Allexer Namundjembo
The newly formed Lüderitz Ratepayers Association (LRA), led by former Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member and former Lüderitz mayor Phillipus Balhao, will not contest this year’s regional and local authority elections.
This comes after the association missed the Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) registration deadline.
Balhao confirmed the setback and ruled out standing as an independent candidate in the regional elections.
“I don’t have any plans to contest as an independent candidate for the regional constituency council. I felt my efforts would be more impactful at the town council,” he told the Windhoek Observer on Monday.
Balhao said the association is focused on ongoing projects in Lüderitz.
“We are in the middle of many exciting initiatives that will greatly transform Lüderitz in the future, and I wanted to try to add value to those efforts and bring continuity,” he said.
In a Facebook message to residents, he expressed his gratitude to the supporters who rallied behind the LRA.
“I want to extend our immense gratitude to every Buchter who was willing to join our movement and to vote for the LRA. Your time, energy, and sacrifice over the past week have been deeply appreciated,” he said.
He stressed that the setback would not stop the movement, adding that the LRA will now work on strengthening its structures to contest in 2030.
Balhao’s decision follows his resignation from the IPC and as mayor of Lüderitz last week. A day later, he confirmed that he was considering forming a local association.
In his resignation letter, Balhao thanked the IPC for the opportunity to serve but gave no reasons for stepping down, saying only that he remained committed to the welfare and development of the community.
During his tenure as mayor, Balhao advocated for improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and transparent governance.
After being re-elected in November 2024 with Josephine Heita of Swapo as deputy, he called for Lüderitz to be declared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to attract investment and cut red tape.
He spoke out against corruption in the town council, citing amended financial records, questionable land allocations, and a lack of clean audit reports.
He also lamented the town’s 6 000-unit housing backlog and rising land development costs.
He supported the expansion of the Lüderitz port, arguing that it would create jobs and drive growth, though traditional leaders and heritage activists criticised the plan over genocide graves at Shark Island.
Balhao has previously spoken about his personal struggles with heroin addiction, homelessness, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, saying he survived multiple suicide attempts before rebuilding his life, which he credits with shaping his mission to lead with hope and change.
Responding to his resignation, the IPC said it respected his decision.
