Khorixas Mayor Patience !Hoaes Discusses Town’s Progress and Challenges in Exclusive Interview

By Leonard Witbeen

In a recent interview with Khorixas Mayor Patience !Hoaes, the mayor shared her insights on her journey since taking office, the current state of the town, and the plans she has for its future.

The Moment of Triumph

When asked about her emotions upon being declared the mayor, Honorable Patience !Hoaes reflected on a deeply personal experience. “When they announced me as the mayor, it was an overwhelming moment,” she recalled. “I was emotional throughout the night and morning. Although I didn’t show it publicly, it was a significant moment for me, especially because I had not anticipated becoming mayor so soon.”

!Hoaes described how the role brought a swift transition from her previous life, where she was known simply as Patience. “It was a shift from being known casually in the community to stepping into a position of significant responsibility,” she explained. “This role has made me grow rapidly and change how I interact and communicate with others.”

Early Days in Office

The initial weeks for !Hoaes were focused on acclimating to her new role and setting priorities. Her primary goal was to address youth-related issues, including social challenges like alcohol abuse. “I aimed to target the youth, addressing their issues and improving their social environment,” she noted.

She found the transition from observing issues from the outside to dealing with them within the office challenging. “When you are in the office, things are not as straightforward as they seem from the outside. There are procedures and guidelines that must be followed,” she said.

Key Achievements and Future Plans

Since taking office, the leader has made strides in several areas, including land allocation and the formalization of informal areas. “We have worked on land issues and formalized new extension areas. Our focus has been on providing housing and improving living conditions,” she stated.

One of her notable achievements is the development of a new Business Growth Center (BGC) in Khorixas, which has been under construction for several years. Scheduled for official inauguration on August 7, 2024, this facility is expected to offer vocational training and other opportunities to the youth. “This BGC will help us cater to the local youth who previously had to travel outside the town for such training,” !Hoaes explained.

Additionally, the Miss Khorixas pageant and the establishment of Young Africa’s vocational training center are part of her efforts to engage and uplift young people in the town.

Challenges and Community Engagement

A significant challenge !Hoaes highlighted is the low voter registration among the youth. “We are struggling to get young people to register and vote,” she said. “Many feel disillusioned and believe that voting does not lead to change. We are working on mobilizing them and explaining the importance of their participation.”

Despite these challenges, !Hoaes remains optimistic about the future. She is actively involved in initiatives to keep the youth engaged and to provide them with opportunities for growth and development.

Conclusion

Mayor Patience !Hoaes’ tenure has been marked by a strong commitment to improving Khorixas, particularly in addressing youth issues and enhancing community services. Her approach combines emotional depth with practical action, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on the town.

As Khorixas looks towards the future, the leadership of !Hoaes offers hope for continued progress and development, driven by a vision of a better, more inclusive community.