WAD's De Klerk bows out

Women’s Action Development (WAD) executive director Veronica de Klerk has announced her retirement. De Klerk said although she still has loads of energy and ideas, as a leader it’s important to know when it is time to go, and make room for “the younger generation to take over the reins”. She will be succeeded by Salatiel Shinedima. De Klerk said Shinedima, who is from the Oshana Region, was mentored by her. She said he had managed big projects for the organisation in the past and had recently returned from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where he completed a Master’s in Community Development. De Klerk said Shinedima has shown insight and understanding of the multifaceted programmes of the organisation. “He is natural leader with a sharp intellect and is an excellent communicator and thrives on challenges.” De Klerk said her name has been closely associated with WAD for close to 20 years, but now the time had come to make way for a competent successor. “With the appointment of Shinedima, WAD is introducing a new approach, with a bold young man who is prepared to take up the cause of women. He is a man who is proud to run with the national agenda for women and to face the challenges head-on, which many men experience in recognising women as equal partners in society.” She said with the many challenges currently facing women, including violence, rape and brutal killings, poverty, unemployment and inequality, what Namibia needs are dynamic and fearless male role models in society, who have the courage to address these evils boldly. Shinedima said for the past 20 years, under De Klerk’s leadership, WAD has grown from strength to strength, and has managed to attract interest from both local and international donors. “Her unwavering contribution to community development and women’s empowerment is remarkable in our country,” he said. Shinedima assured that WAD will continue working toward the realisation of gender equality. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH