Renthia Kaimbi
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has recalled its councillor for the Walvis Bay Rural constituency, Florian Donatus.
Donatus, who has been serving as council chairperson, was directed to step down through a letter dated 5 September 2025.
The letter ordered him to “immediately cease representing and acting in any capacity on behalf of the IPC on the Erongo Regional Council” and announced a formal investigation into allegations of mismanagement and maladministration of council resources.
Allegations surfaced in July that during his four-month tenure as chairperson, unidentified people used the council’s credit facility at a Swakopmund supermarket to purchase items worth N$32 000.
Documents also show he approved a payment of N$10 000 to the Welwitschia Health Training Centre to cover the fees of an alleged relative, Patrick Naftal, despite study grants being capped at N$5 000.
Donatus confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that he received the recall letter.
“I received the letter, and I’m complying with it so that whoever is investigating me, whether it’s the party or police, can do their investigations,” he said.
He added that he was not aware of the specific charges.
“Nobody came to me and told me what I am being investigated for,” he said.
The IPC letter cited “revelations from members of the Erongo Regional Council and related reports in the local media relating to your alleged corrupt conduct pertaining to mismanagement and maladministration of council resources” as the reason for its action.
IPC leader in parliament Immanuel Nashinge said the recall was necessary to allow for investigations.
“While the rest are worried about who we are fielding for the upcoming (regional and local authority) elections, we pride ourselves on good governance and accountability. When corruption is mentioned, we act,” he said.
The political crisis at the Erongo Regional Council has been unfolding for months.
Earlier this year, Swapo’s councillor for the Arandis constituency, Benita Imbamba, was removed as chairperson.
On 31 July 2025, the High Court judge Orben Sibeya declared her removal unlawful and ordered her reinstatement.
Despite the order, the council voted 4-2 on 12 August 2025 to keep Donatus as chairperson and announced plans to appeal the ruling.
When asked about Donatus’s recall, Imbamba said she had not been informed.
“This is news to me. Maybe the CRO is yet to call a meeting to inform us about this letter,” she said.
