No rewards for handclappers – IPC
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) says there was nothing untoward about choosing Jürgen Hecht to serve on the Windhoek city council.
The party opted not to use its list, instead choosing Hecht to replace the former chairperson of the management committee, Fillemon Hambuda.
Rezaldo Somses, who is number five on the party’s list, was seemingly ignored in favour of Hecht.
IPC general secretary Christine Aochamus said the party was within its rights to choose whomever it saw fit to serve, saying it would not reward ‘handclappers’ with positions.
“We promised the electorate that we were going to change things. We did not go in there to reward handclappers,” she said.
According to her, because the party was only formed in August 2020, there are members who may have joined later whom it would consider using for key positions as it saw fit.
Right skills
The nature of the city council required someone with the right skills, she said.
“For a N$4 billion, N$5 billion budget a year, it requires people who will turn the shop around,” said Aochamus.
She added that there were internal party remedies for aggrieved persons within the party who may have felt sidelined by Hecht’s appointment.
Touching on Desiree Davids’ suspension and subsequent removal from the city council, Aochamus said the party would only replace Davids once the City’s CEO informed the party and once a vacancy had been gazetted.
Hecht admitted during his swearing-in that he had become councillor from the sideline.
“I know I came in by the sideline but I feel extremely honoured that the party asked me to come in and assist and to become a councillor,” Hecht said.
He added that although he had been appointed on a party ticket, he would serve all of the city’s residents.
WINDHOEK
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) says there was nothing untoward about choosing Jürgen Hecht to serve on the Windhoek city council.
The party opted not to use its list, instead choosing Hecht to replace the former chairperson of the management committee, Fillemon Hambuda.
Rezaldo Somses, who is number five on the party’s list, was seemingly ignored in favour of Hecht.
IPC general secretary Christine Aochamus said the party was within its rights to choose whomever it saw fit to serve, saying it would not reward ‘handclappers’ with positions.
“We promised the electorate that we were going to change things. We did not go in there to reward handclappers,” she said.
According to her, because the party was only formed in August 2020, there are members who may have joined later whom it would consider using for key positions as it saw fit.
Right skills
The nature of the city council required someone with the right skills, she said.
“For a N$4 billion, N$5 billion budget a year, it requires people who will turn the shop around,” said Aochamus.
She added that there were internal party remedies for aggrieved persons within the party who may have felt sidelined by Hecht’s appointment.
Touching on Desiree Davids’ suspension and subsequent removal from the city council, Aochamus said the party would only replace Davids once the City’s CEO informed the party and once a vacancy had been gazetted.
Hecht admitted during his swearing-in that he had become councillor from the sideline.
“I know I came in by the sideline but I feel extremely honoured that the party asked me to come in and assist and to become a councillor,” Hecht said.
He added that although he had been appointed on a party ticket, he would serve all of the city’s residents.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article