Shaningwa reads riot act
Besides a full-time secretary-general, the ruling party's headquarters now has a permanent secretary and a deputy permanent secretary.
Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa yesterday laid down the ground rules for the party's headquarters staff, saying lax behaviour and wastage would not be tolerated.
Shaningwa, who was elected to the position in November last year, urged staff to respect their leaders and to keep them informed with verified, accurate and credible information to ensure that detractors do not infiltrate party members with propaganda and fake news.
“It is disturbing to note that some staff members distribute such information to unintended recipients, who distort such information, using the distorted information for their own agendas to cause damage to the party and its leadership and government,” she said.
She emphasised that her “hands are not red” as far as public funds were concerned and that she is “not a thief” and therefore urged staff to use party funds prudently.
She in particularly criticised the infamous “breaking news” circulated on Whatsapp and other social media.
“As much as we do have our democracy, you cannot be an enemy within, hence you cannot be causing embarrassment to your own party which you claim to love,” she said.
New office
The SG also announced plans to construct new, state-of-the-art headquarters on the existing premises to solve a lack of office space.
She said six architectural companies had been approached for design plans and two were shortlisted.
She said once the two companies presented their designs and the costs a decision would be made, but she aimed to have a ground-breaking ceremony by no later than June.
“All of us are required to render our support towards this project to ensure successful implementation. Companies and subsidiaries owned by the party will therefore be required to make their contributions towards this noble project,” she urged.
Staff expansion
Shaningwa also announced the appointment of Austin Machana Samupwa as executive director and permanent secretary to strengthen the SG's office. Tangeni Haindongo was appointed as special advisor and deputy permanent secretary.
“The two comrades are Swapo cadres with academic training up to Master's level and with vast experience in administration, both in political and administrative offices in government.
“I have no doubt that the PS and his deputy will come up with proposed positive changes, policies and administrative structures that speak to our mandate and large membership of the party,” she said.
She urged the rest of the staff to develop their own and their colleagues' skills by means of mentoring and coaching.
JEMIMA BEUKES
Shaningwa, who was elected to the position in November last year, urged staff to respect their leaders and to keep them informed with verified, accurate and credible information to ensure that detractors do not infiltrate party members with propaganda and fake news.
“It is disturbing to note that some staff members distribute such information to unintended recipients, who distort such information, using the distorted information for their own agendas to cause damage to the party and its leadership and government,” she said.
She emphasised that her “hands are not red” as far as public funds were concerned and that she is “not a thief” and therefore urged staff to use party funds prudently.
She in particularly criticised the infamous “breaking news” circulated on Whatsapp and other social media.
“As much as we do have our democracy, you cannot be an enemy within, hence you cannot be causing embarrassment to your own party which you claim to love,” she said.
New office
The SG also announced plans to construct new, state-of-the-art headquarters on the existing premises to solve a lack of office space.
She said six architectural companies had been approached for design plans and two were shortlisted.
She said once the two companies presented their designs and the costs a decision would be made, but she aimed to have a ground-breaking ceremony by no later than June.
“All of us are required to render our support towards this project to ensure successful implementation. Companies and subsidiaries owned by the party will therefore be required to make their contributions towards this noble project,” she urged.
Staff expansion
Shaningwa also announced the appointment of Austin Machana Samupwa as executive director and permanent secretary to strengthen the SG's office. Tangeni Haindongo was appointed as special advisor and deputy permanent secretary.
“The two comrades are Swapo cadres with academic training up to Master's level and with vast experience in administration, both in political and administrative offices in government.
“I have no doubt that the PS and his deputy will come up with proposed positive changes, policies and administrative structures that speak to our mandate and large membership of the party,” she said.
She urged the rest of the staff to develop their own and their colleagues' skills by means of mentoring and coaching.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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