Job Immanuel was elected as the new president of the Namibia National Liberation Veterans Association (NNLVA) at its elective congress held in Otjiwarongo.

Immanuel takes over from Ben Shikongo, who has been at the helm of the association since 2017.

Immanuel won with 52 votes, ahead of the incumbent Shikongo, who garnered only 48 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Immanuel said his tenure will ensure the association adopts a constitution and concludes outstanding matters of the association. 

"We know that there are a lot of outstanding issues; we have our constitution, which we did not touch. We have a vacant position for the vice president, which is still outstanding, and then we also have the regional elections of the coordinators that also need to be completed. We have a very important department, a department of finance; we have to see to it. At this department, there is a vacancy to be filled with a capable person who will also start organising everything."

Former president Shikongo, on his part, said, "I congratulate you on this noble undertaking. So you should try by all means to make sure that where we did not touch, you improve, and where you are stuck, my doors are open for you."

For the secretary position, Michael Munyaza secured 83 votes, while his competitor, Rex Sheehama, received 18 votes.

The congress was attended by members from all fourteen regions.

Otjozondjupa Regional Governor John Khamuseb officially closed the two-day elective congress by declaring the elections to be free and fair.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to continue working with the association.