In just a week and few days, Namibians will once again walk to the polls to elect leaders who will represent them in local authorities and regional councils. The time for campaigning is almost over. If you have not yet convinced the people that you are their person – the clock is ticking.
While candidates are geared up for the election outcome, it is also time to think beyond the campaign trail and to reflect on what will come after the votes are counted. Winning an election is one thing; leading with integrity, vision, and service is another. Many have presented well-written manifestos and convincing promises. Political parties have done their due diligence to position their candidates favourably, and independent candidates have walked the dusty roads themselves, shaken hands and spoken directly to the people.
But as Namibians prepare to cast their votes, one truth must stand clear: people are not voting for individuals — they are voting for service, leadership, and the future of their communities. They are voting for clean water, functioning roads, decent housing, and responsive governance. They are voting for hope.
It is against this background that future councillors must enter office not as representatives of Party A or B, but as leaders of the people. Political loyalty should never overshadow the commitment to serve all Namibians, regardless of political affiliation. The seat of leadership belongs to the people, not to a political logo.
Too often, boardrooms and corridors of local authorities and regional councils across the country become battlegrounds of ideology and personal rivalry. Some councillors spend their entire term engaged in fault-finding missions — fighting fellow councillors, undermining their own parties, and neglecting the very citizens who entrusted them with power.
Instead of using their energy to deliver development, they waste precious time on political squabbles. In the process, service delivery stalls, and communities remain trapped in cycles of neglect.
Equally concerning are cases where councillors and chairpersons refuse to work together, simply because they belong to different political parties.
This attitude is not only counterproductive; it is dangerous. It divides communities, erodes trust, and weakens governance. Namibia’s democracy can only flourish when leaders rise above partisanship and prioritise the public good.
Chairpersons of local authorities and regional councils must be reminded that leadership requires fairness and inclusivity. Treat all councillors and constituencies with equal respect, regardless of political differences.
Councillors, on the other hand, must open their doors, engage with one another, and the communities, and remember why they are in office — to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
People do not eat political struggles. They do not survive on party infights or endless debates. What they need are jobs, access to land, reliable service delivery, and opportunities for a better life.
The electorate has grown weary of leaders who spend their years in office trading accusations, instead of implementing solutions.
After the election dust settles, there will be winners and losers on the political scoreboard. Candidates will celebrate victories, and parties will count their seats. But the ultimate victory should belong to Namibia and its people. When services improve, when communities prosper, when young people find employment, and when citizens regain trust in their leaders, that is when Namibia truly wins.
Let this election not be about who holds power, but about who uses it responsibly. Just think if you are a minority in a council who refuses to talk to the fellow councillors, just because they belong to a different political party, will your silence, hate and animosity take service to the people? Will you retain your seat next year? Work for those that placed you on the seat and not regret spending their time in long queues to vote for you. Work together with your colleagues and let it be about unity, accountability, and progress.
The road ahead requires