New Era journalist Victoria Immanuel recently engaged the newly elected Outapi councillor Selma Asino. She shared her vision and what the public can expect from her.
VI: Congratulations on being elected as the councillor for the Outapi constituency. How does it feel to take on this responsibility?
SA: Thank you very much. It is truly an honour and a profound responsibility to be trusted by the Swapo Party and the people of Outapi Constituency. I am deeply humbled by the confidence our people have shown through their votes. For me, this victory is not a personal achievement but a collective expression of hope and faith in the future.
VI: What motivated you to join local politics and represent your community under the Swapo Party?
SA: I have always been passionate about community development. Having served as the mayor of Outapi for several years, I witnessed both the challenges and the potential of our community. My motivation to serve under the Swapo Party stems from its rich history and unwavering principles unity, freedom and socio-economic empowerment for all Namibians.
VI: What are the first things you plan to tackle once you are elected into office?
SA: I officially took office on 6 October 2025. My priority is to ensure continuity in governance. I believe leadership is not about starting over but about carrying forward what is working, improving where there are gaps and completing what has been started.
My focus in the short term is to accelerate the completion of ongoing projects such as rural electrification, borehole installations and the construction of access roads that link our villages to essential services.
VI: Service delivery remains a key issue for many residents, what are your immediate priorities to address those concerns?
SA: Indeed, service delivery is at the heart of our people’s expectations. In Outapi, our residents want to see changes that directly touch their lives – water that runs from the tap, roads that are passable, clinics that are well-equipped and opportunities that empower the youth and women. My immediate focus will, therefore, be on improving access to clean water, expanding rural road networks, enhancing access to healthcare and supporting small and medium enterprises, especially women and youth entrepreneurs.
VI: How do you plan to engage young people and ensure their voices are included in decision-making?
SA: Young people are not just beneficiaries of development. They are partners in shaping it. In Outapi, we have a vibrant youth population with immense potential. My goal is to create structured platforms for youth dialogue and participation through constituency youth forums, mentorship programmes and entrepreneurship training initiatives.
VI: Do you already have any development projects or programmes in mind for your first six months in officer?
SA: Yes, certainly. My immediate priority is to ensure continuity and completion of the existing projects that were initiated by my predecessor. These initiatives were developed in consultation with our communities and remain highly relevant to the needs of our people.
VI: How will you make sure your leadership is accessible and transparent to the community?
SA: Leadership is about trust, and trust grows when people can see, ask and participate in what is being done in their name. So, accessibility and transparency are non-negotiable in my leadership. I plan to maintain an open-door policy and hold community meetings where residents can directly share their views and concerns.
VI: What message are you taking to the voters ahead of the elections?
SA: My message is clear and simple – Swapo delivers. We are the party that liberated Namibia. We remain the party that builds Namibia. The progress achieved so far in education, health, infrastructure and youth empowerment is the result of collective effort under Swapo’s leadership. I urge all citizens to continue placing their trust in the Party and its candidates, so that we can continue strengthening our communities, one project and one household at a time.
VI:What do you think will set your leadership apart from your predecessors as councillor?
SA: Every leader contributes uniquely. I deeply respect those who came before me. What I bring is a leadership style rooted in collaboration, empathy and results. I believe in listening more, consulting widely and acting decisively.
VI: Many people have raised concerns about trust in local leaders. How will you rebuild or strengthen that trust?
SA: Trust is not given, but it is earned. I intend to earn that trust every single day by being consistent, transparent and accountable. My commitment is to make decisions in the best interest of the people, to communicate openly about progress and challenges, and to ensure that the community feels seen and heard.
VI: How will you ensure accountability and avoid the common challenges that have affected some councillors in the past?
SA: Accountability begins with discipline and integrity. I will ensure that all constituency funds are managed responsibly, that procurement and project implementation follow due process, and that regular audits and reports are shared publicly.
VI: What long-term vision do you have for your constituency beyond the coming elections?
SA: My vision is for Outapi to become a model constituency of progress and inclusion where urban and rural communities have equal access to services, where youth are empowered, and where no one lives in poverty or neglect. Beyond the elections, it is about building a legacy of service that future generations can be proud of
VI: What would you want residents of Outapi to remember you for?
SA: I want to be remembered as a leader who listened to the people, served with integrity and delivered meaningful change that improved every household in Outapi.
-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na