Africa-Press – Namibia.
Social justice activist Shaun ‘Asprilla’ Gariseb is weighing in on throwing his hat into the political ring by contesting for the Katutura Central constituency.
He is considering contesting for one of Namibia’s sought-after constituencies as an independent candidate in the upcoming Regional Councils and Local Authority elections in November.
Known for his activism and grassroots engagement, he said his motivation stems from years of unmet needs and mounting frustrations among residents.
“Katutura Central is plagued by deep-rooted challenges, yet I see people campaigning for positions instead of solutions,” Gariseb said in an interview with New Era. “We have shack houses masquerading as homes, a municipality drowning our pensioners in debt and youth who remain sidelined and disempowered,” he said.
He criticised what he called the “cosmetic campaigning” of current office bearers. He singled out incumbent councillor Rodman Katjaimo, accusing him of being disconnected from the constituency.
“Katjaimo doesn’t even reside in Katutura Central. He’s out of touch with reality. We’re going to write to the line minister to ensure this Rocky Crest-based councillor pays back the taxpayers’ money he’s been drawing under false pretences,” he charged. Back in 2022, New Era reported that Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Katutura Constituency councillor Katjaimo does not live in the constituency he leads, a direct contravention of the Regional Councils Act.
New Era had established that the journalist-turned-politician lives in one of Windhoek’s affluent suburbs, Rocky Crest, while simultaneously presiding over one of Windhoek’s poorest constituencies.
At the time, he confirmed owning a house in Rocky Crest but denied living there.
“Yes. I have a house in Rocky Crest, where my family resides. My wife is a teacher at Concordia, and my kids attend school in Hochland Park. [It] is very convenient for them, but I rent a backyard flat in Katutura at my uncle’s house,” Katjaimo said.
Evidence gathered by this newspaper indicated that he indeed lives in Rocky Crest, which flew in the face of the Regional Councils Act.
The law governing regional councils dictates that a councillor must be a resident of the constituency for which he or she is elected.
The law states that no person shall be qualified to be a member of a regional council unless he or she “is ordinarily a resident within the constituency for which he or she is elected, or if such person is not so resident at the time of his or her election, becomes so ordinarily resident within a period of three months as from the date of his or her election as such a member”.
However, Gariseb insisted his priority is not politics but people.
“My mind is not on campaigning. My mind is on the well-being of all Windhoek residents regardless of tribe, background or income. If my conviction aligns with the people’s call, I’ll answer them in October,” he stated.
His activism extends beyond the borders of Katutura.
He recently engaged communities in Mondesa in Swakopmund and challenged the National Youth Service for what he calls “systemic exclusion of the youth”.
“Our people don’t need Wi-Fi and false promises. They need empowerment. That’s why, in October, we’re hosting a small business seminar. It’s about real change,” Gariseb said.
He is also at the forefront of efforts to stop the extension of the City of Windhoek’s contract with RedForce Debt Management, citing its negative impact on residents.
“This contract must go. On 28 July, we’re mobilising to end it. It’s unacceptable for families to suffer because of a defective billing system,” he said.
Priorities
Gariseb promised to push for increased financial support to communities, specifically raising the constituency development fund from the current N$250 000 to N$1 million per constituency.
“This is not about politics but justice. With more funding, we can tackle youth delinquency and offer real opportunities to our people. The priority is not politics but people,” he added.
A key part of his vision includes the establishment of a comprehensive database to ensure that resources reach those who truly need them.
“Too often, outsiders benefit while children born and raised in Katutura are overlooked. That must stop,” he said.
Gariseb also took issue with what he called “uncontrolled commercialisation” of the local economy. “You can’t have five alcohol outlets on a single street. We need to protect small businesses and regulate irresponsible trading. Why are small and medium enterprises parks only found in some parts of Katutura Central? Why do only certain areas have meat-cutting machines? This is economic exclusion and a constitutional violation,” he argued.
Gariseb promised to advocate for improved public infrastructure, including a second library in the constituency, more streetlights in crime-prone areas like Goreangab and Havana, as well as mobile police stations to curb rising crime.
He expressed disappointment in the City council’s performance, accusing councillors of prioritising foreign trips over service delivery.
“They’ve been fighting each other for positions and S&T trips to Berlin, instead of fixing broken pipes in Hakahana. We gave them a plan last year on how to address the City’s N$1.3 billion debt and relieve ratepayers. They ignored it,” he said.
Gariseb warned against councillors who “defend a broken system”, saying many are part of the same structures causing distress for residents.
“Some of these councillors are not even originally from Windhoek, so they don’t care. They’re more invested in building schools in their villages while our taps run dry here. They defend RedForce and want 43 ‘Build Together’ groups to remain trapped in debt. We’re saying that model must go,” he maintained.
As the elections approach, Gariseb said the choice for residents is clear.
“People will have to decide. Do they want food combo handouts or real leadership?” he said.
Source: neweralive
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