Hamata launches council bid in Helao Nafidi, vows to tackle local issues
Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Hidipo Hamata has confirmed that he is seeking to win a seat for the party on the Helao Nafidi Town Council in the November regional and local authority elections.
He said if successful, he aims to tackle issues affecting residents in the northern town.
"I am deeply humbled and honoured to share with you that I have been officially nominated to stand as a candidate for the Helao Nafidi Town Council in this year’s local authority elections," he announced recently.
"I have gladly accepted this nomination because I believe in the potential of our town and in the power of committed leadership to deliver real change,” he noted.
In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun, Hamata said he is ready to take on the task of being the voice of the voiceless.
"Roughly every day, I get calls from people complaining about how they are mistreated, and this is one of the reasons why I have to make it onto the council and speak on their behalf," he said.
“I always wanted to stand as a councillor for Helao Nafidi, but at the time I was the party’s regional coordinator and I had to ensure I grow the party at a regional level,” he explained.
He added that after failing to secure a seat in parliament in the last elections, he was "approached by the regional leadership and the community to represent them on the Helao Nafidi Town Council, and I agreed. It’s politics.”
New opportunities
Hamata’s announcement of his candidacy received mixed reactions.
Responding to his critics, he said serving people at the community and grassroots level has always been important to him.
“Whilst I was in parliament, I was tabling motions that affect the people of Helao Nafidi and the Ohangwena region as a whole. I never neglected my people and I will never do so. I am a politician. Right now I am being afforded the opportunity, if I make it onto the council, to address the issues affecting people of Helao Nafidi."
He added: “I grew up in this town and I have seen what is being done wrong, and I am ready and prepared to correct the wrongs.”
The PDM has never been able to secure a seat on the Helao Nafidi Town Council since independence, and Hamata said he believes the upcoming elections will be historic and that the party will perform well.
While a number of PDM members from various parts of the country have recently left the party, Hamata said he remains a loyal member.
He added that those departing are simply exercising their democratic rights.
[email protected]
He said if successful, he aims to tackle issues affecting residents in the northern town.
"I am deeply humbled and honoured to share with you that I have been officially nominated to stand as a candidate for the Helao Nafidi Town Council in this year’s local authority elections," he announced recently.
"I have gladly accepted this nomination because I believe in the potential of our town and in the power of committed leadership to deliver real change,” he noted.
In an exclusive interview with Namibian Sun, Hamata said he is ready to take on the task of being the voice of the voiceless.
"Roughly every day, I get calls from people complaining about how they are mistreated, and this is one of the reasons why I have to make it onto the council and speak on their behalf," he said.
“I always wanted to stand as a councillor for Helao Nafidi, but at the time I was the party’s regional coordinator and I had to ensure I grow the party at a regional level,” he explained.
He added that after failing to secure a seat in parliament in the last elections, he was "approached by the regional leadership and the community to represent them on the Helao Nafidi Town Council, and I agreed. It’s politics.”
New opportunities
Hamata’s announcement of his candidacy received mixed reactions.
Responding to his critics, he said serving people at the community and grassroots level has always been important to him.
“Whilst I was in parliament, I was tabling motions that affect the people of Helao Nafidi and the Ohangwena region as a whole. I never neglected my people and I will never do so. I am a politician. Right now I am being afforded the opportunity, if I make it onto the council, to address the issues affecting people of Helao Nafidi."
He added: “I grew up in this town and I have seen what is being done wrong, and I am ready and prepared to correct the wrongs.”
The PDM has never been able to secure a seat on the Helao Nafidi Town Council since independence, and Hamata said he believes the upcoming elections will be historic and that the party will perform well.
While a number of PDM members from various parts of the country have recently left the party, Hamata said he remains a loyal member.
He added that those departing are simply exercising their democratic rights.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article