local governance

Minister Acts on Absentee Councillors in Key Towns

Councillors who do not live in the towns they were elected to serve are facing growing scrutiny from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. Minister James Sankwasa, speaking to NewsOnOne’s Josia Shigwedha, highlighted Omuthiya, Ondangwa, and Ongwediva as areas affected by absentee councillors. He recently ordered the removal of Omuthiya councillor Johannes Ndeutepo, citing his residence in Windhoek as grounds for dismissal.

25 June, 2025 21

Namibia

Former Nudo leader Kauandenge forms Asoli for Windhoek municipal elections

Former Nudo Secretary General, Josef Kauandenge Windhoek, Namibia—Former Member of Parliament and ex-National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) secretary general Josef Kauandenge has unveiled a new political entity, the Association for Localised Interest (Asoli), which targets active participation in the upcoming Windhoek municipal council elections. Asoli, already registered with the Electoral Commission of Namibia, is set for its official launch this Friday in Windhoek. The movement seeks to invigorate the political […]

7 May, 2025 63

Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: Justice Activist Rinaani Calls for Increased Accountability from Local and Regional Councilors Accountability Concerns

Justice activist has expressed serious concerns about the lack of accountability among local and regional councilors, despite their crucial role in addressing the needs of the communities they serve. Rinaani Musutua emphasized that councilors, who hold significant power to bring about meaningful change, are often the least held accountable by both the public and the government. Lack of Education and Awareness Rinaani pointed out that a major contributing factor to this issue […]

17 March, 2025 40

South Africa

In S.A, AfriForum Demands Accountability for Municipal Mismanagement

In S.A, AfriForum says it demands that Eskom and the national government hold municipal officials accountable for the gross mismanagement of municipal finances, rather than depriving paying residents of basic rights. AfriForum Deidré Steffens says in Free State, corrupt officials are keeping towns in a stranglehold by not settling municipal power debts, but now communities are expected to bear the consequences:

17 February, 2025 79

Namibia

Councillor Ndeshihafela Larandja Elected as New Mayor of Windhoek

Councillor Ndeshihafela Larandja has been elected as the new Mayor of Windhoek following the inauguration held yesterday. Larandja was elected alongside Councillor Clemecia Hanases, who assumes the Deputy Mayor role for the second time, unopposed. Larandja expressed his gratitude and commitment to fulfilling the city's strategic goals for the 2022-2027 term. He pledged to lead with respect, objectivity, and clarity of purpose, ensuring the successful implementation of council resolutions […]

22 January, 2025 104

Namibia

New Village Council Planned for Tsintsabis

Oshikoto SWAPO Party regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu revealed plans to establish a village council in Tsintsabis to better serve the community's needs. This announcement was made as Moses Khumub was introduced as the new Guinas constituency councillor, succeeding the late Marthinu Kainda.

20 January, 2025 44

Namibia

In Arandis, Emergency Response and Traffic Management Centre groundbreaking scheduled for today

The official groundbreaking for the construction of the Arandis Emergency Response and Traffic Management Centre is set to take place today. Irene Jacobs of the Arandis Town Council shared details on the project's significance for B2 road users.

12 November, 2024 91

Interview Transcripts

INTERVIEW: Business and Economics Researcher Josef Sheehama on Local Authorities and Audits

Business and economics researcher Josef Sheehama recently shared his insights on the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in Namibia, particularly regarding audits, financial mismanagement, and poor service delivery. Speaking in a recent interview, Sheehama emphasized the long-standing issues that have plagued local authorities and the steps being taken to address them. Sheehama pointed out that the frustration surrounding local authorities isn't a recent development. "This has been an […]

11 November, 2024 33

South Africa

Deputy President Says Government Is Collaborating with Development Bank to Aid Indebted Municipalities

S.A's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government is working with the Development Bank of Southern Africa to secure resources to assist municipalities that are in debt. Municipalities owe creditors 116.5-billion-rand, with 75.3-percent of this debt more than 90 days overdue. In turn municipalities in 2023/2024 were owed 339.9-billion-rand. Answering questions in the National Assembly yesterday, Mashatile said it is concerning that many municipalities are in financial stress:

1 November, 2024 68