Sem Billy David I
On 5 August, the Samora Machel Constituency Regional Councillor, Hon. Nestor Kalola, offered one of the most incredulous reasons for being absent from his office: “the office key was lost.” This reasoning is both reckless and an insult to the intelligence of the very people he was elected to serve. A difficult question arises: what if his cellphone had been locked inside that same office – would he not have urgently found a way to retrieve it? The excuse is nothing more than a fabrication to cover up poor leadership and failure in office. As an activist responsible for the Khomas Region, I have long observed councillor Kalola’s failures, which started early in his tenure. His absence from office is not simply about a lost key – it is about lost leadership. In his first three years, he failed to convene even a single proper community meeting. Instead of building trust, he became embroiled in disputes with his own administrative staff and constituency structures. There are multiple reports of him abandoning public meetings, unable to face the frustrations of the residents demanding basic service delivery.
It is clear that the problem is not the key. The real issue is poor leadership, lack of accountability, and the inability to solve even the simplest of challenges. A leader who cannot maintain peace and cooperation among his colleagues will inevitably fail to serve his community. Whether he was locked out or whether he simply undervalued the importance of being in the office, the outcome is the same: the people of Samora Machel Constituency have been left behind.
The residents’ cries are justified. They are in trouble, trapped in neglect, and in desperate need of a councillor who can truly stand for them. A councillor who walks in fear of his own community cannot be trusted to deliver solutions to their pressing needs.
Even in his reasoning, councillor Kalola often speaks of “sourcing funds and sponsors”, yet throughout his tenure no new funds, sponsors, or original projects have been delivered. All he has done is ride on the efforts and ideas already on the table before his election.
Public officials are expected to be accessible to their residents, providing support and guidance on various issues. When a councillor claims to be out of office due to lost keys, it raises questions about their commitment to their role and responsibilities. In a time when residents rely on their leaders for assistance, such an excuse can be perceived as a lack of professionalism and dedication. Hon. Kalola’s reasoning appears to be not just a simple oversight but a reflection of a deeper issue – an unwillingness to take responsibility for one’s duties. The notion that losing keys could prevent a councillor from fulfilling their obligations is, at best, credulous. It suggests a lack of foresight and planning, qualities that are essential for effective leadership. If a public official cannot manage the basic logistics of their office, how can constituents trust them to handle more complex issues that affect their lives? Leadership is not just about holding a title; it is about embodying the values of accountability, reliability, and problem-solving. When leaders fail to demonstrate these qualities, they risk losing the trust of the very people they are meant to serve. Hon. Kalola’s excuse serves as a reminder that public officials must be prepared to navigate challenges, no matter how trivial they may seem.
The case of Hon. Nestor Kalola and his lost office keys is more than just a humorous anecdote; it is a reflection of the expectations we have for our leaders. As constituents, we deserve representatives who are proactive, resourceful, and committed to their roles. While losing keys is a relatable human experience, using it as a reason for being out of office is a missed opportunity for demonstrating leadership. In the end, it is not just about the keys; it is about the commitment to serve and the responsibility that comes with public office.
The people of Samora Machel Constituency must now take a hard lesson: voting for party flags is a scam. The next time they go to the polls, they must vote for individuals with the capacity, vision, and courage to deliver services. A community cannot afford to be led by excuses. It must be led by solutions.
*Sem Billy David I, is the Affirmative Repositioning regional chairperson for the Khomas region. He is also an advocate for community development in the Samora Machel area.
