Martin Endjala
The City of Windhoek’s mayoral position will remain vacant until the next election of office-bearers, the municipal council has confirmed.
The City of Windhoek’s spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.
“The mayoral position will remain vacant until the next election,” she said.
The election meeting, held on Monday, was adjourned after councillors walked out of the chamber.
This followed the presiding magistrate, Immanuel Udjombala, denying their request for a short adjournment.
A follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday was called off due to a lack of quorum.
The election is now rescheduled for 9 December.
Questions about the impasse sent to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development’s executive director, Daniel Nghidinua, remained unanswered.
The publication sought to clarify whether the ministry would issue a directive prohibiting councillors from walking out, as it did in 2022.
Karibib’s Mayor, Davey Van Wyk expressed concern over the impasse, stating that no council can function without a mayor.
He called for calm and urged councillors to adhere to the Local Authorities Act, prioritizing public service over differences to ensure the elections proceed.
In other developments, the Swakopmund municipal council elected Blasius Goraseb as its new mayor, while Katima Mulilo’s Mayor, Jon Mtemwa retained his position.
Trevino Forbes also retained his position as the Mayor of Walvis Bay.
On Monday, the Rundu Town Council re-elected Gabriel Kanyanya unopposed as mayor while Johanna Kakonda was re-elected as deputy mayor.
Engelbert Muyeenya retained his position as management committee chairperson, with Regina Nakare, Nicolaus Ndumba, and Rosalia Nanghuti serving as members.
Meanwhile, the Kavango West Regional Council welcomed its new Chief Regional Officer, Matheus Singambwe, on Monday. This position has been vacant for three years.
