By Albertina Nakale
WINDHOEK – The University of Namibia (Unam) Dean of Students, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, has stepped down from the academic institution, as she will be assuming a new career as a parliamentarian come March 21, 2015.
At number 56 on the Swapo parliament list, Kandjii-Murangi, would be among the Swapo politicians to take up the 77 National Assembly seats next year.
Inside sources at Unam said although the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lazarus Hangula, on Friday appointed Margareth Mainga as the Acting Dean of Students at Unam, Kandjii-Murangi was not prepared to leave the office yet. “[Kandjii-Murangi] is still wrapping up until end of February latest. The Dean was not prepared to leave. She wanted to stay longer until her appointment to parliament is officially announced,” said a source at the university.
Unam Public Relations Officer for Communications and Marketing, Johannes Haufiku, confirmed Mainga’s appointment on Friday. “Mainga’s appointment as Acting Dean of Students will persist until such a time when a substantive Dean of Students has been appointed. This is to ensure a smooth transition and an uncompromising continuation of student affairs,” Haufiku said.
Kandjii-Murangi could not say much when approached for comment yesterday, only that she is leaving next month. “I cannot talk now. I am attending a funeral and I will also be travelling. I will be able to comment next week. It is not like I am leaving the office now. I will be leaving next month,” Kandjii-Murangi said.
Haufiku also explained that Kandjii-Murangi would take some time to finalise office duties before handing over the office. He could however not comment on whether it is true that she did not want to leave the office before the announcement for her to occupy a higher office in the legislative arm of the Government of the Republic of Namibia is officially made.
“She has served the university faithfully for many years, always characterised by hard work and dedication. There is no doubt that she will equally perform well in her new role,” Haufiku said.
Mainga has been serving as the Assistant Dean of Students: Professional Services and Counselling for many years at the university.