Erongo: The Erongo Regional Council (ERC) has acknowledged a recent High Court ruling that ordered the reinstatement of Arandis Constituency councillor Benitha Imbamba as chairperson. As a result, the ERC has confirmed that the matter has been placed on the agenda of a Special Ordinary Regional Council Meeting set for next week Tuesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a press statement issued on Thursday by Chief Regional Officer Mpezeni Ntelamo said the ERC will pronounce itself on the way forward during the meeting, following the ruling delivered by the Windhoek High Court on 31 July 2025. "The ERC remains committed to upholding the rule of law, transparency, and the democratic principles that guide its operations. We will therefore not be responding to any queries on this matter until council meets," Ntelamo stated.

The High Court declared the vote of no confidence that led to Imbamba's removal earlier this year as unlawful and invalid. The ruling also set aside the subsequent appointment of Walvis Bay Rural Constituency councillor Florian Donatus as chairperson, directing the council to reinstate Imbamba to the position with full benefits and backpay.

According to court documents, the council acted unlawfully and unfairly when it removed Imbamba from her position through a motion introduced by Deriou Benson, the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency councillor representing the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). The matter stems from months of leadership wrangles within the ERC, marked by internal tensions.

Imbamba took the matter to court, citing procedural irregularities and claiming that her ousting was politically driven and not based on governance-related shortcomings. Her legal team successfully argued that the motion was rooted in factional interests and failed to meet procedural fairness standards.

In the same statement, the ERC also addressed a separate issue involving unauthorised expenditure on its Metro Mega Swakopmund account. A case of theft or fraud has been registered with the Namibian Police, and investigations are ongoing. Ntelamo assured the public that internal controls have been strengthened and that council remains committed to accountability and responsible financial management.