Otavi Council finds itself in legal limbo

THE Ministry of Local and Regional Government and Housing says it is still “concerned” about whether the correct procedures have been followed to oust three members of the Otavi Town Council.

Deputy Minister Gerhard Totemeyer said yesterday that he was still waiting for confirmation that the Otavi Residents’ Association’s decision to remove Mayor Markus Damaseb, Deputy Mayor Magdalena Noarises and the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Gerson Gamibeb, from office was taken at a properly convened executive meeting. Totemeyer said he was waiting for proof before a notice of the vacancies and replacements could be gazetted.”There must be absolute clarity on the issue.My concern is that all rules are followed,” he said.Until then, the replacements – Martha Mukuwe, Laurentius Ihuhua and Johanna Garas – cannot be sworn in.Warning bells that the move might not be above board sounded when documentation announcing the decision was sent to the Town Clerk and the Ministry on behalf of a “chairman” who says he is not part of the association.Stanley Neumann says he withdrew from the association three years ago and was never its chairman.He told The Namibian that after the association decided to boot the three councillors a week ago, he was approached by members to sign the documentation saying he had been elected to head the movement.Neumann said he refused.”I don’t know anything about this business.I have no interest in politics,” he told The Namibian.The documentation was nonetheless forwarded to Jantze and Totemeyer with his name, but without a signature.Subsequently, Gottfried Uwu-Khaeb was chosen as ORA Chairman and wasted no time in carrying out the ORA’s wishes.Uwu-Khaeb told The Namibian that a magistrate had already been contacted to swear in the new councillors early next week.The association’s other member on the council, Immanuel Kaundje, yesterday accused the Town Clerk of complicating the matter, saying the three councillors “must just go”.He was emphatic that the decision to get rid of Damaseb, Noarises and Gamibeb was taken by majority vote and that it was the will of the residents.Jantze said yesterday that he would allow the process to continue with the information at his disposal.”We will just proceed.If something comes up, then we’ll see.I believe things are going well”.Totemeyer said he was waiting for proof before a notice of the vacancies and replacements could be gazetted. “There must be absolute clarity on the issue. My concern is that all rules are followed,” he said. Until then, the replacements – Martha Mukuwe, Laurentius Ihuhua and Johanna Garas – cannot be sworn in. Warning bells that the move might not be above board sounded when documentation announcing the decision was sent to the Town Clerk and the Ministry on behalf of a “chairman” who says he is not part of the association. Stanley Neumann says he withdrew from the association three years ago and was never its chairman. He told The Namibian that after the association decided to boot the three councillors a week ago, he was approached by members to sign the documentation saying he had been elected to head the movement. Neumann said he refused. “I don’t know anything about this business. I have no interest in politics,” he told The Namibian. The documentation was nonetheless forwarded to Jantze and Totemeyer with his name, but without a signature. Subsequently, Gottfried Uwu-Khaeb was chosen as ORA Chairman and wasted no time in carrying out the ORA’s wishes. Uwu-Khaeb told The Namibian that a magistrate had already been contacted to swear in the new councillors early next week. The association’s other member on the council, Immanuel Kaundje, yesterday accused the Town Clerk of complicating the matter, saying the three councillors “must just go”. He was emphatic that the decision to get rid of Damaseb, Noarises and Gamibeb was taken by majority vote and that it was the will of the residents. Jantze said yesterday that he would allow the process to continue with the information at his disposal. “We will just proceed. If something comes up, then we’ll see. I believe things are going well”.