
The Landless People's Movement (LPM) has disapproved of the Karibib Town Council's handling of a recent political leadership vacancy.
The party claims that an incomplete council, under the chairmanship of the mayor, improperly filled the position of deputy mayor, and that this was done while the LPM was not represented at the council.
The party adds that the Karibib Town Council held elections for a new deputy mayor without adhering to legal procedures or obtaining clearance from the LPM Operative Secretary.
The letter penned to the CEO of Karibib by the LPM Operative Secretary stems from the resignation of LPM’s Councillor, Michelle Swartz, who stepped down from her role.
According to LPM, the council bypassed the Local Authority Act's stipulated processes and failed to consult the party for authorisation to fill the vacancy during the former councillor’s tenure.
LPM has urged the mayor to confirm their compliance with the law by February 15.
They also brought forth additional grievances, including the absence of acknowledgement of a January 13 notice and allegations of attempts by the mayor to influence the party's decisions contrary to legal provisions.
The LPM has warned the council to seek legal or administrative clarification on the matter.
In response, Karibib mayor Davey Van Wyk informed nbc News that the LPM put forward the name of an individual that does not appear on the party’s gazetted list. He said he called the party’s political leadership and advised them to gazette the name as soon as possible.
Van Wyk explained that only gazetted party members can partake in council matters.
After the resignation of Swartz, as per the party’s list, Clarence Geingob was to be sworn in.
Van Wyk said that the position of deputy mayor is critical and that the council could not wait for LPM to finalise the process to gazette the name of the new representative.
He said that the council formed a quorum as six out of the seven councillors were present when the new deputy mayor was elected.
The operative secretary of the Landless People's Movement, Eneas Emvula, said that it is not the party's responsibility to gazette the names of councillors.
He said the relevant laws stipulate the CEO of the town as the responsible party after a political party has submitted the name.