Allexer Namundjembo
A formal complaint has been lodged against City of Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja.
She is accused of persistent unethical and disruptive conduct that allegedly undermines council unity and service delivery.
In a recent letter to the city’s chief executive officer, Moses Matyayi, former mayor and councillor Sade Gawanas expressed “great concern regarding the continued unethical and disruptive conduct” of Larandja.
She warned that her [Larandja’s] behaviour “severely undermines not only the effectiveness and professionalism of council proceedings but also the integrity and public trust vested in this institution.”
Gawanas alleged that while Larandja presents a professional image in public, behind the scenes, she engages in conduct that is divisive, manipulative, and unbecoming of a public representative.
She further accuses Larandja of spreading slander, gossip, and misinformation about colleagues.
“She is targeting dissenting councillors with hostility, using emotional manipulation to influence weaker members, and fostering an environment of “deep envy and competitiveness.”
“It is my professional observation and experience that the conduct of councillor Larandja, though often presented as professional, is consistently manipulative and divisive,” Gawanas wrote.
She added that the alleged behaviour has created “a hostile work environment that compromises unity, mutual respect, and overall council effectiveness.”
According to the complaint, this dysfunction has delayed decision-making, eroded trust among councillors, and harmed public confidence in the council’s ability to deliver services.
Gawanas said the conduct breaches the Local Authorities Act, the code of conduct for councillors, and the standing rules and orders of council.
She demanded a formal investigation, mediation to restore professional decorum, and potential disciplinary action if Larandja violates council regulations.
“We cannot allow personal agendas, manipulation, and character assassinations to erode our ability to serve our communities effectively and in unity,” she said.
When contacted by the Windhoek Observer for comment, Matyayi said, “I unfortunately have no comment.”
Efforts to reach Larandja were unsuccessful, as her phone was not going through.
Larandja previously served as chairperson of the City of Windhoek’s management committee.
In July 2022, a motion of no confidence in the then committee was tabled by councillor Ilse Keister, citing the council’s refusal to implement resolutions and concerns over political dominance.
Larandja and others challenged the motion legally, arguing it was procedurally flawed. The motion eventually passed, and a new management committee was elected.
