Lahja Nashuuta

Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani has cast aspersions over the legitimacy of recent protests at Gobabis, saying it remains to be seen if they are genuine or politically motivated. 

In recent days, the Gobabis Municipality has been in the news for the wrong reasons.

Protestors have accused those tasked with leading the town of maladministration and corruption.

However, those fingered in the protests hit back, saying it is a campaign ploy and tactic by Gobabis community activist Veronica Mokaleng, who allegedly harbours political ambitions.

This view was further ventilated by PDM leader McHenry Venaani, who dispatched a team to Gobabis to establish the facts on the ground.

“I am a bit worried because I feel, somehow the community is also conflicted. The community activist who is spearheading the demonstration is also a politician who recently registered a political party that is expected to compete at the local authority elections. Whether that’s her campaign or genuine concern from the public (sic),” he cast aspersions.

When contacted, Mokaleng confirmed her affiliation with the association but denied using Gobabis’ residents to drive her political agenda.

“Yes, at the local authorities’ level, I am affiliated with the Right to Shelter Association that will participate in the Regional and Local Authority elections slated for 2025. However, at the national level, I am a cardholder Swapo member who is part of the Swapo structure in Gobabis. Besides that, I have been in community activism for more than 10 years and counting,” she said.

She also had something to say to her detractors. 

“Let them conclude. But I will continue to fight for the bread-and-butter issues in the interest of our people, especially, marginalised communities,” she said.

Investigation

Venaani added that he expects a detailed report on the allegations against the mayor soon.

“The issue of Gobabis has received urgent attention. As we are speaking, the vice president and the assigned leader of Omaheke are in the region to investigate the matter… Today, there is a meeting with the community. Once we receive a comprehensive report, the party will be able to decide based on the information received,” he stated.

He further maintained that “the allegation of corruption and vote of no confidence are the demands of the community, but to make the allegation is one thing, and to prove the allegation is another. In the court of public opinion, you cannot just take action without a fair investigation”.

New Era this week learnt that Mokaleng is the founder of Right to Shelter, a political party allegedly being registered with the Electoral Commission of Namibia.

In a petition delivered by Mokaleng on behalf of the community to the Gobabis municipal council this week, the residents passed a vote of no confidence in the municipality’s administrators, citing poor service delivery, maladministration and corruption.

At the heart of the vote of no confidence is Popular Democratic Movement politician and town mayor Melba Tjozongoro, who is accused of failing to meet the inhabitants’ basic needs, snail pace service delivery and unhygienic conditions in the town.

As if this were not enough, the protestors claim that 90% of the streetlights do not work.

“Crime in the informal settlements is increasing daily because there are no streetlights. It’s always dark here,” charged Mokaleng.

To address the power shortage in town, residents are calling for the immediate appointment of an electrical consultant to ensure electricity availability before 1 October 2024 in the informal settlements.

Furthermore, the community has demanded the immediate suspension of reinstated allegedly corrupt staff members, who allegedly instigate negative intervention and influence in council administrative matters.

 They allegedly also instigate other staff members and temper with the ongoing investigations as well as interference with the ongoing disciplinary hearing.

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