Smaller parties push for ‘urgent change’ ahead of elections

As Namibia heads into the regional and local authority elections this November, smaller political players are stepping up, taking on radical approaches to land, jobs and housing.

Otjiwarongo Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) branch secretary Joseph Hishekwa says the need for local change is urgent and personal. From broken roads and rising unemployment to a lack of land access for young families, Hishekwa says Otjiwarongo’s development has failed its residents.

“People at Otjiwarongo are facing a lot of problems, especially when it comes to the potholes on the roads… They are suffering from a lack of job opportunities. And land also – the municipality is making people suffer by not giving the land to people who are living at Otjiwarongo,” he says.

Hishekwa emphasises that the NEFF will prioritise locals for public and private sector employment if voted into council.

He says this includes mines, municipal contracts and construction projects, ensuring that at least 90% of all jobs are reserved for Otjiwarongo residents. On land reform, he says the party will legalise all informal settlements and ensure affordability.

“We will make sure people apply for that land at a low cost. That low cost is going be afforded to everyone, especially those who are earning a low income,” he says.

Speaking to Desert FM last week, former National Unity Democratic Organisation secretary general Joseph Kauandenge re-emerged under a new banner, the Association for Localised Interest (Asoli).

Kauandenge said after years of observing coalition gridlock at the City of Windhoek, the capital is in a state of crisis, and voters need to restore leadership that puts people first.

“Who are they going to vote for, who will restore order and sanity to the City of Windhoek in terms of leadership? . . . These elections are the most important ones because that’s where your issues like electricity, water and basic services are actually being debated,” he said.

Kauandenge served as a city councillor and member of parliament before launching Asoli, and is now promising a direct, grassroots approach.

He highlighted that Windhoek’s growing housing crisis demands the formalisation of informal settlements and redirection of ratepayer funds into essential infrastructure.

“Once the residents pay their rates and taxes, where does this money go? Does it go to addressing water provision for informal settlements? Or does it go to the wage bill?” he questioned.

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