2015-04-17Staff Report 2 WINDHOEK – The former deputy minister of defence Peter Ilonga has emerged as the surprise contender for the National Union of Namibia Workers (NUNW) secretary general position that is currently vacant. However, Ilonga yesterday distanced himself from reports circulating about his candidature as NUNW secretary general. Ilonga in the past served as deputy defence minister, deputy agriculture, water and forestry minister, deputy labour and social welfare minister and also had a stint at environment and tourism. Ilonga is an ex-PLAN fighter and former trade unionist having served 12 years as the secretary general of the Namibia Public Workers Union (Napwu). NUNW is set to hold its 6th ordinary congress from April 28-30 in Swakopmund at Swakopmund Primary School to elect a new president, deputy president, secretary general and the deputy secretary general who will serve for the next five years. New Era understands the federation is divided into two groups, namely, those who want NUNW acting secretary general Job Muniaro and those who want IIlonga to take over the influencial union grouping. When contacted for comment yesterday, IIlonga said he does not comment on “rumours”. “Those are just rumours, no one has approached me with anything,” he said. Asked whether he would compete for the position if he was asked, he said: “Wait till such time arrives then we can talk about it it,” said IIlonga. When approached yesterday, Muniaro declined to comment on whether Ilonga would compete with him for the NUNW SG position. “Wait until the 28th,” was all that Muniaro would say. Meanwhile, yesterday the NUNW officially announced that the NUNW 6th ordinary congress would take place in Swakopmund at Swakopmund Primary School on April 28 -30. Three hundred delegates have been invited to take part in the congress. The federation also officially announced that the official celebration of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, on May 1 would be celebrated at the Kuisebmond Stadium in Walvis Bay over the same weekend. President Hage Geingob is expected to be the keynote speaker. “Please come in big numbers, this day is not only for workers but for employers as well,” stressed Muniaro. 2015-04-17Staff Report 2
