Windhoek: As Namibians prepare for the upcoming local authority elections, a wave of young candidates under the age of 35 has entered the race with the hope of reshaping the political sphere. Among them are 24-year-old Julia Sem of Usakos, Swakopmund's current 33-year-old Deputy Mayor Suama Kautondokwa, and 35-year-old Uis Village Council candidate Manuel Tourob.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Sem is a first-time candidate representing the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM). Her decision to run for office is rooted in her upbringing in a town where basic services have long been unreliable. Her manifesto focuses on stabilizing water supply, upgrading sanitation, and ensuring consistent electricity for all households at Usakos. Sem plans to work closely with NamWater, Erongo RED, and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development to fast-track maintenance of aging infrastructure and secure long-term agreements for consistent water provision. She also aims to address youth unemployment by championing partnerships with vocational centers, mining companies, and small businesses to create apprenticeships and training programs.
In Swakopmund, Kautondokwa, a candidate for the Swapo Party, is seeking re-election as deputy mayor with a focus on continuity and accelerated service delivery. Her agenda includes addressing the shortage of affordable housing and improving conditions in informal settlements through immediate expansion of essential services and long-term support for public-private housing projects. She also plans to expand municipal apprenticeships, strengthen community works programs, and ensure transparency in council operations through accessible information and community engagement.
In Uis, Tourob, representing the United Democratic Front (UDF), is campaigning on a vision blending infrastructure development, administrative reform, and economic planning. The recent re-proclamation of Uis as a village council provides greater authority over land and development, which Tourob sees as an opportunity for strategic growth. His priorities include revamping water infrastructure, accelerating plot allocations, and collaborating with developers for affordable housing. He also emphasizes the need for skilled administrative staff to implement council policies effectively and intends to broaden public participation through open council meetings and community forums.
Despite differing political affiliations and locations, Sem, Kautondokwa, and Tourob share priorities focused on enhancing service delivery, transparency, and community engagement within their local authorities.