Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) president Simon Taapopi has stepped down from his role and has been replaced by vice president Gregory Madi as per the Nanso constitution.

This was announced on Thursday by Nanso’s national acting spokesperson Esther Shaakela during a media conference in Windhoek.

She said Taapopi indicated to the national executive committee on 04 October 2021 that he will no longer be able to carry out his duties as president and has stepped down from the role to allow capable members who are willing and competent to continue the work of the organisation. He is therefore replaced by Madi, deputised by finance secretary Luciano Kambala as acting vice president until a national congress is held early next year to elect new leaders.

“These cadres have been appointed on an acting basis until the next general students’ council, which is the highest decision-making body after congress. We wish the new appointees well in the execution of their duties,” said Shaakela.

Approached for comment, Taapopi said he stepped down due to a lack of time to attend to Nanso issues because of personal pursuits.

Shaakela also stated that Nanso is against the recent announcement made by the Ministry of Higher Education, Innovation and Training to return the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to the ministry as a directorate.

“The organisation does not, in any way at all, support the decision to have NSFAF return to the ministry as a directorate. It will be more prudent to fix the governance predicaments at the institution and work towards ensuring that it becomes efficient and effective,” stated Shaakela.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency