Tensions mount at Okahandja

The Okahandja community has demanded that a moratorium on land sales be lifted and that a presidential commission of inquiry into the affairs of the town be instituted.During a community meeting held on Sunday, the community also accused Okahandja constituency councillor Steve Biko Booys of being the mastermind behind the so-called Community Concern group, which they claim was engineered to cause chaos and havoc at the town. Community activist Petrus Gariseb also took on Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa for imposing leaders on the town's residents without consulting them. “You, Madam Shaningwa, have total disregard for the wishes and aspirations of the people of Okahandja hence you turned this town into your playing field, by dictating to the people of Okahandja who must lead this town.” You deliberately forget that not everyone in the town is a Swapo member,” he said. The community demanded that Shaningwa withdraw her directive for the swearing-in of new councillors at the town. They want the immediate swearing-in of the current Okahandja town councillors, without any change, within three days. When called for comment, Shaningwa said she was not prepared to have a discussion with the media about these allegations. The community further demanded that Shaningwa present the findings of an investigation initiated by her, as former urban and rural development minister, in 2015. They also want her successor, Peya Mushelenga, to present to them with the report in which he ordered Shaningwa to change the political leadership at Okahandja. Furthermore, the community demanded that Mushelenga lift the ban on land sales at the town, adding Okahandja cannot grow without being able to sell land. The community also demanded answers from the town's CEO Martha Mutilifa. According to Gariseb and the community members, they are aware that cleaning machines are broken and the town cannot be cleaned. The community also say they know there is no money to repair these machines. As a result, they have also demanded comprehensive financial statements from the municipality, in order to determine its financial strength.When contacted for comment Mutilifa said she was not at the meeting, before adding “I do not expect your call now”. Mushelenga also declined to talk to the media. “I do not want to communicate with the Okahandja community through the media. If they want to communicate with me, then they know where my offices are,” he added. JEMIMA BEUKES

Tensions mount at Okahandja

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

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Tensions mount at Okahandja

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-02

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