NKURENKURU – The Kavango West Regional Council have installed Nkurenkuru regional councillor Filipus Tenga as its chairperson at a swearing-in ceremony held at Nkurenkuru on Friday. Tenga will replace former chairperson Joseph Sikongo (Tondoro constituency councillor), who will now represent the region at the National Council.

Mankumpi constituency councillor Lukas Muha was also elected to the National Council along with new Musese constituency councillor Emma Veiko. Mpungu constituency councillor Titus Shiudifonya and Augustinus Kupemboa will serve as members of the Kavango West regional council management committee, while Ncuncuni constituency councillor Michael Naiteta (on an Independent ticket and the only non Swapo councillor) and Ncamagoro constituency councillor Thomas Rengi will serve as ordinary members of the council.

In his acceptance speech as chairperson, Tenga said he was not ready to make promises at the moment, but said he has learned a lot from the outgoing chairperson Sikongo, whom he served with for the past five years in the management committee of the regional council.

“During the days that we served with our visionary leader, I gained a lot and I will not disappoint you. The time will come when I will have to tell you my plans.

Tenga called upon all stakeholders to come to the party to take the region to great heights. “We have done a lot, and we are still going to do a lot. I’m very much excited,’’ he said.

Nkurenkuru local authority

Andreas Katanga (Swapo) was sworn in as mayor, deputised by Engerberth Kaveto (Swapo), while Robert Katura (Swapo) was elected as chairperson of the Management Committee. Agatha Muhepa and Philips Sepuka, both from Swapo, will serve as members of the Management Committee.

Gabriel Tenga (IPC) will serve as an ordinary council member alongside Johannes Kavhura (AR). In his acceptance speech, the mayor promised to work tirelessly to bring development to the town and improve the wellbeing of its inhabitants.

“I look forward to working closely with you all as we advance the strategy of our town,’’ Katanga said.In the Kavango East region, Rundu urban constituency councillor Stefanus Sinonge was given the robe as chairperson of the Kavango East regional council, managing the council’s management committee with independent candidates Paulus Mbangu (Rundu Rural) and Petrus Kashumali (Mashare constituency).

Ndonga Linena constituency councillor Anselm Marungu, Ndiyona constituency councillor Laurentius Mukoya and Mukwe constituency councillor Augusta Katembo will represent the regional council at National Council.

Divundu Village Council swore in APP’s Wensel Kana as chairperson, deputised by IPC’s Angeline Peturi. The new council also includes Maghano Martin (APP), Priska Kana (Swapo), and Christoph Sikosi (Swapo)

Kana said the latest developments at the Divundu council were unexpected.

“It is nothing short of a miracle from God. I cannot yet make promises until I familiarise myself with the issues in the office,” he said.

Rundu did not participate in the swearing in ceremony of Friday, pending the case of the ECN ‘error’ which gave IPC a win of 1 seat despite Ruca having more votes. It has now been placed before the Electoral Court and is yet to receive any ruling.