Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Windhoek City Council encountered a recurring setback as it attempted to elect office-bearers, once again leaving the local governance structure incomplete.
Under the oversight of Magistrate Ndapewa Amadhila, who presided over the proceedings, the election process was compelled to adjourn due to the absence of several local authority councillors.
“Last year, when the elections were adjourned, most members indicated they would not be available on this day,” Former CoW Mayor Fransina Kahungu pointed out.
The absence of these councillors has disrupted the process of filling the remaining two management committee positions.
The Chief Executive Officer of the city, Moses Matyayi, described the atmosphere in the council chambers as tense when the magistrate inquired about nominations.
“When the magistrate asked if there were any nominations, it was evident that the temperature in the chambers had risen considerably,” he remarked.
This is not the first time the Windhoek City Council has faced such challenges.
In December of the previous year, an attempt to elect office-bearers also encountered obstacles when opposition councillors from various parties, including the Affirmative Repositioning movement, Landless People’s Movement, and the Popular Democratic Movement, did not return after a requested recess. Additionally, Independent Patriots for Change councillors abstained from the proceedings, and Bernardus Araeb only joined the meeting at its conclusion.
Despite the previous success in filling key roles, the persisting challenges have forced the postponement of the elections once again.
The new date for the election of office-bearers has been set for 8 February 2024.
