VOTE FOR YOUR CANDIDATES
BAWON NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) ELECTIONS 2022 – 2024
The Secretary General Thomas Muchima has confirmed that a total of 11 candidates are standing – five women and 6 men representing all departments, branches and agencies of BAWON. A vote is set to take place in July on the date yet to be confirmed to give ample time for candidates to campaign. It was further highlighted that; this year voting will be done via online voting process with the successful candidates given three-year terms.
In pursuance of our upcoming BAWON National Delegates Congress, I am pleased to announce that the office has received the candidate’s nomination forms to stand for this year election. So far, we have received the nominations from all participants who have mobilized their branches, departments as well as agencies in support of their candidacy.
The second stage of our election will be to distribute the names of all candidates who have sent their candidacy to all branches, departments and agencies. Each candidate will be given sufficient time to mobilise and increase the number of votes national wide.
The period for the submission of the candidacy have now lapse. Only those candidates who did submit their candidacy will require starting with their campaigns. At the moment the office is in the process of making provisions for the online voting. The following are the guidelines for campaigning and voting process:
The criteria to vote:
- Those who are not members but wish to vote must sign up and attach the application form together with the name of the Shop Steward. This category will be given the chance to vote.
- Those candidates who want to utilize the BAWON assistance for the campaign will be granted the opportunity to do so. Provided that all the information they want to send to the eligible voters must be submitted in advance for the purpose of uploading it on our website.
- All potential candidates have been given the maximum of twenty-five (25) days to campaign and accumulate their supports and votes from branches, departments as well as the agencies.
The campaign process open Thursday 29th June 2022 and the cut-of-date for campaigning will be on Friday the 29th July 2022. The names of all candidates and their designated portfolio they stand for is provided below.
Penny-Ann Micheddy Indira Shipanga
Natasja Fourie
Yvonne Mouton
Desmond Aludilu
Phillip Martin
Cecilia Kantana
Lena Lucia Apollus
Danzel Jarvis
Anton Tshoombe
Lukas Veitwa
Brendon Beukes
Dominicus L Farmer
BAWON NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) ELECTIONS – CANDIDATE STATEMENTS 2022 – 2024
Click candidate name to view statement.
As the name can attest, I am standing for President first option, Vice President as a second option, Treasurer as third and Advocacy & Mobilisation as the fourth option. Despite my limited knowledge and experience in labour matters, I believe my passion, eagerness and work experience can be a valuable contribution to execute the strategic plan of BAWON.
I have extensive knowledge with the overall responsibility to recruit, mobilising, representation, negotiating on collective bargaining matters and integrate, a large number of people from different cultures, age groups, and work backgrounds. I have conducted large job fairs, recruitment campaigns national wide, and process management.
I am very invested in championing the rights of banking and other financial institutions work force. After being a Shop Stewards for so many years, I believe my experience can save the Union well. I now write and publicly share my own personal stories. I aim to spread knowledge to help employees, understand their challenges, rebuild self-belief and self-esteem. My overall intention is to rebuild the Union to its full potential.
Since moving from NAFINU as a Shop Steward and move to BAWON as a Shop Steward, I became certain of the need to be actively involved in Trade Union activities. Subsequently then, I’ve gotten involved by networking and using my platform as a Union Representative. Through that networking and through my involvements, I have come into contact with other members of BAWON, and I look forward to working with these wonderful people in the following capacity: First choice Vice President, second choice Education, Training & Research and the last one being Youth Development.
As a NEC, I will support the Chair and Executive Committee as well as be an enthusiastic representative for each and every member of BAWON. I will actively do my part to contribute to expanding the reach of our organization in Namibia and help to spread the word about what the future of work stands for. I am curious by nature and an advocate for dialogue, and it is my hope that BAWON and its members will allow me to draw upon my skills and experiences and put them to use within the organization here in BAWON.
I humbly ask for your vote. I am willing to do the work!
A reenergized, newly-elected executive team will be in full action and the new negotiating team will be appointed, ensuring that all matters relating to employment are safely and efficiently handled. In addition to timely, effective representation of all members, the Recruitment Campaign, National Congress, Executive Elections, National Shop Stewards Training, National Shop Stewards Conference are amongst some of the activities that will be in place after the Congress.
In this, and the years ahead, BAWON remains committed to ensuring success, growth and development of the union in order that all members enjoy and benefit from timely, professional, top-quality service at all times. With an eye towards the future, BAWON also aims to increase capacity building through action-oriented, training programs and full implementation of its strategic plan and strengthening of branch power.
It is for this reasons that I won’t stand for the position of the President but as a Vice President first choice, and as Advocacy & Mobilisation as a second choice. This with an eye towards capacitating the newly incoming leaders, advising based on my previous experience as a President to enable the continuing to serve members in the best ways possible.
Hi all, I ma running to be your Information & Publicity Officer as a first option and Youth Development as a second option in the upcoming NEC election. I did my bachelor’s degree in Communications at the University of Science and Technology (NUST) and currently doing my Honours Degree in Marketing from the same institution. Vote for me because I want to gain experience in the information and Communication industry.
In addition to the above why you should vote for me is that I really want to help create and enable clear, concise and timeous communication between the Union and its members and other stake holders that are involved in making sure that the goals of the Union and those of the members are always met. Therefore, for the portfolio of Information & Publicity who campaigns for and communicate effectively who will step forward to ensure the work is done, vote for me to the job done.
I would like to stand as a Vice President first choice and Education, Training & Research Officer as I feel that I have a great deal to give in helping the Union with the jobs to be done, participating in the consultation process with our members, encouraging members to be involved, the decision making, and putting our decisions into practice in a positive manner.
Since the being elected as a Shop Steward, I was actively involved in the Union activities, assisting on the Collective Bargaining Research Committee as well as negotiation for the 2021-2022 financial years. I have played an active roll on the branch, assisting with the grievances, dissemination of information, and and advising members on the rights at work. That said, I am prepared to carry on for the next term and possibly beyond. Vote for change.
Since the previous Executive Committee, I’ve acted as BAWON representative, responsible for raising the profile of the Union in the capacity as an Education, Training & Research Officer in the northern part of Namibia using my extensive range of contacts and experience. This has resulted in the views of the Trust being reported widely in BAWON updates, meetings, conferences and training workshops alike.
I’m regularly contacted by members for the purpose of representation, addressing grievances on a range of issues including the disciplinary hearings, appeals and other work-related issues which has received huge coverage, within the BAWON community.
Along with other comrade members, I have been active on Union activities on behalf of the previous branches I have been as a Shop Steward. Hence, I am standing for the following: First choice Information & Publicity second choice Education, Training & Research and the third option as Youth Development Officer. If elected, I will continue dialogue with the members and recruit more to ensure the Trust has a strong and influential voice within BAWON and executive the mandate as prescribed.
We are witnessing extraordinary change in labour relation in the banking sector where discussion about the appraisal system future will play heavily into changes in labour; indeed, this discussion is already having an impact. Now and into the future we are looking at redundancies, increased workloads, stress, potential ‘fees’ and system limitations on what we do in our workplaces; in all, nothing less than a fundamental discussion on the nature and character of the appraisal system taking place in our branches, departments and agencies; one that will impact heavily on what we do.
Consequently, my platform in this election is based on assuring your voice as a Bank employee, represented by BAWON, is heard in this important and on-going conversation. Hence the need I am contesting for the President first choice and Treasure as a second position.
I joined BAWON at its critical time as I believe the members need a strong voice, never more so than recently. For me, first and foremost, the Union has a responsibility to maintain a dialogue with the employers, but I wanted to see a firmer line taken in opposition to the financial wellbeing of employees taking place. It’s unforgiveable that our beloved Union was steered to the very brink of extinction by pursuing infighting failed philosophy of “living the dream.”
I supported the recent demonstrations and protest during the strike ballot because they gave an opportunity to members to voice their concerns and express their frustration in public but equally important, as a member, I collaborated with the Union in questioning the actions of the employers. I am here to tell you in difficult times, we need unity and the presence of a strong union that can fight for our rights!!!
I AM DANZEL JARVIS, AND I AM STANDING FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT FOR THE BAWON first option and the second for VICE PRESIDENT, I WILL FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS AND I WILL ENSURE WE GET WHAT IS OURS!!!
I urge everyone not to be afraid but to unite, and to stand together and to fight for what is ours and the fight starts now, BY VOTING FOR DANZEL JARVIS AS PRESIDENT FOR BAWON.!!
Upon elected to the Presidency, these are some of the issues I’d hope to take forward.
- A membership drive – the Union can only claim to speak for the members when it achieves a much larger membership.
- A simplification of the Union membership scheme – it’s too complicated.
- An outreach to our out of town membership base – events and meetings to be held national wide.
- A greater effort to canvass opinion before any mandate, Union policy or programmes are set – rightly or wrongly the Union is perceived by some as an “inner circle” with its own agenda.
- An effort to improve the atmosphere at national level – switching the energy to the opposite end of the current challenges may be an option.
- A revision of the Union’s Members scheme –should get a fairer and better deal.
- A fairer allocation of assignments and duties to those in positions of leadership should have priorities and targets.
It is time for change and redemption of our Union (BAWON). We have made tremendous progress in our current leadership despite the challenges, but with my leadership capabilities we will achieve the impossible. First tasks at hand:
[1] Union membership recruitment process to be restructured for maximum optimisation
[2] Salary negotiations tactics to enhanced for members benefits
[3] Address processes that don’t benefit the members (ex. Interviews without a Union member present to view fairness of appointments)
[4] Address slow progress with grievances and outcomes of applications
[5] Disciplinary hearings process enhance training for better outcomes.
With me comes change and progress. Freedom is here and now.
Let’s vote and be part of change.
In these difficult financial times, I believe that workers should have a greater say in the today’s economy, I support to offer stability and the Trust to campaign and lobby hard for the future of workers on the tripartite bodies, particularly from workers perspective. In addition, it is important the Union works with the excellent people at Executive level for the benefit of all members and non-members alike.
We should also aim to see Union’s current membership to at least double within 12 months. Hence the reason I am standing for the following positions: First choice President, second choice Vice President.
The Union must reach out to institutions in the financial sector, crucial if we are to encourage the employees and leaders of the future. In the interests of inclusion, I’d like to see the BAWON hold open meetings in all branches, departments and agencies for the purpose of creating awareness on the future of work and the current challenges of digitisation.
I’m pleased to say the northern part of Namibia and the central has pledged its wholehearted support for this very worthwhile initiative to be executed. If elected, I pledge to champion the cause of the workers at every opportunity to ensure your voice is heard loud and clear.
I would like to stand as a Youth Development Officer first choice, second as Education, Training & Research and thirdly as Advocacy & Mobilisation Officer. I feel that I have a great deal to give in helping the Union with the jobs to be done, participating in the consultation process with our members, encouraging members to be involved in decision making, and putting our decisions into practice in a positive manner.
Since the previous congress, I was actively involved in several meetings, assisting on organising members, advising and representing. I have played an active roll on providing information on Union activities, events, and I took over the role of defending the Union agenda during our historical strike ballot.
The Union should actively seek to take on more events, not only to encourage better employer/ employee relations, but also taking meetings and events to branches all over the country, and not just in Windhoek. This would reach out to our members and increase membership. Events could include current and past players to meet members etc. When we go to a new area, we should invite local members to help, as they know the areas, the best venues and what members would want. This also encourages more involvement by our members.
In the darkness we fail to see obstacles and our destination. We have many obstacles to face in the current day and age of global economics. Rising produce prices. Transport increase. Digitalisation. Change in all different aspects. These are but a few concerns we all face in everyday life. I am to be the light in darkness, to illuminate the negatives into the positive. Having been nominated and receiving Mark of Excellence for the year 2021 i aim to inspire each one that everything and anything is possible to achieve and conquer.
Salesforce is a digital learning platform that can change the way we do our daily tasks to achieve optimum controlled and regulated results for our Business. I’m currently on this journey as it forms part of the digital journey which we all need to embark on. Success can only be achieved if we work together stand together, this in essence what BAWON’s mission is, to work together to walk down this road together, yes i am for the masses, and yes i aim for equality. And in the surrounding darkness i aim to be the light in labour issues you represent each one in a fair and equal way.
Empowering oneself is the best way to be prepared, this meaning you stay ready instead of having to get ready. Namibian workers have not been spectators but active participants in the process of transforming Namibia into a free and independent country. Namibian workers have always understood that their struggle at the workplace was linked to the broader struggle for social justice. Namibian workers experienced exploitation at the workplace and colonial oppression as two sides of the same coin. Having mentioned that the aim is you build a healthy and stable relationship for each staff member to align not only with the Unions vision and Mission but also to join hands in the fight for equality.
I want to be the leader that walks this journey with each and everyone’s hand as we stand up against victimisation, oppression, inequality, exploitation, these are but a few issues which we have in the workplace environment which leads to Mental health issues mainly depression which affects productivity of our employee’s and this Conerly puts our employees at risk. Therefore, we need to tackle issues at the root by shining on the darkness in which they are kept together and eliminate them for a better workplace environment so all of us can thrive together.
Inline with the Mission of the UNION, “To ensure the promotion and maintenance of good conditions of employment, including the financial well-being of all its members.” Yes, I will stand up for each and everyone where in a position which is not favourable whether union member or not. To everyone I will take the stand. I will take the lead. However, I need each and every one of you to stand behind me, a Leader is only as strong the support he receives and the reason for leading.
How to cast your vote
Only registered members are eligible to vote and vote cannot be changed once cast. Once registered and logged in, members just have to click the name of their chosen candidate followed by clicking the vote button immediately below the names of candidates within that group.