Windhoek: The newly elected mayor of Windhoek, Ndeshihafela Larandja, has promised to prioritise the provision of basic services, economic development, as well as land and housing delivery. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) politician was elected as mayor during the elections of the public office bearers on Tuesday. The mayor reminded her fellow councillors that 2025 is significant as it marks the midpoint in the implementation of the Windhoek Municipal Council Strategic Plan 2022-2027.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Larandja urged office bearers to reflect on the critical success factors that will enhance their collective effort in achieving the goals outlined in their strategic plan. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the provision of basic services and economic development. Larandja also highlighted the need for promoting stakeholder engagement for inclusive public participation and mobilising funding to ensure the city's financial stability.

Meanwhile, Clemencia Hanases of the Popular Democratic Movement has been elected as deputy mayor of Windhoek. In her acceptance statement, Hanases called for collaboration between the municipal councillors and the staff members of the Windhoek municipality.

The five members of the management committee include Fransina Kahungu of the Swapo Party and Joseph Uapingene of the National Unity Democratic Organisation, both receiving 11 votes. Illse Keister-Elago of the Affirmative Repositioning movement and Jurgen Hecht of IPC each received 10 votes. The fifth member is Bernadus Araeb of IPC, who secured nine votes during the orderly elections in the council chamber. Former mayor Queen Kamati failed to join the management committee, securing only four votes.

Windhoek Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi expressed his delight at the election of the office bearers, stating, 'We are now back in business.' The city had been without a council since last December, when political parties represented in the city council failed to elect new office bearers.