We started our term with Covid-19 – outgoing Windhoek council

Outgoing Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja says the last five years were a defining period for the city’s leadership, marked by the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and other unprecedented challenges.

She, however, also says the team made progress in strengthening operations and improving financial stability.

Larandja was speaking at a farewell ceremony hosted by the City of Windhoek on Friday to bid farewell to the 2020–2025 council following the recent regional council and local authority elections.

“We assumed office during the most uncertain time in modern history the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she says in a post on the city’s page.

“Despite the pressures, this council worked to stabilise the city’s finances, restore operational discipline and strengthen service delivery. It was not easy, but it was necessary.”

City chief executive Moses Matyayi has also paid tribute to the outgoing council, saying their policy direction allowed the administration to carry out key reforms.

“Their leadership enabled us to implement essential interventions such as the financial turnaround strategy, performance improvement initiatives and critical infrastructure projects,” Matyayi says.

Deputy mayor Clemencia Hanases thanks residents, city staff and fellow leaders for their cooperation throughout the term.

“As we pass the baton to the incoming leaders, we do so with optimism,” she says. “The challenges remain, but the foundation is now solid.”

Last week, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development postponed the swearing in of all newly elected regional and local authority councillors that was set for 3 December. The ministry has not yet announced a new date for the swearing in.

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