Okahandja at a standstill as magistrate’s absence blocks council swearing-in – Windhoek Observer
Renthia Kaimbi
Okahandja's municipal governance is in limbo because the swearing-in of the newly elected council cannot proceed without a magistrate to preside over the ceremony.
This delay has halted all municipal decision-making, leaving the town without a mayor or a legally constituted management committee.
Outgoing mayor Beatrice Katungondo stated that the council wrote to the Okahandja Magistrate’s Court on 10 November to arrange the swearing-in.
Although the law requires councillors to be sworn in within seven days after elections, the Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa postponed all swearing-ins from 3 December to 5 December 2025.
In a letter dated 4 December, Senior Magistrate Auguste Simon explained that she could not oversee the ceremony due to a full docket.
As the district’s sole magistrate, she indicated she was tied up with criminal cases, civil matters, domestic violence hearings, maintenance disputes, and marriage ceremonies scheduled for 5 December.
Her workload was further compounded by an upcoming Hochveld periodical court session and the sick leave of a key administrative officer who is not expected to return until Thursday.
“The invitation is, however, of short notice, as I am the only magistrate in the district, and I have to dispose of all the matters appearing tomorrow (5 December). My proposal is to try and arrange with the head of station next week when the swearing-in ceremony can be held. He is currently on sick leave and will only be in office on 11 December 2025,” Simon wrote.
Katungondo expressed frustration, noting that the town now lacks authority to act.
“Even if the town burns down now, who will be in charge? Is it me, the former mayor, or who will take charge if anything happens?” she asked.
Okahandja’s chief executive officer Alphons Tjitombo said the council has little option but to wait for the magistrate.
“There’s a mismatch because the magistrate is not answerable to me. If they respond in that way, you simply accept their response rather than I replying on their behalf,” he said.
The delay follows a recent magistrates’ “go-slow” over demands for better housing and transport allowances.
Residents are growing impatient, with some wondering why other towns completed their swearing-ins while Okahandja remains stalled.
Okahandja resident Ronnie Hoaeb said the situation highlights ongoing town problems and urged authorities to resolve the matter swiftly.
