Allexer Namundjembo
Members of opposition parties have indicated their willingness to take up governor roles if appointed by the president.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to appoint new regional governors in the coming weeks as their terms come to an end.
The current governors were appointed by late President Hage Geingob in 2020.
Regional governors are direct representatives of the president in the regions and are accountable to the president through the minister in the presidency, as per Article 1 of the Constitution.
Their mandate is to ensure effective service delivery and adhere to strong, honest and principled leadership.
They are also expected to ensure maximum output within the context of limited financial resources and promote, facilitate and strengthen measures to implement the empowerment and industrialisation policies of the government.
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) spokesperson, Tresia Hamurenge said the party is open to any appointment that aims to serve the public.
“Any appointment that aims to deliver for the Namibian people, we are open to it,” she said.
Hamurenge stressed that, for the NEFF, governance roles are about national service rather than party representation.
“Once appointed, you cease to represent your political party, and you are there to serve the Namibian people. For us, it’s just about delivering to the people of Namibia,” she said.
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa also welcomed the idea of opposition representation in governance structures beyond Parliament.
“We believe it’s a great opportunity to have alternative political parties represented in these structures. It’s part of our commitment to creating the change we aspire to see and implementing the manifesto we presented to the people,” Simataa said.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Secretary-General, Manuel Ngaringombe took a more cautious approach, saying the party would only comment once formal consultations take place.
“I don’t want to get ahead of things. Let’s discuss this when the time comes,” he remarked.
There are no constitutional restrictions on political affiliation for the position.
While governors are usually drawn from the ruling party or coalition, appointments from opposition ranks can happen in the interest of national unity or broader governance goals.
While the president holds the ultimate decision-making authority, the appointment process typically includes consultations with regional leaders and councils.
Meanwhile, Otjiwarongo constituency councillor, Marlayn Mbakera has confirmed her resignation from the Otjozondjupa regional council.
John Likando has not confirmed whether he will vacate his position as Kabbe South constituency councillor in the Zambezi region, following Lucia Witbooi’s resignation to assume the vice presidency, which puts him next on the Swapo parliament list.
Byelections are expected to be held in these constituencies, as the term of regional councillors is only ending in November, when the country goes to the polls for regional council and local authorities elections.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), through spokesperson De Wet Siluka, confirmed its readiness to conduct by-elections where needed.
The law mandates holding these within 90 days of a vacancy opening up.
Maitjituavi Kavetu has replaced Job Amupanda of the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) as a councillor on the City of Windhoek (CoW) local authority council.
CoW spokesperson Harold Akwenye said that a date for Kavetu’s swearing-in will be announced at a later stage.
