Erongo council divided over no confidence motion against chairperson

A motion of no confidence against Erongo Regional Council management committee chairperson and Arandis constituency councillor Benitha Imbamba has divided the seven councillors.

The motion, which also seeks to remove her as chairperson, was tabled by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) councillor Deriou Benson from Walvis Bay Rural, citing leadership failures and a lack of unity under Imbamba’s tenure.

Imbamba, a Swapo councillor, was elected chairperson in 2022, replacing IPC’s Ciske Howard Smith, who was recalled by her party.

Benson’s motion, submitted on 6 March with support from three councillors – two from the IPC and one from the United Democratic Front – alleges that Imbamba’s leadership has weakened the council’s effectiveness.

“The chairperson has failed to unite the team; members are divided under her leadership,” he stated.

Further citing the Regional Councils Act and the code of conduct, Benson accused Imbamba of unilateral decision-making, ignoring feedback, and lacking vision and judgment, and argued that her actions contradict principles of fairness and inclusivity.

“A member may not discriminate, but must treat all people equally in the exercise of their functions. The chairperson has disregarded this fundamental principle,” he claimed.

The motion further alleges that Imbamba operates in isolation, uses a “divide and rule” approach, and has eroded the council’s integrity.

“At the rate at which the council is functioning under her leadership, nothing of value can be achieved,” Benson argued.

In a response dated 14 March, Imbamba dismissed the motion as baseless and politically-driven.

“There is no legal or factual basis for this motion. The section of the act cited by Benson applies to ordinary management committee members, not the chairperson,” she countered.

Imbamba challenged Benson to provide specific evidence of misconduct, stating that his claims were vague and unsubstantiated.

“The honourable councillor is simply throwing bones, hoping that a dog will catch them. Baseless allegations ruin reputations and should not be made without evidence,” she said.

Denying accusations of divisive leadership, Imbamba insisted that council decisions are made collectively.

“The successful implementation of policies depends on all of us. I do not operate in isolation,” she stated.

The chairperson defended her tenure, maintaining that she has upheld the council’s integrity and kept an open-door policy.

In addition, Imbamba suggested that the motion is politically-motivated ahead of the regional and local authority elections slated for November this year.

“We are at a crucial time where everyone is trying to garner votes, but this
platform should not be abused for personal vendettas,” she cautioned.