Niël Terblanché
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) lost its executive seat in the Swakopmund municipal council while the party kept its influence in Walvis Bay after municipal council elections last week.
The two major central coastal towns elected new municipal councils last week which led to some leadership changes that are aimed at addressing local governance and development challenges.
In Swakopmund, Blasius Goraseb from the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), nominated by Wilfried Groenewald, was elected as mayor, while Suama Kautondokwa, who represents Swapo, was chosen to serve as deputy mayor for the forthcoming term.
The management committee’s new term comprises Wilfried Groenewald as chairperson, Erkkie Shitana as Alternate Chairperson, and Matthias Heinrichsen and Hafeni Nghidipaya as members.
Former mayor Dina Namubes of IPC and her party members Peter Shimhanda Claus Goldbeck are now ordinary council members as well as Dawid Am-!Gabeb of the United Democratic Front (UDF).
In Walvis Bay, Trevino Forbes, the vice president of the IPC was re-elected as mayor along with Saara Mutondoka, also of the IPC, who retained her position as Deputy Mayor.
Popular Democratic Movement’s Richard Hoaeb will continue to be the chairperson of the Management Committee.
The committee includes Leroy Victor, Olivia Andrews of IPC, Ronald Bramwell of the Walvis Bay Joint Residents’ Association (WBJRA), and Swapo’s Paulus Kauhondamua as an alternate member.
Swapo’s Ephraim Shozi, Albertina Nkoshi, and the LPM’s Ryan Gordon remain ordinary council members.
The election proceedings were overseen by Magistrate John Sindano, ensuring adherence to legal protocols.
These municipal elections occurred against the backdrop of Namibia’s recent presidential and parliamentary elections held on 27 November.
The newly elected councils are expected to address pressing issues such as urban development, service delivery, and community engagement.
Their leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these coastal towns.
The municipal elections in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are key in shaping local governance, especially in the context of national political dynamics.
