KEETMANSHOOP – The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) this week recalled two of its local authority councillors serving on the Mariental municipality for allegedly being in cahoots with the Swapo leadership at the town.
The party’s spokesperson Sadé Gawanas, who is also a City of Windhoek councillor, confirmed the developments yesterday. The party claimed their decision to recall Daniël Gariseb and Roggeta Haak was because of non-functioning caucus, which the party said was hampering the smooth running of the council’s activities.
“There were a lot of personality differences within the council and the trust relationship was totally broken as a result of this,’’ LPM’s operative secretary Edson Isaaks explained. Isaaks added the two recalled councillors this week also voted in favour of Swapo on a small issue under discussion which then led to them being recalled by the party’s executive. “LPM acts in terms of its mandate whereby due processes were followed accordingly before this decision was taken,’’ Isaaks emphasised.
He added the affected councillors were first engaged on the issue and given time to explain their side after which the party came to the conclusion to recall them in the best interest of the movement. Meanwhile, the recalled councillors have challenged their withdrawal and have served the party with a letter of demand through their lawyers.
“A court of law will now look into the matter, but LPM’s decision on the withdrawal is standing,’’ said Isaaks. The recalled councillors have been replaced by Francis Gawases and Andy Boois.
Prior to their withdrawal, Gariseb served as chairperson of the management committee whilst Haak was an ordinary councillor.
–sklukowski@nepc.com.na