Kavango East - The Namibia National Teachers' Union (Nantu) has elected a new leadership team for its Kavango East regional executive committee during its conference at Dr. Romanus Kampungu Secondary School on July 20, 2024.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the conference saw 82 delegates in attendance, electing Petrus Kashumali as the regional chairperson, with Vallentinus Kamenye serving as his deputy. Gervatius Samende was chosen as the secretary, assisted by Immanuel Linyando, while Paulus Kativa was appointed treasurer. Additional roles such as organising secretary, information and publicity secretary, and secretary for gender were filled by Timothy Mbathera, Joseph Gideon, and Rosina Muruti, respectively. Kashumali, the new chairperson, shared with Nampa that he was encouraged by colleagues to take on the leadership role despite his initial reluctance. He emphasized the desire among members to revive the union's once-radical approach to leadership, which he believes has waned over the past five years. Kashumali also highlighted recent challenges, including a decline in membership following a controversial decision in 2022 to accept a 3 percent salary increase for civil servants without adequate member consultation. In his new capacity, Kashumali vowed to advocate for better workplace protection and improved living conditions for teachers.