Okahandja Mayor requests protest delay amid Tourism Expo, sparking mixed reactions

Okahandja Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo has called on residents to delay a planned protest over the recent murder of a child, urging them to wait until after the town’s Tourism and Trade Expo. She cited concerns over maintaining stability for investors and the potential impact the demonstration could have on the event. While acknowledging the community’s pain and outrage, Kotungondo appealed for patience, asking that the protest take place after the expo.

However, the mayor’s request has sparked mixed reactions. Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi, a prominent gender-based violence advocate, expressed concern over the mayor’s suggestion.

“I appreciate the mayor’s concern about the potential impact of the demonstration on the expo, but we must be realistic,” Karuaihe-Upi said. “We cannot ignore serious issues just to maintain appearances.”

He disagreed with the delay, emphasizing that both the expo and the protest could coexist. “A tourism expo usually lasts for a week, while a demonstration is a one-day event. Why not accommodate both? We can showcase Okahandja as a good region for tourism while also highlighting safety concerns,” he argued.

Karuaihe-Upi stressed the importance of addressing the region’s safety issues, which include crimes such as child murder and gender-based violence. “When people come to explore and invest in our region, we need to ensure their safety just as much as we protect our children and the community. We can’t overlook these concerns,” he said.

He called for a balance that would allow for both the promotion of tourism and a strong stance on safety, saying, “We have to be concerned with the safety of everyone in our region—whether we’re hosting glamorous events or not.”

The debate continues as residents and local authorities seek a way to address both the need for justice and the desire to promote Okahandja as a viable tourism and investment destination.

In addition to the first case, the search for 6-year-old Fabianu Roswinds, who went missing yesterday in Okahandja, is ongoing. Volunteers have been actively combing the area, but as of 1 am this morning, she has not been located. This search is taking place against the backdrop of the recent murder and rape of Ingrid Maasdorp, which has further heightened concerns within the community. Authorities are continuing their efforts, with no updates on Fabianu’s whereabouts as of yet.