Niël Terblanché
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor for Walvis Bay Rural Constituency, has been elected as the new chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council.
Chief Regional Officer Mpenzeni Ntelamo confirmed the appointment on Tuesday and said in a statement that Florian Donatus’ election follows the ousting of former chairperson Benitha Imbamba through a motion of no confidence.
The motion that was tabled on 6 March by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Deriou Benson cited leadership failures and a lack of unity under Imbamba’s leadership.
Benson alleged that Imbamba operated unilaterally and failed to foster collaboration among councillors.
At the time, Imbamba, who represented the Swapo Party, dismissed the motion as baseless and politically motivated.
She argued that the allegations lacked specific evidence and were driven by upcoming regional elections.
The Erongo Regional Council subsequently convened a special meeting on 24 March 2025 to address the motion.
Donatus was elected chairperson during Tuesday’s ordinary meeting.
Ntelamo also confirmed that simultaneously, Louisa Kativa, councillor for Swakopmund Constituency, was elected as a member of the Management Committee.
He said the appointments were conducted in accordance with the Regional Councils Act.
This Donatus is the third chairperson for the regional council.
The first chairperson was Ciske Howard, who resigned from the position following a vote of no confidence by fellow councillors.
She was later recalled from the council following a spat between her and her former party leader, Panduleni Itula.
The Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations appointed Regional Magistrate Conchita Olivier, of Swakopmund, to preside over the swearing-in ceremony.
