Africa-Press – Namibia. The special council meeting of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council announced the nullification of its internal election process that took place on 31 March 2025 when Okahandja constituency councillor Betuel Tjaveondja was elected as chairperson.
The announcement was made by acting chief regional officer Shikongo Alweendo.
He said Tjaveondja’s election contained technical errors, as Magistrate Peingondjabi Shipo, who presided over the meeting and administered the swearing-in of Tjaveondja, had not been designated by the justice minister as required by law.
“The regional council only invited Magistrate Shipo, contrary to the law, as the justice minister was supposed to have designated him,” said Alweendo.
He added that the nullification of Tjaveondja’s appointment to the position is not politically-motivated, despite claims circulating in the region.
The special council meeting on Wednesday further confirmed that Tjaveondja, in his capacity as Otjozondjupa’s representative to the National Council, will continue to serve in that role.
The meeting then nominated Tsumkwe Constituency councillor Johannes Hausiku as the new chairperson of the regional council.
The chairperson of the regional council presides over all meetings of the regional council’s management committee.
The special council meeting nominated Okakarara constituency councillor Ramana Mutjavikua as a member of the management committee of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council.
Israel Hukura of the Omatako Constituency – who was previously a member of the management committee – was nominated as the region’s new representative to the National Council.
George Garab of the Otavi Constituency also represents the region in the National Council, bringing the total number of representatives to three.
At present, only one vacancy remains on the regional council’s management committee, which is expected to be filled following the by-elections for the Grootfontein and Otjiwarongo constituencies, scheduled for 17 June 2025.
These vacancies and subsequent by-elections were necessitated by the departure of the former constituency councillors of Grootfontein Elder Filipe and Marlayn Mbakera of Otjiwarongo, who have served as Members of Parliament since 21 March 2025.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
