Economic Reality (POWER). 

This, however, failed to materialise. 

Announcing his plans at a media conference, Kaaronda had implored Namibians to revolt against the current state of affairs in the country and Swapo. 

“POWER will advocate for a radical policy shift in favour of the majority of black Namibians who are languishing in poverty, unlike the current trend of only a selected few leaders and their cronies benefiting from the country’s resources,” Kaaronda claimed at the time.

- ktjitemisa@nepc.com.na