Otjiwarongo: The Swapo Party has officially appointed Otjiwarongo Constituency Councillor Paulus Nekundi as the new chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council. Nekundi will succeed former Tsumkwe Constituency councillor Johannes Haufiku, who was defeated by independent candidate Petrus Mutji in the regional council and local authority elections.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a letter issued by Swapo Party Secretary General Sofia Shaningwa has instructed the Otjozondjupa leadership to implement this change. Nekundi is expected to serve alongside Grootfontein Constituency councillor Nelao Amagulu as a member of the management committee.

The same letter also suggests that Okahandja Constituency councillor Betuel Tjaveondja, newly elected Omatako Constituency councillor Eben-Ezer Zarondo, and Otavi Constituency Councillor George !Garab represent the region in the National Council. Additional nominations include local politicians for senior roles in the local authority councils of Otjiwarongo, Okahandja, Okakarara, Otavi, and Grootfontein.

In Otjiwarongo, the party has proposed Leonard Simushi as mayor, Namibia Kandume as chairperson of the management committee, and Godhardt Hoko and Magano Johanes as members of the management committee of the Otjiwarongo Municipality. For the Grootfontein Municipality, Swapo proposed Bernadine Nangolo, Cleophas Kamukuju, and Susan Swartz for senior positions.

At the Okakarara Town Council, Swapo's recommendation for their single seat is Fransina Hamukwaya. In Okahandja, Iilena Mutumbulwa is nominated for the mayoral position, with Patricia Howaes as chairperson of the management committee, serving alongside Petrus Gaiseb and Metodues Shidiwe.

For Otavi, Laina Kandjila has been selected as the mayoral candidate, with Naftali Dauseb as chairperson of the management committee, and Blondi Marungu and Serbe Mwailange as committee members. The official swearing-in of all nominated local politicians in the Otjozondjupa Region is scheduled for Friday.