By William Mbangula OSHAKATI The congress of the Namibian Public Workers’ Union (Napwu), held at the Ongwediva College of Education from May 17 to 19, retained all but two of its leaders. The congress spokesperson, Gabes Andumba, who has been re-elected General Secretary, told New Era that the top leadership of the public service union was nominated by the regions and endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC). As a result, the congress unanimously confirmed the candidates in their positions. Those who were re-elected are Peter Nevonga, General Secretary; Elifas Dingara, President; First Vice-President Sarafina Kandere, Second Vice-President Moses Kanga, National Treasurer Taimi Nujoma and her Deputy Hilde Noreses. Only the positions of National Secretary previously held by Cosmas Muyenga, and his deputy Maria Erago were put to the vote. Thomas Gideon with his second-in-charge Hilma Angula now occupy the positions respectively. The congress passed some resolutions, which called for NAPWU to develop a policy on life-threatening diseases such as HIV/Aids. A coordinator needs to be appointed in order to deal with the matter more effectively. It also reconfirmed the NEC’s prerogative to appoint members to serve on boards on behalf of the union. On the burning issue of nurses, the union was tasked with conducting visits to all 13 regions of the country in order to consult and share information related to the pertinent grievances of the nurses. The issue of nurses was one of the key points raised by the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Alfeus !Naruseb, during his keynote address to the congress on Thursday, May 17. He urged Napwu to remain in touch with its grassroots support base, and he cited the nurses’ grievances as one example showing that the union needs to change its operational methods. About 350 delegates attended the congress.