Rundu:Emma Muteka, Vice Chairperson of the National Council, has been elected as the president of the Association of Regional Councils (ARC) during the association's ninth congress held in Rundu. The congress, which spanned from Monday to Wednesday, also saw the election of Omaheke Regional Council Chairperson Rocco Nguvauva as the vice-president. The election process was declared free, fair, and transparent.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Muteka received 43 votes, surpassing Ohangwena Regional Council Chairperson Efraim Lebbeus Shipindo, who secured 29 votes. In her acceptance speech, Muteka expressed gratitude to the councillors for their trust and emphasized her commitment to working collaboratively with the new leadership team. Her vision includes fortifying the association, empowering councillors, and enhancing the development of regional councils.
Muteka stressed the importance of translating decisions made at meetings into tangible actions and results that would benefit communities. She emphasized that the ARC should evolve beyond merely representing regional councils to become an influential organization capable of implementing resolutions and generating sufficient revenue to sustain itself independently.
Moreover, Muteka advocated for open communication, transparency, and accountability, urging councillors to prioritize unity and progress over personal interests. She called for the new chapter to focus on progress rather than personalities.
The outgoing ARC president, Matengu Simushi, highlighted the need for regional councils to pay their membership fees promptly, noting that delays had impacted the association's operations and posed challenges in its audit report. He mentioned issues such as delays in receiving information from regional councils, citing an instance where it took nearly two months to receive lists of beneficiaries for leave days.
Simushi urged the incoming committee to address outstanding payments in a timely manner and offered support to the new leadership. He expressed confidence in Muteka's leadership capabilities, describing her as a capable president.