Okakarara: The impending departure of Ernst Katjiku from the Okakarara Town Council has prompted widespread reflection in the community he has spent much of his life serving as a teacher, politician, and administrator.According to Namibia Press Agency, Katjiku informed the Okakarara Town Council in January this year, seven months before the expiry of his contract, that he would not seek renewal of his term as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his letter, he cited personal reasons for his decision to step down when his contract expires on 31 August 2026.Katjiku's connection to Okakarara began in 1982 when his mother, then a nurse at the Okakarara State Hospital, moved him from Omaruru to enroll in Standard Two (now Grade 4) at Okakarara Primary School. Because his mother's nursing duties frequently required rotation to Coblenz and Okamatapati, Katjiku lived in the hostel at Waterberg Junior Secondary School, where he completed his primary education up to Standard Five (now Grade 7).In 1986, he proceeded to Martin Luther High School, where he completed his matric. His professional career began in 1992 at Putuavanga Junior Secondary School in Opuwo, where he taught English and physical science. Three years later, he enrolled at the Windhoek College of Education, where he obtained a diploma in education in 1997, before returning to Okakarara in 1998 and joining Okakarara Senior Secondary School (SSS) as a biology teacher.During this period, he became actively involved in youth development and politics, serving as the Otjozondjupa regional chairperson of the 'My Future is My Choice' programme. Between 2000 and 2004, he also served as the Swapo Party district secretary for information and mobilisation in Okakarara. He later headed the Natural Sciences Department at Okakarara SSS from 2000 to 2009 while earning an Advanced Diploma in Education from the University of Namibia.His growing interest in public service saw him enter local politics, where he served on the Okakarara Town Council and chaired the council 's management committee. Katjiku was later elected mayor of Okakarara, serving from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, Katjiku resigned from both his teaching position and the mayoral office to take up the position of CEO of the Kamanjab Village Council, where he served until 2010, when he successfully contested the position of the Daures Constituency councillor, a role he held until 2015.In 2016, Katjiku returned to his beloved Okakarara, this time as the town council's CEO on a five-year contract. Reappointed in 2021, his impending departure in August 2026 marks a full decade at the administrative helm of the town. Reflecting on his decision to leave Okakarara, Katjiku said he believes the time has come for a new generation of leadership. 'I have done my part, run my race, and it is now time for me to step down and allow someone else to come in and take over,' he said.He noted that he has spent nearly half of his life in Okakarara, serving the community in various capacities as a teacher, councillor, mayor, and CEO . Although his attachment to the town remains strong, the 55-year-old Katjiku said he hopes to return to his birthplace, Omaruru, where he plans to pursue other opportunities before eventually retiring. 'I think this time my stay in Okakarara is over as I want to go back to Omaruru and venture into other opportunities,' he said.Residents described Katjiku as a leader who consistently placed Okakarara's interests first and contributed significantly to the town's growth and development. Many of his former learners have gone on to become influential figures, including Swapo Deputy Secretary General, Uahekua Herunga and current Okakarara mayor Siegfried Tjehiua.According to Charles Katjipi, who has worked at the Okakarara Town Council for the past 18 years, Katjiku played a key role in modernising council systems and improving operational efficiency. Local Economic Development Manager Helga Humbu said several major development projects were realised during Katjiku's tenure. These include the construction and opening of the Shoprite complex, the installation of approximately 1,500 prepaid water meters across the town, and the construction of nearly 500 houses through the National Housing Enterprise (NHE).Other beneficiaries of development initiatives during his administration include the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, the Build Together Programme, and DW Social Housing Solutions. His tenure also continues to lead the relocation of the town's central business district to a newly serviced area between Pamwe and the Veterinary Services complex in the town. 'We all know the current CEO improved and brought about development to Okakarara,' Humbu said.Former Okakarara Deputy Mayor Golden Katjatako, who collaborated with Katjiku through the Okakarara Trade Fair Society in 2016, lauded him as a strategic thinker who knows exactly when to assume responsibility - and when to step aside for the next. Katjatako wished him well in his future endeavours and expressed hope that he would one day return to serve the tow n in another capacity.Current mayor Tjehiua proudly described himself as one of Katjiku's former students. 'He taught me biology in Grade 11 in 1999 at Okakarara SSS, so we all know him,' said Tjehiua. The Okakarara Town Council is currently governed by a coalition that includes three seats held by the Okakarara Residents Association Fighting for Development, two seats held by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), one seat held by Swapo, and one seat held by the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo). The town has a population of more than 7,000 residents and approximately 3,000 households.