Kavango Concerned Group Sets 14-Day Deadline for Petition Response
By TUW
The Kavango Concerned Group has given President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare 14 days to respond to their petition. The petition, submitted today, challenges the exclusion of Paulus Nginga Mbangu from the National Council after the regional council swearing-in ceremony.
The group held a peaceful march from the Ncuma Sports Field to the Kavango East Governor’s Office. The governor received the petition and promised to send it to the correct authorities immediately.
According to the group’s representative, Chairperson Patrick Kashera, the Chairperson of the group, the demonstrators came from communities stretching from Divundu to Mpungu. Kashera explained that the group was originally formed to exist for just 12 months, but after further discussion, they decided to continue their work for five years to ensure strong community representation.
The group argues that Mbangu, who won as an independent candidate for the Rundu Rural Constituency, was unfairly left out of the three councillors chosen to represent Kavango East in the National Council. They believe the ruling party, SWAPO, leaders influence the selection and had already decided who would be sworn in before the official selection process took place. According to them, this raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency.
Community members also said that some of the councillors who were selected do not have the same level of commitment and capability that Mbangu has shown. They believe the region needs strong, experienced voices who can push for development and address important issues affecting Kavango East at national level.
“Paulus Nginga Mbangu has earned the trust of the people. He proved himself during the past five years in the National Council and won his seat again with strong support. Leaving him out goes against the choice of the majority,” the petition states.
The petition is supported by more than 90 signatures, including names and contact details of concerned residents.
Meanwhile, the selected councillors were officially sworn in today in Windhoek.
