Erongo: The Erongo Regional Council (ERC) has rejected a High Court order to reinstate Councillor Benitha Imbamba as chairperson, opting instead to maintain Florian Donatus in the role. This decision was made during a special council meeting where a vote resulted in a 4-2 outcome in favor of Donatus.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the meeting was called to address the court's directive issued on 31 July, which instructed the ERC to reinstate Imbamba after a motion of no confidence led to her removal. The council decided to appeal the court's judgment, with opinions among the councillors divided on the legal and procedural aspects of the case.

The ERC also plans to engage with the line ministry and the Erongo governor to seek a resolution to the leadership conflict. This situation arose after Imbamba contested her dismissal in court, leading to a default judgment for her reinstatement, which the council did not defend in court.

Daures Constituency Councillor Kennedy !Haoseb expressed discontent with the council's approach, noting a lack of transparency and communication regarding legal developments. He criticized the council for not consulting properly before the legal proceedings went forward, resulting in a default order.

Chief Regional Officer Sem Ntelamo clarified that the summons was received on 15 April 2025, coinciding with the election of a new chairperson. He stated that the matter was referred to the Attorney General's office, but no legal representative was appointed before the case was heard, despite adherence to protocol.

Imbamba argued that the letter of demand was appropriately received and addressed to the council. She questioned how the council missed the chance to contest the legal challenge but offered to bear her legal costs to enable an opposition.

Omaruru Constituency Councillor Ernst Wetha called for unity after Chairperson Donatus proposed a vote. Donatus, !Haoseb, along with Walvis Bay Urban and Swakopmund Constituillors Deriou Benson and Louisa Kativa, voted against reinstating Imbamba, while she and Usakos Constituency Councillor Melania Ndjago voted to comply with the court order. Wetha chose to abstain from voting.