Araeb recalled for refusal to pay 10% of City earnings to IPC

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Bernadus Araeb was withdrawn from his City of Windhoek position for refusing to pay 10% of his earnings to the party, Namibian Sun can confirm.IPC, in a letter dated 25 July, accused Araeb of defying internal party directives and non-compliance with the party’s financial contribution policy.In the letter, issued by national general secretary Christine !Auchamus, the party accused Araeb of allegedly failing to contribute the mandatory 10% of his net earnings to the IPC, a requirement issued in January 2021 and applicable to all IPC legislative representatives.“The party issued a directive on 13 January 2021 obligating all legislative representatives of the party to contribute a mandatory 10% of their net earnings to the party administration,” the letter reads.“The chief administrator has issued numerous reminders in the form of WhatsApp messages and telephone calls, all of which have seemingly been ignored.”Araeb was also served with a formal notice on 17 July, instructing him to “show cause” within seven days why he should remain a party representative on the council. According to the party, he failed to respond, further compounding his alleged non-compliance.Not playing by party rules The letter cites Article 4.52.4 of the IPC constitution, which states that members must "comply with and execute as necessary, unconditionally and without reservations, democratic decisions, directives and policies of any organ of the party as binding on all members, even if they had not participated in the deliberations leading to their adoption."Furthermore, Article 4.55.9 states that a member “shall be disqualified from holding office... if he or she is not of good standing,” which includes failing to pay dues or levies required by the party.“This notice therefore serves to inform you, Ptr. Bernadus Araeb, that you are not in good standing... You are hereby informed that your failure to comply with the party directives and continued defiance are a breach of the party constitution,” the letter stated.No comment - yet Contacted for comment, Araeb said he had not received any official communication from either the party or the City of Windhoek regarding his removal.“I have not received anything from the CEO or the party regarding a recall,” Araeb said. “Until such time that I hear from the council, maybe they will make a decision. I have nothing more to say because I cannot speak on anything premature.”He added: “It’s still just a few whispers, some murmuring going around. So, whatever letter you are referring to, the one that you said has already been sent out, it may also reach me. But in the absence of the CEO making any announcements, I have nothing to say.”Asked whether he would challenge the decision, Araeb said he was not in a position to speculate until formal steps are taken.“Let us wait to hear what the council says. Then, if it becomes official, we can take it from there. If the council makes a pronouncement, I will be more than willing to discuss things further.”IPC has yet to announce a replacement for Araeb on the Windhoek council.!Auchamus has formally written to City of Windhoek CEO Moses Matyayi, notifying him of Araeb's withdrawal.Matyayi confirmed receipt of the letter and said: “This has created a vacancy which must now be gazetted. The political party [IPC] will be notified accordingly, and the process will proceed in line with Section 13(4) of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23 of 1992), as amended.”

Araeb recalled for refusal to pay 10% of City earnings to IPC

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

Please login to leave a comment

Araeb recalled for refusal to pay 10% of City earnings to IPC

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

Please login to leave a comment

Login