Two new Landless People’s Movement councillors were sworn in last Friday to replace the trio recently recalled by the party’s leadership. 

Magistrate Unchen Konjore during a previous occasion swore in Fatima Jossop, whilst McDonald Hanse and Annelize Knowds had their turn last week. The three are replacing former mayor Maree Smit and management committee members Willy Kisting and Sidney Skakana. Hanse was elected as the new Keetmanshop mayor, with Jossop and Knowds to now serve as management committee members in the town council.

In his acceptance speech, Hanse described his election as an honour and true privilege. 

“Starting your term as mayor of a town can be quite an overwhelming responsibility, especially in these challenging times, ‘’ he said. 

The first citizen continued that there is an enormous amount of work to be done, as there are high expectations on his office. 

‘’Therefore, I am committed to carry out this role to the best of my abilities, and must also express my sincere appreciation to my fellow councillors who placed their trust in me to lead this council,’’ added the mayor. 

He promised that the LPM-led council will prioritise addressing unemployment, fighting poverty, promoting land and agrarian reform, fighting corruption and improving social welfare and human development services. 

Smit, prior to her recall, was serving her second term as mayor, whilst Skakana acted as deputy chairperson of the town council’s management committee. Kisting was a member of the management committee.