The role of Nanso in modern-day student activism

The Namibian National Students Organisation (Nanso) founded in 1984, is the biggest student representative body in Namibia. The organisation was founded in the midst of the liberation struggle with the primary objective of uniting student masses against apartheid, while also fighting the Bantu education system, military conscription, academic freedom for black students in university and the democratisation of schools, among others.Nanso was indeed one of the leading organisations in the struggle for independence. It is important to point out that since most of Nanso’s leaders, rank and file, were members of Swapo at its formation, the organisation was at first affiliated with the Swapo party until the two disaffiliated in the late 1990s for the sake of inclusivity and non-discrimination of students belonging to other parties, and that was indeed the right move even though some have a different opinion on the matter. The organisation battled extreme storms between 2000 and 2010 when there were allegations of mismanagement of funds leading to the withdrawal of sponsors and the selling of the organisation’s properties. However, a new wave of optimism was brought by young leaders such as Neville Andre, Timothy Angala, Dimbulukweni Nauyoma, George Kambala, Sharonice Busch, Uakotora Riruako and company who drafted a new constitution and paved the way for a new, inclusive and modern Nanso. Nanso is to a fair extent, better and more functional today compared to those turbulent first years. The biggest question that Nanso faces is the question of how to incorporate the organisation into modern-day student activism. We are no longer fighting the common enemy which was apartheid but rather a number of complicated problems faced by the Namibian child. The fact that we are no longer fighting a common enemy has made it rather difficult for the organisation because students are no longer as united as they were and not as radical anymore. Hence, some students even question the relevance of Nanso. The rather infamous reputation attached to Nanso doesn’t help its cause. Schools and institutions of higher learning are very hesitant in allowing the union to engage students because they are afraid of its ability to make students aware of their rights and challenge authority when the need calls for it. This has definitely not made our work easy as we have been victim of rude principals and vice-chancellors when we set up branches at institutions. There is also an immature fear and competition from LRCs and SRCs with the union. This further contributes to disunity among student. We now need to pave a way forward not only for the organisation but also for student leadership in Namibia. We first and foremost need to find an effective and smooth way of setting up branches and reaching all our students in all four corners in Namibia. Certain clauses of the constitution must also be amended to make the organisation more functional and transparent. The old guard also needs to move out and give the new cadres a chance to lead. We have competent young cadres like Simon Amunime, Shoky Kandjimi, Oscar Shikongo, Andreas Sheya, Oscar Mwandingi and so on.We also need to re-establish a new relationship with the Ministry of Education and the respective regional education directorates. Only through mutual cooperation can the students benefit fully. Last but not least, let us cooperate with each other as student leaders for the sake of our students. The students still need Nanso - as this was clearly demonstrated last week during the arrest and trial appearance of expelled Unam SRC president Joseph Kalimbwe. The students have put their faith in us and we need to restore that faith. Nanso has been here and it is here to stay.MAXIMALLIANT T KATJIMUNE

The role of Nanso in modern-day student activism

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-23

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The role of Nanso in modern-day student activism

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-23

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